Constructor University kicks of milestone 25th year with record enrollment

The curtains officially opened on a new school year when Constructor University welcomed the largest and most diverse cohort of new students in the campus's 25-year history at its Annual Opening Ceremony on September 1. More than 1,200 new students are set to begin their studies at Constructor University, including over 800 new undergraduate students or "freshies." With the record-breaking enrollment, the international university's total student population has increased to its largest size yet, surpassing 2,700 students from more than 130 nations across the globe.

University President and Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov said the record numbers of this year's cohort are just the beginning of the university's vision to expand its presence as a global hub for research and learning excellence in Bremen. "This year we honor our 25th-anniversary milestone by looking boldly ahead to what we can achieve in science and technology over the next 25 years, through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration," said President Novoselov. "Every new student joining us this year is also joining the Constructor community that makes this future possible by learning, researching, building and innovating together."

The university has planned a number of events and initiatives to honor its 25th-anniversary milestone, including an Open Campus Day and 25th-anniversary Gala taking place September 19.

In welcoming this year's new cohort, University Provost Dr. Frazer Cairns reflected on the intrinsic value of the growing student body's internationality. "As the University continues to grow, so too does the international community that is such an important part of who we are," said Cairns. "Our students and colleagues from around the world bring their energy, ideas and different perspectives to this University, and to the wider local community. As we mark a milestone anniversary for our institution, we are also taking the opportunity to reflect on what an international university can offer."

Cairns emphasized that education extends beyond academic learning, especially in an increasingly global and interconnected world. "It is about learning how to live and work with people of different nationalities, cultures, languages and backgrounds. The ability to work across cultures and borders matters more than ever as many of society's most pressing challenges can only be addressed by people willing and able to share knowledge, combine different perspectives and work together across national boundaries."

Honoring Excellence

This year's ceremony was divided into three parts, with each of the university's schools—the School of Science, School of Computer Science and Engineering, and School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences—welcoming their freshies to a new school year and handing out numerous annual awards to honor excellence amongst their students, faculty and alumni.

PhD researcher Omaymah Ali Yousef Al-Mashaleh received the annual, prestigious DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) award, in recognition of her exceptional academic achievements and outstanding social and intercultural commitment.

The Best Bachelor Thesis Award was presented to one student from each school for excellence in undergraduate research. Award recipients were nominated by faculty and confirmed by each Dean. This year's award winners were:

• Latthapol “Milo” Akkaraprud (supervisor: Prof. Sebastian Springer), School of Science.
• Sofiya Svrydenko-Tsyganok (supervisor: Prof. Dr. Franziska Deutsch), School of Business, Social & Decision Sciences.
• Artan Zumberi (supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Motjaba Joodaki), School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science.

The Dean of each school also presented the Teacher of the Year Award to the professor who best exemplified excellence, eloquence and enthusiasm in teaching, as determined by the students themselves. The recipients of the 2026 Teacher of the Year Award were:

• Sebastian Springer, School of Science
• Stanislav Milkov Chankov, School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences
• Michael Görner, School of Computer Science and Engineering

Lastly, the university honored notable graduates from past years with a series of special alumni awards:

• The Community Impact Award was given to Dr. Joanna Bagniewska (Class of 2006) for her work as a science communicator focused on environmental education and public engagement. Dr. Bagniewska was recently featured in our 25 Years of Constructors alumni interview series.
• The Rising Star Award was given to Ali Alam (Class of 2003) for his outstanding dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, connecting current students with alumni mentors, and supporting startup founders from migrant and underrepresented backgrounds.
• The Innovator Award was given to Cornel Amariei (Class of 2015) for his work as the founder of Lumen, where he develops eyewear for the visually impaired and holds multiple patents across the US and EU.

Constructor University extends a warm welcome to all new students and faculty joining the community for the 2026-2027 academic year!