Exchange rounds and working groups
Exchange rounds and working groups
Here you will find a small overview of the BuFaTa exchange roundsandworking groupsplanned [so far]. Behind the expandable titles you will find a brief description of which AR/AK track is planned and who the contact person is. From time to time you will also find requirements and for whom we recommend this.
BuFaTa 1*1
The "BuFaTa 1x1" is aimed in particular at first-time participants and student bodies. You will be briefly informed about internal rules and procedures as well as the networking opportunities and university policy influence of the BuFaTa. Participants will be shown how topics can be brought to the BuFaTa on their own initiative and how they can take on the leadership of exchange rounds or working groups. It is also explained which problems or initiatives of individual student bodies the BuFaTa has helped with directly or through its networking character. The aim is to communicate to participants how the BuFaTa can be used as a higher education policy tool to promote volunteer work and increase the potential of the BuFaTa through more active volunteer work. ± is at least the plan ;)
AR Perspectives Biology
One of the tasks of a student body is to look after the stands at university information days and answer students' questions about studying. A frequently asked question here is what you can actually do with a degree in biology; a question that is sometimes not so easy to answer for people who are still studying themselves.
We want to invite 3-4 biology alumni (approx. 5-10 years after graduation) who have taken different career paths after their studies to this exchange round. After each person has given a short (max. 5-7 minutes) presentation about their career in the plenary session, a round table discussion about job opportunities with a biology degree will take place. The focus should be on less obvious things outside of research. Furthermore, it should also be discussed how such jobs are compatible with other things (family, hobbies, etc.).
If possible, a list of possible jobs should be drawn up and, ideally, specific people and their contacts in the various areas of work should also be listed. This list can then be used by the participating student bodies both for their own use and as a reference at university information days.
Basic studies
Grundstudium usually refers to a Bachelor's programme with a consecutive Master's programme. After discussing various problems in undergraduate studies during the 98th Bufata, we will now work specifically on a paper that addresses this.
Another result was that several student bodies wanted to create a paper summarising the most important means of student problem-solving; this paper will be presented and expanded. As new studies will probably also be included, there will of course still be the opportunity to discuss problems in undergraduate studies.
CHE Ranking
The university ranking of the Centrefor Higher Education Development( CHE Ranking ) is - as they say - a student-based university ranking. And as every few years, the surveys of biology subjects will soon be due again (probably January 2027). The CHE does not judge the universities per se, but compares subject-related study conditions at your university, facts about studying, teaching, equipment and research. It is no secret that we as BuFaTa Bio have problems with the ranking here and there (eg BuFaTa 2928928282), so we as Biology as a whole were not represented in the ranking for several years in the meantime and have discussed it even more often. Now we are back again, more precisely represented on the advisory board, and thus have the opportunity to directly contribute our concerns on how the surveys could be improved and how the evaluation could be made more meaningful.
VeKrA
In the VeKrA working group, we are working on the further development of BioNetz e. V. and the public image of BuFaTa. One focus is on finalising the new design/visual appearance and creating creative content, especially for Instagram. The website is also to be revised and brought up to date in terms of content and design.
At the same time, we are working on the further development of the organisation's digital infrastructure. This includes the conception and prioritisation of functions and modules for the server structure, initial implementation steps and the creation of understandable documentation to make the systems usable and transferable in the long term.
In addition, the working group offers space for a creative exhibition project: Based on our historical documents of the BuFaTa, we are developing an initial concept for an exhibition on the anniversary BuFaTa, selecting content and developing accompanying texts and materials that can be presented both on site and digitally on our website.
The aim of the working group is to create concrete results that will flow directly into the association's work and the upcoming BuFaTa. You can work flexibly, switch between topics or contribute your own ideas.
Science communication
Science communication is a central component of scientific work - especially in the life sciences - and is becoming increasingly important to society. In this working group, we will discuss what constitutes good science communication and which formats - especially those involving students - are successful in the DACH region. This involves both practical approaches and structural questions: How can science communication be more firmly anchored in degree programmes and training? Do we need separate modules or degree programmes? What competences should be taught?
Building on existing position papers (e.g. VBio), we want to discuss, critically categorise and further develop central theses. In the future, we will develop the basis for common positions. The aim is to formulate concrete impulses for better science communication.
The working group is aimed at anyone who is interested in the interface between (bio)science, society and communication, regardless of your previous experience.