In the winter semester 2025/26 we offer the following Coffee Lectures.

• Thursdays 3:15 - 3:45 pm in the Earth Sciences Library in Lankwitz and simultaneously online.
• To participate online, simply use the meeting link. The online stream will not be recorded.
• Without registration.
• We have space for about 20 people in the library: first come, first served. Of course there will be fresh coffee free of charge.
• The presentations will be held in German or English.
• Presentation slides will be made available on this website.

  

 

 

30 October, Die Fachbibliothek Geowissenschaften stellt sich vor (in German)

Books and journals, expert advice, training courses, cozy corners and organic coffee... The Earth Sciencees Library has a lot to offer! In this Coffee Lecture, we introduce ourselves as a library team and explain how we can support you in your studies and research. Everyone who wants to learn about the library services and the people behind them is invited: First-year students as well as long-time GeoCampus residents are welcome to bring your questions and concerns to share. We look forward to seeing you!

 

06 November, Qualitätskriterien bei der Literaturauswahl (in German)

In this Coffee Lecture we will give advice on how to evaluate scientific literature. Furthermore, the advantages, but also the problems of quality assurance in the publication process, especially in peer review, will be explained. Finally, Predatory Publishing will be discussed. 

 

13 November, A brief guide to image use and copyright (in English)

We provide an overview of what is available in the map collection and what options there are for borrowing maps or having them digitised.

 

20 November, Recherchestrategie (in German)

We explain the most important strategies for literature research and introduce the central research tool at the FU (Primo). 

 

27 November, Mehr als Primo: wenig bekannte Rechercheinstrumente an der Freien Universität Berlin (in German)

We briefly introduce useful research tools and show what the special features are: the database information system (DBIS) of the FU Berlin, the Web of Science, the KOBV portal and the search portal GEO-LEO.

 

04 December, KI: Grundlagen und Regelungen am Fachbereich (in German)

Many students and researchers use artificial intelligence tools. The technology has far-reaching implications for study, research, and teaching. How does Freie Universität deal with this issue? And what regulations are in place for students at the Department of Earth Sciences? In this Coffee Lecture, we provide an overview and practical tips for good scientific practice.

 

11 December, KI: Large Language Models der FU nutzen (in German)

The Freie Universität Berlin provides university members with AI models that comply with data protection regulations. This Coffee Lecture explains why this is important and how they can be used.

 

18 December, KI: Was kann der neue Primo Research Assistant (und was nicht) (in German)

With Primo Research Assistant (Primo AI), we will be offering you a new AI-supported research option, expected to launch during the winter semester. The Coffee Lecture will present the advantages and limitations of researching with Primo AI.

 

08 January, Open Science: Creative Commons licences explained (in English)

We explain what Creative Commons licences are and how to create 'open access' for your own publications (reports, posters, bachelor's, master's and doctoral theses, journal articles, etc.) in a legally secure way by choosing the appropriate licence.

 

15 January, Die Kartensammlung in der Fachbibliothek Geowissenschaften (in German)

We provide an overview of what is available in the map collection and what options there are for borrowing maps or having them digitised. 

 

22 January, Literaturverwaltung mit Citavi (in German)

Citavi is a software programme for literature and knowledge management that supports researchers and students in creating academic outputs. Freie Universität Berlin offers a free campus licence for students, lecturers, and staff. Citavi helps users collect, structure, and manage literature sources, organise citations, and automatically create bibliographies in the desired citation style.

In this Coffee Lecture, we will demonstrate the basic functions and advantages of Citavi and provide information about training courses offered by the FU.

 

29 January, Richtig zitieren in den Geowissenschaften 1 – Grundlagen (in German)

Citation is a central aspect of "good scientific practice" that all students and researchers must follow: it is considered plagiarism to reuse content verbatim or paraphrased without acknowledging the source. We explain the most important basic rules.

 

05 February, Richtig zitieren in den Geowissenschaften 2 – Praxisbeispiele (in German)

Using different examples, we show how books, articles and websites can be cited in (student) research projects. We also present the citation guidelines of the Institute of Geographical Sciences (the so-called "Möllerskript") as well as the recommendations at the Institutes of Geological Sciences and Meteorology.

 

12 February, Eine Karte ist (k)ein Buch: Kartenrecherche 101 (in German)

Have you ever wondered how and where to search for maps and cartographic material? Then you should not miss this Coffee Lecture. We will show you some options how to get started with map research and provide updates on the progress of the Library’s Map Collection.