+49 234 32 10183
cordula.obergassel@pknrw.de
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Department of Resources and Sustainability
In the Department of Resources and Sustainability, more than 90 professors at universities of applied sciences and their doctoral candidates conduct research. Their work focuses on the largely finite natural resources such as water, air, raw materials, soil, and ecosystems in general, but also on communication, information, security, food, energy, and mobility. Questions of sustainability form a cross-cutting theme throughout the department’s interdisciplinary research activities.
Research
Interdisciplinary Research for Sustainable and Resource-Efficient Economies
Since the beginning of industrialization, economic development has been based on the assumption of unlimited growth and infinite resources. This has led to a so-called linear economy, characterized by high resource consumption and the generation of large amounts of waste and residual materials. The ecological limitations on both the input and output sides make it clear that a transition away from fossil raw materials towards a sustainable circular economy is essential.
To meet this challenge in the Anthropocene and in light of global climate change, new approaches must be developed in all areas of agriculture, forestry, water, energy, and waste management, as well as in regional and environmental management and in all industrial production of goods. Establishing these approaches in research and development, and in close interaction with teaching, is the goal of the department’s activities.
Given the diversity of the research subject of resources, inter- and transdisciplinary thinking is indispensable. Within the department, natural scientists, engineers, agricultural and social scientists collaborate across four main research areas:
- Energy systems
- Materials and interfaces
- Supply security and resilience
- Circular value creation
The Department of Resources and Sustainability was established by resolution of the Board on September 23, 2016, and currently includes around 90 professors and their doctoral candidates.
Getting a Doctorate with the Department
The Department of Resources and Sustainability supports research-oriented graduates on their path to a doctoral degree. It offers a structured doctoral program and promotes cooperative doctoral projects.
