“To get students enthusiastic about scientific research right from the start”. The award-winning project “Humboldt reloaded” at the University of Hohenheim has set itself this target. Lecturers from all three faculties, viz. Agricultural, Natural, and Economical Sciences, familiarize Bachelor students with research in small teams already during basic studies in their second year. On a voluntary basis, students choose their favorite research project among a variety of topics. Starting with the academic year 2011/12, Humboldt reloaded has conveyed enthusiasm and attitude for scientific research to about 4.000 Bachelor students. The highlight each year is the Humboldt reloaded Conference with students presenting their research in oral presentations and to a University-wide audience.

To what extend this format of research-orientation in undergraduate studies is advantageous for students will be examined in the context of an accompanying impact study, which will be completed in 2020. Methodologically, the study is based on a combination of so-called "subjective" and associated "objective" student data. With respect to "subjective" data, students' self-assessments will be elicited through questionnaires and summarized with regard to their competencies. On the other hand, "objective" data will be collected by the administration of the University itself. Objective data include, for example, examinations and final grades. It is expected that through the combination of these two types of data sets, a comprehensive understanding of the effect of research-orientation in undergraduate teaching will emerge.

Beginning in 2016/2017, five additional components have been implemented to the project portfolio: interdisciplinary projects, peer-teaching methods, an international and interdisciplinary Summer School for undergraduates, a teaching coach for Humboldt reloaded lecturers, and a lecture series on research-based teaching. These supplementary components are intended to advance learning and teaching by research, facilitate a link to life reality after graduation and provide an orientation and guidance for lecturers in an increasingly challenging academic teaching environment. In order to maintain the positive effects perceptible by all involved parties and promoted by the new components, the long-term goal of Humboldt reloaded is the implementation of research-based learning and teaching in the curriculum of the University of Hohenheim. For further information, see here.