The University of Bonn has long addressed sustainability issues from different perspectives and relies on a variety of formats to transfer research results. From discussions in the cinema to creative workshops and interactive exchange and collection campaigns, the focus is on low-threshold access and exchange on sustainability topics. The Vice-Rectorate and the Sustainability Office, which together with the Green Office form Team N (N stands for Nachhaltigkeit (engl. sustainability), aim to reach a wide range of target groups.
“It is particularly important for the exchange between science and society to deliberately bring sustainability research out of the lecture halls, seminar rooms, and laboratories,” says Prof. Dr. Annette Scheersoi, Vice Rectorate for Sustainability. “We want to create a space for dialogue between researchers and citizens that fosters closeness and understanding while strengthening overall awareness of sustainability.” Team N has therefore developed a new series of events for the “Summer of Change” program: At the “Science Café – Coffee and Chat with Researchers,” citizens can talk to scientists about their research in a relaxed atmosphere over a cup of coffee.
July 9: Science Café “Biodiversity”
In July, the focus will be on biodiversity. Research in this area addresses questions such as how agriculture can secure our food supply while helping to preserve biological diversity. How can agricultural landscapes be designed to provide habitats for different animals and plants? What effects do environmental changes have on insects? Participants:
• Dr. Andreé Hamm, Institute for Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Agricultural Ecology and Organic Farming Group (AOL)
• Dr. Lutz Kosack, Institute for Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Agricultural Ecology and Organic Farming Group (AOL)
• Jun.-Prof. Dr. Antonia Mayr, Bonn Institute for Organismic Biology (BIOB)
August 7: Science Café “Planetary Health”
The event in August will focus on the topic of “planetary health.” But what exactly does this term mean? How are our health and the state of the environment connected? What happens to microplastics or pesticides in our soil—and what consequences does this have for our food? This Science Café will also look at how nature conservation and human development can be reconciled worldwide. Participants:
• Jun-Prof. Dr. Lisa Biber-Freudenberger, Center for Development Research (ZEF)
• Prof. Dr. Melanie Braun, Institute for Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES)
• PD Dr. Timo Falkenberg, GeoHealth Center, Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn (UKB)
Dates: July 9: Biodiversity
August 7: Planetary Health
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Café Luise in P26, Poststr. 26, 53111 Bonn
Admission is free. No registration required.
The events are part of the “Summer of Change” cultural festival. “Summer of Change” is an initiative of the Federal City of Bonn in cooperation with the Bundeskunsthalle and over 30 other partners. Further information: www.bonn.de/summer-of-change