International Network on Crises and Resilience

How do crises emerge and intersect? How can societies and individuals build resilience?

What we do Who we are

What we do

Four research areas

RE-CARE is organized around four key research areas.

Emerging Technologies

Technology has an inherently dual nature: it can both mitigate and exacerbate crises. Rapid advances in AI, the expanding use of drones for reconnaissance and medical-supply delivery, and the growing presence of autonomous and interactive machines are driving a profound technological transformation. We critically examine these developments and their potential to strengthen individual and societal resilience.

Selected publications (8)
  • Bohlmann M, Wilmer M (2025) Equipping Tablets. An In-Depth Interview Study on Technology Relations of Early Adopters in German Schools. In: Bohlmann M, Breil P (Eds.) Postphenomenology and Technologies within Educational Settings. Lexington Books, pp 85–104. 10.5040/9781978748064.ch-005
  • Haltaufderheide J, Ranisch R (2025) Rapid integration of LLMs in Healthcare Raises Ethical Concerns: An Investigation into Deceptive Patterns in Social Robots. In: Digital Society 4(7). 10.1007/s44206-025-00161-2
  • Haltaufderheide J, Ranisch R (2024) The ethics of ChatGPT in medicine and healthcare: A systematic review on Large Language Models (LLMs). In: npj Digital Medicine 7(183). 10.1038/s41746-024-01157-x
  • Müller R, Ranisch R et al (2024) “That’s just Future Medicine”—A qualitative study on users’ experiences of symptom checker apps. In: BMC Medical Ethics 25(17). 10.1186/s12910-024-01011-5
  • Krämer D, Haltaufderheide J, Vollmann J (2023) The Present and Future of Pandemic Technologies (Special Issue). In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. Theme issue at jmir.org
  • Krämer D, Brachem E, Schneider-Reuter L, D’Angelo I, Vollmann J, Haltaufderheide J (2023) Smartphone Apps for Containing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: Qualitative Interview Study with Experts Based on Grounded Theory. In: Journal of Medical Internet Research 25:e45549. 10.2196/45549
  • Bushuven S, Ranisch R et al. (2023) “ChatGPT, Can You Help Me Save My Child’s Life?”—Diagnostic Accuracy and Supportive Capabilities to Lay Rescuers by ChatGPT in Prehospital Basic Life Support and Paediatric Advanced Life Support Cases – An In-silico Analysis. In: Journal of Medical Systems 47(123). 10.1007/s10916-023-02019-x
  • Brucksch S (2020) Sustaining Healthcare in Japan’s Regions: The Introduction of Telehealth Networks. In: Manzenreiter W, Lützeler R, Polak-Rottmann S (Eds.): Japan’s New Ruralities: Coping with Decline in the Periphery. London: Routledge. 10.4324/9780429331268-10

Impact of Crises on Societies

During economic, political, or health crises, social inequalities often become more pronounced. In the health sector, crises frequently strain infrastructure as demand for medical services rises, while shortages of personnel and equipment can further compromise the quality of care. At the same time, crises can spur innovation and reform.

Selected publications (4)
  • Bartl G et al. (2024) Rethinking Governance in Times of Multiple Crises. 2023 (5), pp. 36. halshs-04881691
  • Krämer D et al. (2024) The Role of Transparency in Digital Contact Tracing during COVID-19: Insights from an Expert Survey. In: Health Care Analysis. 10.1007/s10728-024-00485-z
  • Ehlen S, Henning L, Rehaag R, Dreiskämper D (2023) Kindergesundheit in sozioökonomisch benachteiligten Stadtquartieren – eine Strukturgleichungsmodellierung. In: Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung 18:576–588. 10.1007/s11553-022-00992-8
  • Hajek A et al. (2023) Neighbourhood cohesion, loneliness and perceived social isolation prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Longitudinal evidence from the German Ageing Survey. In: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 58(9):1411–1420. 10.1007/s00127-023-02447-7

Theoretical Approaches to Crises

One of RE-CARE’s central aims is to foster dialogue on theoretical approaches that examine the role and potential of technology in different crises. We also examine the underlying logics of both crises and technologies, taking into account the distinct cultural histories of technology and crisis in Japan and Germany.

