Marsilius Spring Academy on “Young and Old”

“Young and old. Two phases of life under pressure of optimisation” is the subject of next year’s Spring Academy at the Marsilius Kolleg of Heidelberg University. Young researchers and doctoral students are invited to attend and discuss this thematic constellation with established experts and deepen their knowledge of current research findings in workshops. The event will be held from 22 to 28 March 2015 at the International Science Forum Heidelberg. Interested participants from the natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities can apply to attend until 15 December 2014.

The Academy organisers explain that the life stages of childhood and adolescence as well as old age are currently under the public microscope. Young people are pressured earlier than ever to take advantage of all possible chances and potential opportunities for their future life path. Old people should not feel or act “old”. Attendees of the Spring Academy will delve into both the opportunities and risks associated with such notions. Drawing on current research findings from the social and natural sciences and the humanities, major problem areas will be highlighted. These include the enhanced personal performance through psychoactive substances and the significance of intergenerational relationships. Ethical and intercultural perspectives will also be addressed.

The Spring Academy entitled “Young and old. Two phases of life under pressure of optimisation” is being directed by Prof. Dr. Hans-Werner Wahl from the Institute of Psychology at Heidelberg University and Prof. Dr. Romuald Brunner from Heidelberg University Hospital.  The event will be sponsored by BASF SE.