Latest news
Latest news
January 2026
Research-based learning: Successful project completion with poster presentations
As part of the Master's module "sop648 - Research-based learning in the FSP kmE", students presented their independently developed research projects in the form of scientific posters last Wednesday. In an open exchange with guests from our Institute, they discussed their questions, methods and results. The poster presentation was a special conclusion to the module and offered space for new perspectives and stimulating discussions. At the same time, it made visible the commitment and methodological care with which the students realised their projects.
The posters of the project groups are linked on our specialist group page and invite further discussion of the topics. We would like to thank all participants and guests for the enriching exchange and the successful conclusion of this event.
Project launch: Shaping transitions - building bridges
From 9 to 11 January 2026, the official kick-off meeting of the newly launched research project "Shaping transitions - building bridges to school participation for and with pupils with illnesses (BRÜCKEN)" took place. Together with over 30 institutions from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the central objectives, working structures and next steps of the project, which is funded by the Swiss foundation Movetia, were planned.
Our specialist group was already involved in the previous project and will also play an active role in BRÜCKEN. The focus of our contribution, led by Prof. Dr Annett Thiele, is the qualitative survey of the perspectives and experiences of teachers and hospital school teachers in the transition between hospital school and general school. Alica Gärtner is involved in the realisation of the project as a research assistant. It is important to us to involve practitioners in the research process.
The introductory weekend was characterised by intensive exchange, lively discussions between science and school practice as well as valuable personal encounters. We look forward to the next steps in the project!
October 2025
New editorial work published
How can children and young people with physical and motor impairments successfully participate in school?
The book "Pädagogik und Didaktik bei körperlich-motorischer Beeinträchtigung", edited by Prof Dr Annett Thiele, was published in October. Sönke Thies, Andreas Erdmann, Janna Bootsmann, Carolyn Goda and Stefanie Scholz-Wemken from our specialist group worked together with renowned special needs teachers from research and practice to provide a comprehensive overview of current developments and challenges in the field of physical-motor development (KmE). The result is 27 contributions that discuss central questions of inclusive education in a scientifically sound and practical manner.
Thiele, A. (ed.) (2025). Pedagogy and didactics for physical and motor impairments: Professional expertise for inclusion in schools. Stuttgart: W. Kohlhammer. https://doi. org/10.17433/978-3-17-043010-5
September
KmE Lecturers' Conference 2025 in Landau
From 16 to 18 September 2025, this year's conference of lecturers in the special education focus KmE took place at the RPTU in Landau on the topic of "Research in the context of physical disabilities - between ethical demands and methodological challenges" .
In lectures, poster presentations and discussions, current research projects were presented and central questions on research ethics, participatory approaches and methodological challenges in research with and about people with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses were reflected upon. The professional exchange provided a variety of impulses for the further development of research and teaching and strengthened networking within the department.
Prof Dr Annett Thiele and Dr Dyon Hoekstra from our Oldenburg team presented their experiences of participatory research as part of the MS-Vita project on the provision of aids for neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.
We look forward to the next KmE lecturers' conference in Leipzig in 2026.
July 2025
New AT position filled
Our esteemed colleague Dr Dyon Hoekstra will start his new postdoc position with a focus on "Assistive Technologies" in the kmE department in July 2025. A warm welcome!
Dr Dyon Hoekstra is also the contact person for the Research Unit Assistive Technologies and Digital Participation in Physical and Motor Impairments as part of the KoggE.
April 2025
Welcome to the team!
We are delighted to welcome Alica Gärtner to the KmE team as a new research assistant! She studied M. Ed. Special Education and Politics in Oldenburg and previously worked as a curative education nurse in integration assistance. Alica Gärtner is now researching chronic illnesses in adolescence in the field of pedagogy in illness.