We talked to TRA Manager Hanna Zimmermann, who gave some interesting insights into the TRA Sustainable Futures and its offers.
Could you share what you consider to be the most pressing topics or challenges currently addressed within the TRA?
The most pressing topics and challenges currently addressed within TRA Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Futures (TRA Sustainable Futures) can be grouped into four main thematic areas:
“Agriculture, Climate and Ecosystems” tackles the environmental impact of agriculture – such as land‑use change, soil erosion, excessive water use, and pollution – and seeks to build resilient, sustainable agricultural systems that protect both ecosystems and human health. It does so by integrating natural sciences, engineering, economics, and social sciences to develop holistic, interdisciplinary solutions.
Addressing the twin problems of unhealthy and environmentally unsustainable diets, “Sustainable Healthy Diets” focuses on rethinking food systems. The goal is to create dietary solutions that ensure nutrition security and public health while reducing environmental strain, through interdisciplinary, global perspectives on food systems.
The TRA also explores how transformative technologies – such as AI, robotics, and sustainable materials – can drive efficiency without compromising ethics or privacy. A key challenge lies in integrating these technologies into society responsibly and equitably.
Beyond technology, the TRA emphasizes the need for societal change through new governance models and behavioral shifts. Ethical considerations, cultural contexts, and fairness are central to these transformations.
How many members are involved in the TRA and what subject areas do they represent?
We currently have around 250 members drawn from all faculties of the University of Bonn, as well as from the Center for Development Research and external institutions such as the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS). This diverse membership reflects a broad spectrum of subject areas, ranging from crop and soil science, nutrition research, geodesy and geoinformation, and agricultural economics to medicine, robotics, computer science, geography, ethics, and law. A significant number of our members are also affiliated with the PhenoRob Cluster of Excellence, further strengthening our interdisciplinary network across the university.
What makes the TRA particularly interesting for early-career researchers, and how might they benefit from being involved?
The TRA Sustainable Futures offers multiple opportunities for inter- and transdisciplinary networking and exchanges for researchers at all career levels – early-career researchers are thus very welcome to join and participate. In addition, we offer special events for early-career researchers, such as the networking event "Change Agents for Sustainable Transitions: How can Individuals, Societies, Institutions, Technologies and Innovations bring knowledge into action?”, hosted in May 2025 in collaboration with TRA Individuals and Societies.
Furthermore, the TRA Sustainable Futures gives seed funding to transdisciplinary projects and initiatives that fit to the TRA thematic profile. Currently, there is no open call, but new funding calls will be communicated to the members. Generally, an application can be submitted by any member of the TRA Sustainable Futures with a PhD. Doctoral students who are members of the TRA Sustainable Futures may submit a joint application with a PhD member of the TRA.
If early-career researchers would like to learn more about the TRA and how to join, when and where can they meet you directly?
Our website is a great starting point for information related to TRA Sustainable Futures, including our research focus, open calls, upcoming events, and more. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email or phone.
You’re also welcome to meet me in person at various university events such as the Science Festival, Sustainability Days, and Postdoc Days, as well as public events like the Bonn Science Night – and, of course, at TRA-hosted events.