Constructing community: annual New Year’s events emphasize partnership and collaboration for local leaders and stakeholders
Bremen’s future burns brightest when we work together. This was the overarching message shared by government, industry and University leaders at two annual New Year’s events this January: the “Unifreunde” reception held at Bremen City Hall and the 2026 New Year’s Gathering hosted by Constructor University. The two annual events have become a hallmark of regional development, cooperation and partnership, bringing together decision-makers from political, economic and academic spheres to collaborate on a shared vision for Bremen's future. For Constructor University, it also provided an opportunity to celebrate both past and future, with leadership sharing updates on the university’s Masterplan to expand the campus while reflecting on its unique 25-year history.
Constructor University President Serguei Kouzmine spoke at both events, underscoring the University’s commitment to strengthening the local community and economy through its uniquely global vision. “For 25 years, this institution and the passionate people behind it have worked to deepen the connection between education, innovation and the broader community,” he said. “As we step into a new year, we are carrying this mission forward to new heights, with our Masterplan contributing not only to the growth and expansion of our international campus, but also to Bremen’s success as a center for knowledge, research and progress.”
In his address to more than 100 community delegates who attended the dinner and gala on the Constructor campus, Bremen Mayor and Senator of Finance Björn Fecker also emphasized Constructor University’s distinct role in building Bremen’s reputation on the world stage. “Through Constructor University’s Masterplan, we are building an innovation hub here that is attracting international interest in Bremen as a city of science,” he said. This point was driven home by Constructor University Chancellor Turgut Tülü, who paid recognition to some of the high-profile scientific research to come out of Constructor University in the past year, such as Professor Andrea Koschinsky’s work on the flow of trace metals through the world’s oceans, and Professor Werner Nau’s biomedical research into “drugging undruggable diseases,” which was awarded a prestigious €10 million ERC Synergy Grant.
From scientific discovery to educational initiatives, Chancellor Tülü also highlighted how Constructor’s global mission connects back to its local impact. “In 2025 we continued to put our values into action through programs and partnerships that advance education as a fundamental human right,” he said. “From local youth learning events like the Jugend Forscht youth science competition, MINT-Tag and MINT-ernational, to global initiatives like the SOS-Kinderdörfer scholarship, we believe that constructing a stronger future begins by investing in the young people of today,” he said.
The event held on campus also showcased the strengthening bond between Constructor University and its home community of Bremen-Vegesack. Vegesack Mayor Gunnar Sgolik and the official “Vegesacker Junge” - an honorary figurehead role filled by a young man from the community – both delivered speeches and facilitated fundraising for the evening, collecting over $3,500 in donations towards Martinsclub Bremen - a charity supporting people with disabilities.
The annual Unifreunde reception held at Bremen City Hall is a joint event for the University of Bremen and Constructor University, aimed at promoting science and academic research in the region. This year’s event featured speeches from Bremen Mayor Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte and Karolina Kumar, State Councillor to the Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science. “Science and universities are of great value to Bremen and have a strong international appeal: they stand for progress, attract students and researchers from Germany and abroad and strengthen the location in the long term. Especially in times when science and democracy are under pressure worldwide, for example due to authoritarianism, disinformation and restrictions on academic freedom, close cooperation is more important than ever,” said Senator Kumar.