Selected publications (5)
  • Bartl G (2024) Social and Ethical Implications of Digital Crisis Technologies: Case Study of Pandemic Simulation Models During the COVID-19 Pandemic. In: Journal of Medical Internet Research 26:e45723. 10.2196/45723
  • Bartl G (2023) Governance between ignorance and evidence. TA in the context of pandemic crisis management. In: Journal for Technology Assessment in Theory and Practice 32(2). 10.14512/tatup.32.2.30
  • Haltaufderheide J, Krämer D, D’Angelo I, Brachem E, Vollmann J (2023) Solidarity as an Empirical-Ethical Framework for the Analysis of Contact Tracing Apps – A Novel Approach. Philosophy & Technology 36(44). 10.1007/s13347-023-00648-1
  • Bohlmann M (2022) Technologien der Krise im Distanzunterricht. Perspektiven der Critical Theory of Technology und Postphenomenology. In: Krämer D, Haltaufderheide J, Vollmann J (Eds.): Technologien der Krise. Die Covid-19-Pandemie als Katalysator neuer Formen der Vernetzung. Bielefeld: transcript, pp 21–44. 10.14361/9783839459249
  • Brucksch S, Wiggert K (2021) Theoretical Reflections on Medical Devices and the Sociocultural Context in the Locale of Japan. In: Brucksch S, Sasaki K (Eds.): Humans and Devices in Medical Contexts. Case Studies from Japan. Basingstoke: Palgrave, pp 21–51. 10.1007/978-981-33-6280-2_2

Psychosocial Impact of Crises

In crisis scenarios such as pandemics, famine, war, and earthquakes, individuals face a range of psychosocial challenges, including fear, grief, loneliness, and stress. At the same time, access to support services, clear and consistent communication, opportunities for physical activity, and robust social networks can foster resilience.

Selected publications (8)
  • Kohake K, Henning L, Dahl S, Neuber N, Dreiskämper D (2025) Associations between physical activity and health-related factors in childhood and adolescence during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. In: Journal of Sports Sciences. 10.1080/02640414.2025.2508041
  • Dreiskämper D, Burrmann U, Kehne M, Neuber N, Rulofs B, Süßenbach J, Voigts G, Henning L (2023) Sport und mentale Gesundheit von Kindern und Jugendlichen – Ausgewählte Ergebnisse aus dem Move For Health Projekt. DOSB.
  • Zwar L, König HH, Hajek A (2023) Gender Differences in Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Caregiver Burden among Informal Caregivers during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: A Representative, Population-Based Study. In: Gerontology 69(2):149–162. 10.1159/000523846
  • Wettstein M, Nowossadeck S, Vogel C (2022) Well-Being Trajectories of Middle-Aged and Older Adults and the Corona Pandemic: No “COVID-19 Effect” on Life Satisfaction, But Increase in Depressive Symptoms. In: Psychology and Aging 37(2):175–189. 10.1037/pag0000664
  • Wahl HW, Wettstein M, Tseng HY, Schlomann A, Schmidt L, Diehl M (2022) Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Older Adults’ Personal and General Views on Aging? Evidence for Losses and Gains. In: Developmental Psychology 58(6):1188–1205. 10.1037/dev0001348
  • Wettstein M, Wahl HW, Schlomann A (2022) The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trajectories of Well-Being of Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Multidimensional and Multidirectional Perspective. In: Journal of Happiness Studies 23:3577–3604. 10.1007/s10902-022-00552-z
  • Wettstein M, Spuling SM, Wünsche J, Henning G (2023) Middle-Aged and Older Adults’ Psychosocial Functioning Trajectories Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence for Multidirectional Trends. In: Psychology and Aging 38(7):627–643. 10.1037/pag0000760
  • Hajek A et al. (2022) Depression and anxiety in later COVID-19 waves across Europe: New evidence from the European COvid Survey (ECOS). Psychiatry Research 317:114902. 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114902
Updates

RE-CARE Updates

  • “Navigating the Symbiotic Frontier” Joint Research Project from the RE-CARE Network

    A new international research project has emerged from the RE-CARE Network. Kunhao Yang from Shibaura Institute of Technology Tokyo and Markus Bohlmann from University of Münster, are investigating the use of AI agents in philosophy …

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  • #3 RE-CARE Conference in Kyoto “Resilient Societies in Times of Uncertainty” (17–19 March 2027)

    The RE-CARE network is currently planning its #3 conference “Resilient Societies in Times of Uncertainty – From Conceptual Foundations to Societal Implementation”, which will take place 17-19 March 2027 at Kyoto University…

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  • #2 RE-CARE Conference in Münster on “Crises and Resilience”

    In their opening remarks, Vice-Rector of the University of Münster Michael Quante, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences Thorsten Quandt and RE-CARE founder Dennis Krämer emphasized that societies in Japan and Germany are currently experiencing a situation of multiple crises—war, democratic crises, earthquakes, demographic as well as ecological challenges…

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  • #1 RE-CARE Conference in Tokyo

    On March 24-25, 2025, the RE-CARE network met for the first time at the University of Tokyo to launch a long-term German-Japanese research partnership. Over two days of intensive discussion, the members examined how different cultural contexts influence the way crises are perceived, managed and communicated, while also reflecting on the increasing role of technology….

