News
28.11.2023
Sustainable Christmas market
Learn more about sustainability around and in everyday student life with fragrant waffles, a delicious hot drink and a pre-Christmas atmosphere: on December 6 from 3-7 p.m. at Mensa Zülpicher Straße.
14.11.2023
“Our human rights”
The Cologne Junior University will continue soon. In addition to the "regular" JuniorUni program, upper school courses can take part in a small series of events on the subject of human rights. Registrations are possible until December 20, 2023.
07.11.2023
Capturing the sun
Researchers around the world are in a race to develop particularly efficient solar cells. The widely used silicon solar modules are not the only solution. Research teams in Cologne are focusing on less common materials with very special properties.
17.10.2023
Sustainability Office with new consultation hour for the winter semester 2023/24
For all interested parties who have questions or ideas on the topic of sustainability at the University of Cologne, the Sustainability Office now offers a consultation hour every Wednesday from 12 to 1 pm at the InnoDom Cologne. You can register for this informally at nachhaltigkeit
verw.uni-koeln.de.
20.09.2023
First dedicated Vice-Rectorate for the area of sustainability
In addition to Rector Professor Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, the Rectorate will comprise six Vice-Rectors and the Chancellor from October 1, 2023. For the first time, the area of sustainability is also represented with its own Vice-Rectorate. Professor Dr Kirk W Junker was elected as the new Vice-Rector for Sustainable Development.
17.08.2023
ESD Workshop: "Activating design potentials in teaching".
The Center for Higher Education Didactics is organizing a workshop on "Education for Sustainable Development: Activating Design Potentials in Teaching" on 27.10.23.
08.08.2023
In the current Unimagazin: Sustainability at the University of Cologne
The current issue of the university magazine reports, among other things, on current and upcoming developments in the field of sustainability at the University of Cologne.
27.07.2023
Lecture Series in WS 23/24: Modern Earth System Sciences - Complex, Digital, Interdisciplinary
Eight lectures provide an initial overview of different approaches and disciplines that study the Earth system. Besides the climate in the past, the current climatic conditions also on other planets or moons, processes of the Earth's surface will be highlighted. This lecture series is coordinated by the Core Profile Area (KPA) "Intelligent Methods for Earth System Science".
17.07.2023
EUniWell Abroad Fellowship for SDG-related projects: Call still open until July 30
Until July 30, 2023, it is still possible to apply for a fellowship abroad in the context of research or theses that are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Funding is available through the EUniWell Abroad Fellowship.
12.07.2023
First announcement of the University Award "Sustainability" in 2023
This year, in addition to the already established categories, the University of Cologne will award a University Prize "Sustainability" for the first time, recognizing outstanding individuals who have distinguished themselves through their special commitment to sustainability at the University of Cologne.
28.06.2023
University of Cologne adopts holistic sustainability strategy
Sustainability is to be more firmly anchored in research, teaching and transfer as well as in operations and organization. With the recently adopted sustainability strategy, the university has taken a big step forward.
27.06.2023
Sustainability office with successful pop-up week
The newly founded Sustainability Office of the University of Cologne could be found for one week in mid-June as a pop-up office on Albertus-Magnus-Platz. On site, a joint exchange with all interested parties of the University of Cologne in the field of sustainability took place, accompanied by a suitable supporting program.
15.06.2023
protoTYPES Cologne - Meet founders for a sustainable future
At protoTYPES Cologne, founders will talk about their sustainable ideas in the auditorium of the University of Cologne on June 22 from 5:30 pm. They will report on how solutions also create new challenges and why the right mindset is therefore crucial.
30.05.2023
Pop-Up Sustainability Office of the University of Cologne from June 16 - 23
In order to introduce themselves in more detail as the newly founded Sustainability Office of the University of Cologne and to get to know each other, the team of the Sustainability Office will be located at the entrance to the bicycle garage on Albertus-Magnus-Platz as a "Pop-Up Sustainability Office" from June 16 - 23.
30.05.2023
Center for Teacher Education organizes ESD Action Day on June 16
Education for Sustainable Development offers the great opportunity to leave the classroom and make teaching lively and action-oriented. The University of Cologne offers exciting places of learning and inspiring projects where students can work on sustainability goals. The Center for Teacher Education cordially invites students, (prospective) teachers, and all interested parties to get to know these learning sites and offerings on Friday, June 16, 2023 as part of an action day from 2 to 6 pm.
24.05.2023
EUniWell offers one-week intensive program on green and CO2-neutral cities
To deepen the European Union's mission towards climate-neutral and smart cities, EUniWell has collaborated with the University of Florence to design a one-week intensive program on "Green andCO2-neutral cities". The course will take place online as well as partly on-site in Florence, Italy.
10.05.2023
Successful follow-up meeting to the first Sustainability Forum
Follow-up meeting! After the promising event of the first Forum Nachhaltigkeit in February, a digital follow-up meeting at the end of April enabled participants and interested parties of the forum to come together again, to continue networking with each other and to continue their collaboration in various fields.
09.02.2023
Course "Sustainability Manager
The University of Cologne offers in cooperation with the IHK the course "Nachhaltigkeitsmanager:in" and the registration is now open.
