Editorial

Dear readers,

The coronavirus pandemic has been with us now for three months of the summer semester 2020. While the first wave in Germany now seems somewhat under control, despite some regional outbreaks, the virus is still raging across the globe. And so, it is likely to be with us for some time to come. This is reason enough for another detailed look at the effects of SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19. In “Blickpunkt Corona” (spotlight on coronavirus), this issue will focus on, among other things, vulnerable supply chains in the global economy, stress tests for the healthcare system, legal issues thrown up by the pandemic and the power of numbers, which is experiencing a small renaissance in this time of coronavirus.

Along with all the fear of the unknown, however, coronavirus also offers opportunities, especially in the digitalisation of business and education processes. In this way, the pandemic has generated a huge boost for digitalisation. In an interview with psychologist Dr Thorsten Kolling, we examine whether and how, for example, online teaching can remain an important element of university education in future. There is a lot in flux right now: perhaps, in the end, there will actually be a new culture of teaching and learning at the CAU, forming the perfect link between digital formats and the equally indispensable face-to-face teaching. The signs for this look good. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of unizeit.

Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Ilka Parchmann
Vice President