How can AI and smartwatches optimise your training? In the Digital Public Health Podcast, Bastian Dänekas talks about smart repetition counters, real-time feedback and personalised training plans. 

The vision of the perfect workout: automatic repetition counters, real-time feedback and personalised training plans - this could be the strength training of the future. How does IT take strength training to the next level?

In the latest episode of the Digital Public Health Podcast, host Rasmus Cloes talks to Bastian Dänekas, a scientist at the University of Bremen, about the connection between computer science and strength training. Bastian explains how he is using movement data and artificial intelligence to make weight training more accessible and safer for beginners. What does it take to develop digital feedback systems that analyse movements and enable individually optimised training?

The central challenges of his research are the collection of movement data and the individualisation of training algorithms. In particular, Bastian sees potential in the use of smartwatches and other gadgets that could help athletes to perform exercises correctly and stay motivated.

He also explains why strength training is much more complex than endurance sports and how digital technologies could overcome plateaus in the long term. The podcast sheds light not only on technology, but also on social issues: Can open access data and political regulation drive the digital transformation in sport?

How important is access to affordable, everyday solutions for recreational athletes? And why are we only at the beginning when it comes to the digitalisation of strength training? Listen in and find out how modern technologies could make it easier to start strength training and boost motivation in the long term!

Listen now on

Youtube | Spotify | Apple | Deezer

More info:

Website | Instagram

The Digital Public Health Podcast is a production of the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, the Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen and Health Sciences Bremen.

In the Digital Public Health Podcast, host Rasmus Cloes talks to Dr. Stefan Schwenzer about the future of pharmacies in the digital healthcare system. Topics such as the e-prescription, digital medication security and competition with mail-order giants show: Digitalization offers opportunities, but poses major challenges for small pharmacies. How can they retain their role as personal healthcare advisors?

Megacorporation or local pharmacy: who will supply us with medicines in the future? In this episode of the Digital Public Health Podcast, host Rasmus Cloes talks to Dr Stefan Schwenzer, owner of the KOSMOS pharmacy in Bremen and responsible for digitalization as a member of the board of the Bremen Chamber of Pharmacists. The conversation focuses on the role of pharmacies in a digitalized healthcare system.

Specifically, we start with the introduction of e-prescriptions. Stefan explains how it facilitates work processes in pharmacies, but also brings new problems with it - such as technical failures or insufficient adaptation to everyday pharmacy life. Another key topic is medication safety. Stefan describes how digital tools are used to check interactions and create medication plans.

However, many pharmacies do not take advantage of these opportunities due to a lack of financial and human resources. Small pharmacies in particular find it difficult to bear the high costs of digital innovations. Rasmus and Stefan also talk about the vision of developing pharmacies as “digital health kiosks”. Projects such as digital blood pressure measurements and medication coaching show the potential pharmacies have in prevention.

However, this requires greater financial support from politicians, emphasizes Stefan. Another point of discussion is the competition with mail-order pharmacies and international providers. Stefan criticizes the fact that digitalization often favours large market players, while local pharmacies come under pressure. His appeal to politicians: more focus on security of supply and support for local pharmacies. Finally, Stefan gives an outlook on the future of pharmacies.

He sees great opportunities in digital innovations, but warns that personal advice and proximity to patients must be maintained. Pharmacies can remain important partners in the healthcare system - if the right framework conditions are created.

Listen now on

Youtube | Spotify | Apple | Deezer

More info:

Website | Instagram

The Digital Public Health Podcast is a production of the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, the Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen and Health Sciences Bremen.

Many young people dream of implementing their ideas in their own startup – including in the field of digitalization and health. But what does the path from idea to successful startup look like? In this episode of the Digital Public Health Podcast, host Rasmus Cloes talks to Jan Wessels, founder of bremen-startups.de.

Together they highlight the opportunities and challenges for founders in the healthcare industry and take a special look at the Bremen startup scene.

Jan Wessels explains how important networks and events are for founders to take their first steps and learn from the experiences of others. He shares insights into what formats are available in Bremen, how they work and how interested parties can easily network. He also shows how valuable an active startup community is for the journey from idea to implementation.

One exciting example from Bremen is Skinuvita, a startup that has developed a digital home therapy system for people with chronic skin conditions. Rasmus and Jan discuss how an innovative business idea was developed from a personal problem and what role networks and funding programs played in the process.

They also discuss why founders in the healthcare sector often struggle with concerns – for example, about bureaucracy or the high demands of the market. Jan explains how to overcome these hurdles and why it pays to find the courage to implement.

This episode offers specific tips and exciting perspectives for anyone interested in startups in the field of digitalization and health. Get inspired and learn how to successfully take your first steps in the world of digital health.

Listen now on

YouTube | Spotify | Apple | Deezer

More info:

Website | Instagram

On 10 December 2024, the Early Career Researcher Academy (ECRA) held its inaugural workshop for the second funding phase of the Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen. Nearly 30 ECRA members participated in the workshop, including many new doctoral researchers who began their scientific work at the campus in recent weeks.

The ECRA’s spokesperson, Gowsiga Loganathan (BIPS), emphasised: "I am very pleased that so many of our new members are eager to become actively involved and already have initial ideas about how we should proceed in the second funding phase."

The workshop focused on exploring the role and significance of the ECRA in supporting the individual career development of its members. Discussions also centered on the formation of working groups to address various thematic priorities. Another important topic was the presentation of a proposed mentee-mentor program between LSC postdocs and doctoral researchers, aimed at fostering networking and providing support throughout their academic careers. The former spokesperson of the ECRA, Dr. Laura Maaß (University of Bremen, Socium), added: "The new ECRA will be more technical in terms of the academic backgrounds of its members. I look forward to working with our new members to find out how we can best accommodate their diverse needs, but I am confident that we can achieve this together and create an inspiring and supportive environment for everyone."

Currently, the ECRA comprises 60 scientists, 10 of whom are funded by the LSC DiPH (three postdocs and seven doctoral researchers) and are employed at BIPS, the University of Bremen, the Fraunhofer MEVIS Institute, and the University of Oldenburg. The remaining 50 members are associated with the research campus and the academy through their work on projects related to Digital Public Health. Furthermore, there is an alumni network facilitating exchanges with former members who have successfully completed their doctoral studies or postdoctoral periods. The ECRA plays a central role in connecting and supporting early-career researchers in the field of digital health research, both within Germany and internationally.

The event marks a promising start to the second funding phase of the Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen and continues its focus on the intensive promotion and collaboration of scientists at the beginning of their academic careers.