The Humboldt Foundation’s Bessel Prize becomes part of the German federal government’s “1,000 Heads” program, which aims to draw in top global researchers to Germany on a long-term basis. One of approximately 20 rewards awarded each year went to the London-based scientist in 2026. Dr. Giorgio Di Gessa conducts research study at the crossway of social, health, and life course studies utilizing quantitative approaches. He examines how social and group elements affect healthy aging, utilizing extensive longitudinal information and statistical techniques. His research study concentrates on the concern of how social activities– such as paid work, volunteer work, or casual caregiving– relate to physical and psychological health in middle and older age. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Di Gessa likewise examined how procedures to contain the infection have affected psychological health, social situations, and access to healthcare, particularly amongst older grownups.
During his see to TU Dortmund University, he is teaming up with Prof. Martina Brandt and her team at the Chair of Social Structure and Sociology of Aging Societies on comparative, policy-oriented research on aging societies, household relationships, and caregiving. In specific, he takes a look at how caregiving duties over the life course affect social inequalities, health, and work trajectories. In his lecture “Caregiving, Inequalities, and Health: Proof From England,” which will happen on 29 April 2026 at 4:15 p.m. at Emil-Figge-Straße 50, he will provide existing findings on the effects of caregiving on quality of life. His analyses are based upon information from the long-term research study “English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.” He will also offer an outlook on planned research study into caregiving histories and their long-term consequences for work and health in older age.
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