09.02.2023
First Sustainability Forum
The first Sustainability Forum, hosted by the University and University Hospital in the MIT Lecture Hall Building, was held on Feb. 9, 2023. Approximately 250 people from across the University and University Hospital gathered to learn, network, and expand plans for sustainable transformation. The event was overshadowed by the sudden death of Ms. Kiendler-Scharr, a renowned climate scientist at our university who also wanted to be involved in this event.
06.12.2022
Joint project explores climate change from a cultural studies perspective
The German Research Foundation (DFG) and the British Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) are funding a joint interdisciplinary project by researchers from Germany and the United Kingdom for three years with a total of around 750,000 euros.
04.11.2022
Expert Council on Climate Issues: 2030 target achievement questionable without paradigm shift
In its new biennial report, the Council of Climate Experts points to a significant achievement gap with regard to the 2030 climate targets. EWI Director Marc Oliver Bettzüge is part of the panel appointed by the German government.
Further information
26.10.2022
Ceremonial Opening of the new Research Institute for Sustainability, Corporate Law and Reporting (INUR)
On October 26, 2022, the University of Cologne celebrated the opening of the Institute for Sustainability, Corporate Law and Reporting (INUR) of the Faculty of Law, which was founded in May. The institute addresses a new area of research that is emerging as a result of the increasing demands on companies to act sustainably.
26.09.2022
Saving energy at the University of Cologne
The University of Cologne wants and needs to save energy. It is therefore participating in the nationwide energy-saving campaign in order to contribute to a climate-friendly and crisis-proof energy supply.
A number of energy-saving concepts have already been implemented in recent years, for example as part of construction and renovation measures. In view of the limited energy supply and the drastically increasing prices for energy supply, the university must take further effective measures. These include structural energy-saving measures, central regulation of the energy supply per building, maintenance or replacement of old equipment. These measures are carried out centrally by the university's building department.
Many small deeds make us "energy saving heroes": turning off a light, turning down the heating when you go home, or turning off the coffee machine. It is of utmost importance that the researchers, students and employees of the University of Cologne are informed and committed to this path. Only together will we achieve significant savings, advance the changeover to a sustainable use of energy, and at the same time enable the regular operation of the university.
Together we are strong in saving. Remember:
We make a difference!
26.09.2022
Imagine the Future of Universities - Ideas Competition and Study Trip to Nantes Université
Do you have an ingenious idea on how to make universities sustainable? Would you like to contribute to leaving a green footprint on the future of universities?
EUniWell invites students to participate in an ideas competition. Students with the most original and at the same time feasible ideas will be invited to a 4-day study trip to Nantes Université. There, you will have the opportunity to further develop the ideas with other EUniWell students in a hackathon. You will also have the opportunity to participate in other local Sustainable Development Week events. Detailed info can be found in the linked call for proposals.
Here you can directly access the online form for idea submission. Deadline is October 11, 2022.
06.07.2022
University of Cologne again awarded as Fairtrade-University
For its commitment to promoting fair global trade, the University of Cologne has been awarded the Fairtrade designation for another two years.
More
01.07.2022
University of Cologne systematically records third-party funded projects related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From 01 July 2022, the University will systematically record whether newly acquired third-party funded projects are related to one of the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (see: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/nachhaltigkeitspolitik/nachhaltigkeitsziele-verstaendlich-erklaert-232174). The 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development are part of the 2030 Agenda, which addresses governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia worldwide.
To this end, the third-party funding announcements have been adjusted. In the future, it must be indicated whether a third-party funded project focuses on at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (yes/no). If yes, it is requested to name the (up to three) most important goals. In the respective third-party funding announcements, reference is made to further information on the sustainability goals.
01.07.2022
Citizen science: Research climate and environment yourself - with the smartphone apps of the Institute of Geography
Don't just read about environmental change and climate change, do your own research! An extensive collection of smartphone apps on the topics: Atmosphere, Soil, Vegetation, Fauna and Water will help you. A very easy way to get started can be found in particular on the Learning, Experience and Active Paths (LEAPs), for example on the topic of urban climate in Cologne.
27.05.2022
New Collaborative Research Center in Plant Research for the University of Cologne
The new Collaborative Research Center investigates the genetic basis and key mechanisms of plant adaptation to environmental changes.
More
25.04.2022
The new Sustainability Council of the University of Cologne has met
On 25.04.2022, the Council met for the first time to discuss the development of the sustainability strategy and to make recommendations on it. The council consists of 12 voting members: one professor per faculty, two academic staff members, two representatives from technology and administration, and two students. The Rectorate Representative for Sustainability chairs the council in an advisory capacity. The Sustainability Council meets regularly twice a year, each time during the current semester, to discuss and develop statements and recommendations.
25.04.2022
The new Sustainability Council of the University of Cologne has met
On 25.04.2022, the Council met for the first time to discuss the development of the sustainability strategy and to make recommendations on it. The council consists of 12 voting members: one professor per faculty, two academic staff members, two representatives from technology and administration, and two students. The Rectorate Representative for Sustainability chairs the council in an advisory capacity. The Sustainability Council meets regularly twice a year, each time during the current semester, to discuss and develop statements and recommendations.
30.3 2022
When everything sinks into the sand
Sandstorms once devastated entire swaths of land in the USA. They were caused by intensive agriculture, drought and a lack of soil care. Cologne meteorologists are investigating whether such Dust Bowl scenarios could also become possible in Europe.