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Who we are

Members

  • PD Dr. Dennis Krämer

    Founder of RE-CARE, University of Münster

    Discipline
    Sociology
    Affiliation
    University of Münster
    Faculty of Education and Social Sciences
    Interests
    • Sociology of Health and Sport
    • Health Technology
    • Gender Diversity
    • International Collaboration

  • Prof. Dr. Shigeto Yonemura

    Cooperation partner, University of Tokyo

    Discipline
    Civil Law, Medical Law
    Affiliation
    The University of Tokyo
    Graduate Schools for Law and Politics
    Interests
    • Fundamental Theories of Tort Liability
    • Regulation of Biomedical Research
    • Privacy and Liability of Using General Medical Data / Genome Data

  • Prof. Dr. Susanne Brucksch

    Cooperation partner, Teikyo University Tokyo

    Discipline
    Japanese Studies, Science & Technology Studies (STS), Innovation Studies
    Affiliation
    Teikyo University Tokyo
    Department of Global Japanese Studies
    Interests
    • Health Technologies and Healthcare Systems
    • Innovation, Technology and Healthcare Policies
    • Med-Tech Partnerships
    • Socio-Cultural Setting of Technologies
    • Environmentalism, Civil Society, Ecological Collaboration

  • Prof. Satoshi Kodama

    Cooperation partner, Kyoto University

    Discipline
    Philosophy
    Affiliation
    Kyoto University
    Graduate School of Letters
    Interests
    • Bioethics
    • Public Health Ethics
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  • Dr. Gabriel Bartl

    Discipline
    Sociology
    Affiliation
    Weizenbaum Institute Berlin
    Interests
    • Social and ethical implications of digital technologies
    • Risk and uncertainty
    • Multiple crises
    • Science-policy-nexus
    • Resilience

  • Dr. Markus Bohlmann

    Discipline
    Philosophy
    Affiliation
    University of Münster
    Department of Philosophy
    Interests
    • Philosophy of technology
    • Philosophy of education
    • Impact of technological change on human-technology relations in multiple crises
    • Investigations through empirical educational research and technology studies (STS in Education)

  • Prof. Dr. Dennis Dreiskämper

    Discipline
    Psychology
    Affiliation
    TU Dortmund
    Institute for Sport & Sport Sciences
    Interests
    • Mental and social health of children and adolescents
    • Impact of physical activity and sport on health
    • Influence of change factors on health and health behavior (e.g., crisis, climate, pandemic)
    • Trust and communication in a digitized world (esp. in children’s and adolescents’ health behavior)

  • Prof. Dr. Christian Fischer

    Discipline
    Educational Science
    Affiliation
    University of Münster
    International Center for the Study of Giftedness
    Interests
    • Diversity
    • Sustainability
    • Talent Development
    • Individual Promotion

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Takanori Fujita

    Discipline
    Healthcare Law, Healthcare Informatics
    Affiliation
    Keio University Tokyo
    The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research
    Interests
    • Healthcare Data Governance
    • Digitization of Healthcare and Ageing Care
    • Generative AI

  • Prof. Dr. André Hajek

    Discipline
    Health Care Epidemiology
    Affiliation
    University Medical Center Hamburg
    Hamburg Center for Health Economics
    Interests
    • Determinants of health in old age
    • Loneliness
    • Social isolation
    • Psychosocial factors
    • Quality of life
    • Determinants of healthcare use

  • Dr. Joschka Haltaufderheide

    Discipline
    Philosophy, Medical Ethics
    Affiliation
    University of Potsdam
    Juniorprofessorship for Medical Ethics
    Interests
    • Digital health technologies (Digital Contact Tracing, Social Robotics in elderly care, AI in Medicine)
    • Pandemic Preparedness
    • Medical Ethics in crisis
    • Philosophy of Technology

  • Dr. Jonathan Harth

    Discipline
    Sociology
    Affiliation
    University of Witten/Herdecke
    Interests
    • Mixed Reality
    • Artificial Sociality, Arts
    • Qualitative Research

  • Dr. Tawab Khpalwak

    Discipline
    Community and Global Health
    Affiliation
    Bost University (Medicine)
    The University of Tokyo (Community and Global Health Department)
    Interests
    • Infectious Disease in Crisis (Outbreaks)
    • Public Health in Conflicts
    • Health Equity
    • Universal Health Coverage
    • One Health (Anti-microbial Resistance “AMR”)

  • Lukas Kurniawan, Ph.D.

    Discipline
    Global Health
    Affiliation
    Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital
    Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) “Sustainable Future”, University of Bonn
    Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn
    Interests
    • Experimental design of global public health
    • Adolescent health, Nutrition, and planetary health
    • Nutrition literacy
    • Impact of crises on food security and lifestyle behaviors

  • Annie Kurz, M.A.

