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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
In the same year Constructor University celebrates its 25th anniversary, its partner institution, the Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS), marked a milestone year of its own by welcoming its largest-ever cohort of new doctoral researchers. A record 27 PhD Fellows from Germany and around the world kicked off a new academic year at BIGSSS—the inter-university institution jointly operated by Constructor University and the University of Bremen—to advance social science research into the political, economic, and societal forces that shape the world around us.
BIGSSS was created in 2007 by the two universities to provide internationally competitive and interdisciplinary doctoral training in sociology, political science, psychology, and related fields. Its PhD fellows benefit from access to the complementary expertise and research environments of both universities while pursuing research under the school’s overarching theme of “changing patterns of social and political integration.”
“The 2026 cohort brings 27 doctoral researchers to BIGSSS from diverse countries, backgrounds, and research areas,” said Cagri Bulut, Interim Dean of Constructor University’s School of Business, Social & Decision Sciences. “For me, this is not only about having the largest cohort in 19 years. These researchers will be part of our academic community for several years, and their connection to Bremen will remain with them throughout their careers. Each new cohort adds knowledge, new ideas and research capacity to Constructor University and Bremen. If we keep building on this, BIGSSS can become an even stronger international center for social science research in the years ahead. I am confident that the 2026 cohort will add another strong chapter to this tradition.”
Constructor University will host eight PhD fellows from the new cohort, including four from South Africa who joined the program through a cooperation with the South African Department of Higher Education and Training. Incoming fellows kicked off he new academic year with an orientation program to introduce them to BIGSSS and the wider research community, followed by a traditional Welcome BBQ hosted by Constructor University on September 15.
From Santiago to Soweto: meet the new cohort
The school’s international representation and depth of interdisciplinary expertise are a major draw for many of its incoming students, including René Canales from Chile, whose research focuses on the effects of protest on social cohesion.
“What drew me to BIGSSS was its international character, which fosters diverse connections among the people who make up the school, as well as the quality of the research reflected in the many projects underway at the University of Bremen and Constructor University,” said Canales.
Zimkitha Dyantyi, one of four fellows from South Africa, echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the unique environment at BIGSSS will benefit her research, which focuses on gender bias in large language models. “I was drawn to BIGSSS by its vibrant interdisciplinary social research community,” said Dyantyi. “During my doctoral journey, I hope to produce work that meaningfully connects Global South and Global North perspectives, while growing as a researcher through its structured support and rich academic exchange.”
Unathi Beku, who is studying the dynamics of social cohesion in South Africa, described BIGSSS as an environment where ideas are challenged and developed through collaboration. She is hopeful the experience will help foster long-lasting research connections between Germany and South Africa.
“I was especially drawn to the diverse social research community in Bremen and the opportunity to learn from scholars working across disciplines and contexts,” said Beku. “During my time at BIGSSS, I hope to strengthen my ability to connect rigorous methodology with meaningful substantive questions and contribute to producing better evidence for understanding social inequality, participation, and social change. I am also looking forward to contributing to the community through collaboration, seminars, and knowledge sharing.”
For Lethinjabulo Shivambu from the South African township of Soweto, BIGSSS represents an exciting new chapter and the opportunity to pursue research that will return long-term value to South Africa. “Ultimately, I hope to take what I learn here back to my country, using my research to contribute to the development of thoughtful, inclusive and responsible AI policy,” said Lethinjabulo, who is researching “motherly AI” –whether artificial intelligence can embody maternal qualities associated with care, protection and nurture. “I am looking forward to growing as a sociologist, exploring the social and policy implications of AI, and contributing to the vibrant BIGSSS community.”
Both the record size and diversity of this year’s cohort demonstrate the ongoing value of BIGSSS for collaborative and internationally connected graduate education. Constructor University offers its warmest welcome to the new BIGSSS Fellows and wishes them continued success with their research endeavors.
https://www.bigsss-bremen.de/ - BIGSSS Website
PhD Fellows from the 2026 BIGSSS cohort in Bremen.
Source: Constructor University
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PhD Fellows from the 2026 BIGSSS cohort in Bremen.
Source: Constructor University
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