When examining the development of calf rearing techniques in the last few decades, it is striking that the natural approach of rearing on the mother has been replaced - with great effort - by an artificial approach that separates the calf from its mother. The practice of isolating calves is often justified with the argument that this lessens the spread of disease; the social aspect of cows, however, has been lost from view.

Post-doctoral thesis at the University of Witten-Herdecke closes a research gap in the evaluation of integrative medicine. Complementary medicine is enjoying ever-greater popularity and acceptance: many patients have come to appreciate its gentler methods and alternative approaches. Yet the effectiveness of such approaches has to date not been fully systematically researched.

A graduate training institute in Waldorf education has been established at Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences in Alfter, Germany (near Bonn), in collaboration with the Software AG Foundation and the Pedagogical Research Group of the Association of Waldorf Schools.