“Storms, heatwaves, flooding ... extreme weather: the new normal?“ This is the question explored in the sixth edition of the event series titled “An invitation from the University of Bonn, a University of Excellence”, which brings the research done in Bonn to life for the city’s residents. To accommodate the high level of public interest, this time the event was held in the University auditorium. Some 500 members of the public attended on November 19, 2025 to learn about causes, consequences and challenges around extreme weather, engaging with University of Bonn researchers in discussion.
Umbrellas and cutting-edge research
Carrying an umbrella and wearing a bright yellow rain jacket and robust cycling pants, Rector Michael Hoch bestrode the stage to introduce the program for the evening, along with moderators Frederik Schumacher and Alea Sonntag of Campusradio Bonn FM. The main event: presentations by four prominent University of Bonn researchers on topics ranging from climate modeling to general medicine.
Obtaining weather data: the challenges of climate observation
Assistant Professor Dr. Leonie Esters of the Institute of Geosciences provided numerous examples from her research showing how complex a matter it is to collect climate data. Urban heat islands, measurement gaps in rural areas, heat-intolerant equipment ... “In conducting measurements we come up against limits of the technically possible,” Esters explains. Her presentation made clear why having precise data is so crucial, there being no other way to reliably predict extreme weather conditions.
Understanding climate change— past, present and future
Professor Andreas Hense and Dr. Petra Friederichs of the Institute of Geosciences demonstrated in compelling fashion how extreme weather events don’t just seem to be occurring more often. Rather, their increased frequency is both measurable and predictable. In their presentations they covered the spectrum from the historical climate to the latest data and scenarios for the future. Their findings: heatwaves, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events are now a regular feature according to modern climate modeling. They explained in lucid fashion how such models work, uncertainty factors involved and how every extra measurement made is valuable.
Rising temperatures: consequences for both medicine and society
Professor Birgitta Weltermann of the Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine at University Hospital Bonn, who is a member of the Transdisciplinary Research Areas (TRA) Life and Health, gave a talk on the health consequences of extreme temperature levels. Focusing on immediate risks in real-world scenarios, she discussed heat preparation measures including the protection of the most vulnerable, and how climate change can impact chronic diseases. She also called for a “Planetary Health Diet” that integrates climate protection considerations into a healthy eating approach that unites environment, nutrition and health.
Questions and ideas from the audience
In a lively question-and-answer session it emerged that extreme weather is a topic of great general interest. Is it possible to artificially create rain? How can infants be optimally protected against heat? Could a shift in the Gulf Stream trigger an ice age? The experts took plenty of time to answer the spectrum of questions posed.
The University of Bonn Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Ansgar Eimann, performed Johannes Brahms’ “Vineta” as a festive musical finale, and the last word was had by Lucia Gröger and Valerion Adler of the student council for Meteorology and Geophysics, promoting membership and the council’s work. A long round of applause for all of the evening's speakers followed upon conclusion of these remarks.
Topic for the April 2026 event: Dreams and Sleep
The public had chosen the topic of extreme weather for the event in digital voting conducted on April 2, 2025. The topic of next event in the series, to be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 6 pm, is “Dreams and Sleep”—chosen by roughly 75 percent of respondents. Series initiator Rector Hoch will choose speakers from various different fields so as to reflect the intended transdisciplinary approach.
