"The trust placed in me by the students encourages me to continue my commitment to a subject and study culture that supports diversity, equal opportunities and social participation"

"Karin Vosseberg embodies the idea of a university where learning takes place on an equal footing. Where technology is not viewed in isolation, but always in the context of its social impact. Where diversity is not only tolerated, but actively promoted. Where teaching is not only about imparting knowledge, but also about character building – a professor who not only teaches computer science, but also exemplifies humanity!" With these words, Prof. Dr. med. Ulrich Sander, chairman of the Friends Association of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, presented the Teaching Award to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karin Vosseberg at the university's anniversary reception. "The Friends Association of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences and the university, represented by Vice-Principal Professor Frohberg, would like to present you with this year's Teaching Award for your outstanding teaching over the past year and for your exceptional didactic skills in dealing with your students."
Since 2009, Karin Vosseberg has been teaching computer science and business informatics in Department 2 at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. Her work focuses on IT system integration, with a particular emphasis on software quality. As chair of the Computer Science/Business Informatics Study Commission (since 2025 also for the Master's programme in Computer Science – Trustworthy Systems), she has had a significant influence on the development of the degree programmes. From 2010 to 2018, she was the central women's representative, promoting equal opportunities and specifically supporting women in STEM subjects. As Vice-Principal for Studies and Teaching, she played a decisive role in shaping the university's teaching structure from 2015 to 2020 and subsequently took over as acting Rector.

Students praise the award winner's open, lively and inclusive academic culture

This year, 49 lecturers nominated students at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences for the Teaching Award in recognition of their outstanding achievements in teaching. A jury consisting of students, the Vice-Principal for Teaching and Student Services, the Vice-Principal for Research, Transfer & Continuing Education, the Deans of Studies of the departments, the University Didactics Department and a representative of the Friends Association of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences ultimately selected Karin Vosseberg as the award winner. "Your nomination, dear Karin, is no ordinary award, but the result of 15 convincing proposals and expert opinions – including an impressive joint nomination by ten students from various computer science degree programmes,’ said the chairman of the Friends Association in his laudatory speech. "The students paint a vivid picture of a teacher who not only imparts knowledge, but also shapes an entire academic culture – a culture that is described as open, lively and inclusive. In doing so, you follow a clear, value-oriented mission statement: digital sovereignty, sustainability and the use of open-source software are practices that run like a thread through the entire programme." The students also praised Vosseberg's teaching as understandable and visually appealing: "Your teaching is entertaining, clear and innovative – for example, through the use of sketch notes that make complex content tangible", Sander continued. 

Strong commitment to FLINTA* individuals and female STEM students

The students also appreciate that their lecturer is always open to academic and personal questions and provides support, especially in challenging situations – such as studying with a child. Above all, she consistently campaigns against discrimination and creates spaces for underrepresented groups: Vosseberg is particularly committed to promoting FLINTA* individuals, i.e. women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people, and young female STEM talent." We are delighted that you are continuing the tradition of excellent teaching at our university with your dedicated and motivating teaching style. After all, this is the core of our university's brand. A university can only remain attractive to students if it provides particularly good teaching. And that is what you have done. That is why you deserve this year's Teaching Award," said Ulrich Sander.

Vosseberg: "Actually, the Teaching Award belongs to the students"

"I feel very honoured to receive this year's Teaching Award. But it really belongs to the students, with whom I can create a learning environment characterised by respectful and supportive interaction – a learning environment in which we work on topics together and everyone, including me, always learns a great deal," said the delighted award winner. "The trust placed in me by the students who nominated me for the Teaching Award encourages me to continue my commitment to a subject and study culture that supports diversity, equal opportunities and social participation." Karin Vosseberg does not yet know exactly what she will do with the £1,000 prize money, ‘but one idea that has been floating around in my head for a long time is to organise a networking meeting between current and former students, like a small conference, with contributions from students and alumni."

The Teaching Award: Recognition for excellence in teaching

Since 2008, the Association for the Promotion of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences has been presenting the Teaching Award in recognition of outstanding teaching achievements. The aim is to honour innovative teaching methods, commitment to students and the use of new methods – and to motivate all teachers to continue developing their skills.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, two other lecturers were honoured for their outstanding achievements in teaching: Prof. Dr. Emina Ćudić and Prof. Dr. Benedikt Klobes.