PROJECT BACKGROUND
Light exposure plays a key role in regulating sleep–wake cycles and supporting cognitive health in older adults. The LightSPAN intervention, originally developed and tested in Singapore, leverages principles of circadian biology, behavioral science and health education to promote healthier light exposure patterns among seniors. With promising project progress in a Southeast Asian context, we now aim to explore its adaptation for older adults in Germany, where seasonal light variation, cultural routines, and environmental factors differ significantly.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
This project supports the adaptation and contextualisation of the LightSPAN protocol to the German setting. The goal is to increase the readiness of the intervention for future implementation in Germany by modifying its components for local environmental, social and cultural conditions. This includes identifying differences in daily light exposure patterns, co-designing suitable materials and developing a roadmap for pilot testing in collaboration with local stakeholders.
STUDENT TASKS
The student will work on a defined sub-project within this broader project. Tasks may include:
– Reviewing the existing LightSPAN protocol and summarizing its structure, components, and logic model
– Comparing light exposure environments between Singapore and Germany using available geospatial and seasonal light data
– Conducting a literature scan on aging, sleep and light exposure habits in older adults in Germany
– Assisting in the development of culturally appropriate educational materials or light-exposure guidance
– Exploring participatory design methods for adapting intervention content (e.g., co-design frameworks or workshop models).
– Preparing a short presentation and/or report outlining an adaptation strategy and future directions
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
By the end of the 8-week program, the student will:
– Gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research spanning light exposure science, sleep and cognitive health, and intervention design
– Produce a structured report and presentation detailing their findings and proposed adaptations
– Contribute to early-stage preparation for a Germany-based implementation study.
– Strengthen their skills in scientific communication, cross-cultural public health, and research translation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of the German language is not required.
ABOUT THE PROFESSORSHIP OF CHRONOBIOLOGY & HEALTH
The Professorship of Chronobiology & Health (Prof. Dr. Manuel Spitschan) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) investigates how biological rhythms, especially the circadian system, interact with health, behavior and the environment. Our team combines methods from neuroscience, psychology, data science, and exposure assessment to understand the role of light, sleep, and time in human health across the lifespan. We are committed to advancing science-based interventions and public health strategies that align daily life with biological time.
LightSPAN is a project funded by the National Research Foundation Singapore and conducted at TUMCREATE, the Technical University of Munich’s research platform in Singapore. The project focuses on promoting healthy aging through light-based interventions that support sleep, cognition and circadian health.
