Complex issues such as social justice or the responsible use of technology require collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. This is exactly where the new Friedrich Schiedel Fellowship for Technology in Society comes in, launched by the TUM Think Tank in cooperation with the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology.
The two research associates Iris Schüller (WELL ConnecTUM – Network for Women's Emotional Literacy and Lifelong Health, Associate Professorship of Didactics in Sport and Health) and Kathrin Schmalzl (Posture Boost: Promote children’s health through AI-based posture analysis, Associate Professorship of Biomechanics in Sports) have been selected for this year’s Friedrich Schiedel Fellowship. Each fellow receives project funding of €20,000 for a duration of twelve months.
Prof. Filip Mess, head of the Associate Professorship of Didactics in Sport and Health expressed his delight at the appointment: “I am very pleased that Iris Schüller has been awarded another scholarship for her academic work. This highlights the high societal relevance of her new research focus, which also aligns very well with the current key topic of the State Ministry for Health, Care, and Prevention.” Prof. Ansgar Schwirtz former head of the Associate Professorship of Biomechanics in Sports added: "I am very happy for my research associate Kathrin Schmalzl about the funding, which not only recognizes her previous research on the topic of 'Healthy School,' but also enables a forward-looking continuation of her ideas."
The fellowship program is aimed at postdoctoral researchers (up to three years after their PhD) as well as advanced doctoral candidates who plan to complete their dissertation within the next twelve months. The researchers come from a wide range of disciplines and seek to make an active contribution to solving complex problems through innovative and socially relevant research.
Projects at the TUM Think Tank
WELL ConnecTUM – Network for Women's Emotional Literacy and Lifelong Health is an interdisciplinary project aimed at promoting the emotional health of young women, particularly in relation to menstrual and hormonal changes. The goal is to develop a prototype for a digital intervention—such as an app or platform—co-created with experts and the target audience, combining scientific insights from social, health, and technology sciences. “By involving the target group, we can better address their needs and develop the tool in a user-centered way,” explains Iris Schüller.
Posture Boost: Promote children’s health through AI-based posture analysis is an interdisciplinary project to promote children’s health by using AI-supported posture analysis with live feedback, especially during sitting and writing. The integration of medical, social, health, and technology-related knowledge aims to prevent postural damage and strengthen body awareness from an early age. Kathrin Schmalzl explains: “A physiologically healthy posture in early years is crucial to support effective learning and to foster early awareness of body posture.”
The two researchers will be part of the TUM Think Tank - a space for active knowledge and idea exchange between academia, politics, business, and civil society. In addition to access to an international network, the fellows benefit from an inspiring co-working space and close academic supervision by two TUM professors: one from TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, and one from another TUM School. Iris Schüller is supported by Prof. Filip Mess and Prof. Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz (Chair of Preventive Pediatrics), complemented by Prof. Azzurra Ruggeri from TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology. Kathrin Schmalzl is supported by Prof. Schwirtz and Prof. Anna Keune (TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology).
Shaping Technology in the Public Interest
The fellowship builds on Friedrich Schiedel’s commitment to the social responsibility of technology and entrepreneurship. It supports approaches to technology development that are guided by principles of public welfare, democracy, and responsibility.
The Friedrich Schiedel Foundation is a non-profit, legally recognized civil law foundation. One of its purposes is the promotion of science and research, particularly at the Technical University of Munich. For decades, the foundation has supported TUM projects with significant funding. The foundation is providing €625,000 over five years to support the Friedrich Schiedel Fellowships for Technology in Society, enabling the development of viable bridges between social and technical disciplines. The promotion of the Friedrich Schiedel Fellowships is a particular priority for the foundation.
The kick-off event will take place on April 29, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at the TUM Think Tank. Interested parties can register at the following link: https://eveeno.com/fsfbatch2kick-off
To the homepage of the Associate Professorship of Didactics in Sport and Health
To the homepage of the Associate Professorship of Biomechanics in Sports
To the homepage of the Friedrich Schiedel Fellowship Program
Contact
Iris Schüller
Associate Professorship of Didactics in Sport and Health
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
Phone: +49 89 289 24531
Email: Iris.schueller(at)tum.de
Kathrin Schmalzl
Associate Professorship of Biomechanics in Sports
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
Email: Kathrin.Schmalzl(at)tum.de
Text: Bastian Daneyko
Photos: Private