    Discipline
    Conceptual Art, Philosophy of Technology, Image and Media Theory
    Affiliation
    Hessen State University of Art and Design (HfG Offenbach am Main)
    Technical University Mannheim
    Interests
    • Philosophy and Philosophy of Technology
    • Human-Technology Relations
    • Image and Media Theory
    • Art and Art Therapy

  • Prof. Dr. Sebastian Merkel

    Discipline
    Social Sciences
    Affiliation
    Ruhr-University Bochum
    Faculty of Social Sciences
    Interests
    • Digital Health
    • Co-design
    • Participatory design
    • Conversational agents
    • Gerontechnology

  • Prof. Dr. Yoshinori Nakata, MD, MBA, PhD, CPE, FAAPL

    Discipline
    Public Health, Economics, Medicine
    Affiliation
    Teikyo University
    Graduate School of Public Health
    Interests
    • Efficiency and productivity of healthcare

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ken Ogata

    Discipline
    Information Law, Healthcare Informatics
    Affiliation
    Center of Juris-Informatics, The Research Organization of Information and Systems
    Keio University, Faculty of Law
    The University of Tokyo, Graduate Schools for Law and Politics
    Interests
    • Information Law and Politics for Public Health
    • Law of AI
    • Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

  • Prof. Dr. Jenny Preunkert

    Discipline
    Sociology
    Affiliation
    University of Kassel
    Department of Sociology
    Interests
    • Comparative sociology
    • Sociology of inequality
    • Sociology of debt
    • Sociology of crisis

  • Dr. Azher Hameed Qamar

    Discipline
    Social Sciences, Anthropology
    Affiliation
    University of Münster
    Interests
    • Social resilience
    • Migration and integration
    • Diasporic citizenship
    • Identity, agency, and belonging
    • Participatory and qualitative research

  • Prof. Dr. Robert Ranisch

    Discipline
    Medical Ethics
    Affiliation
    University of Potsdam
    Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg
    Interests
    • Digital and AI ethics in health care
    • Research ethics with big data
    • ELSA genomics
    • Ethics of participation

  • Prof. Dr. Benjamin Risse

    Discipline
    Computer Science
    Affiliation
    University of Münster
    Institute for Geoinformatics
    Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
    Interests
    • Machine Learning (AI)
    • Computer Vision & Machine Learning in Biomedical applications
    • Computer Vision & Machine Learning in Ecological applications

  • Prof. Dr. Kaori Sasaki

    Discipline
    Sociology, Social Studies of Science and Technologies, Cultural Studies
    Affiliation
    Sapporo Medical University
    Interests
    • Bio-power and Bio-politics
    • Secondary Usage of Health Records
    • FemTech
    • Gender Politics and Cultural Politics
    • vis-à-vis development of Science and Technologies

  • Davide Viero, M.A.

    Discipline
    Social Policies, Long-Term Care Policies
    Affiliation
    University of Duisburg-Essen
    Interests
    • Long-term care policies
    • Generosity of social policies
    • Demographic change and ageing
    • Civil society and engagement

  • Prof. Dr. Dr. Jochen Vollmann

    Discipline
    Medical Ethics
    Affiliation
    Ruhr-University Bochum
    Institute for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine
    Interests
    • Informed consent and capacity assessment
    • Ethics and psychiatry
    • Medical professionalism
    • End-of-life decision-making
    • Empirical ethics
    • Clinical ethics committees
    • Clinical ethics consultation

  • Dr. Markus Wettstein

    Discipline
    Psychology
    Affiliation
    Humboldt University Berlin
    Interests
    • Subjective age
    • Views on aging and ageism
    • Trajectories and determinants of health and well-being across the lifespan
    • Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health, well-being
    • Views on aging in midlife and old age

  • Assoc. Prof. Kunhao Yang

    Discipline
    Computational Social Science, Data Science
    Affiliation
    Yamaguchi University
    Graduate School of Science and Technology
    Interests
    • Cultural Evolution
    • Application of Machine Learning
    • Large Language Models in Social Science
    • Bayesian Methods
    • Percolation Theory

  • Dr. Sou Hee Yang

    Discipline
    Criminial Law, Gender and Law, Comparative Law
    Affiliation
    Takasaki City University of Economics
    Faculty of Economics
    Department of International Studies
    Interests
    • Comparative criminal law
    • Technology and criminal law
    • Gender in crises (domestic and sexual violence during crises)
    • Gender-based violence

  • Prof. Dr. Akemi Yokota

    Discipline
    Administrative law, information law, environmental law
    Affiliation
    Meiji University
    School of Law
    Interests
    • Information administration law in a data-driven society
    • Administrative litigation theory
    • Legal policy theory for risk control
Partners

Institutions and funding

  • University of Münster
  • The University of Tokyo
  • Teikyo University
  • German Research Foundation (DFG)
Contact

Get in touch