Events of the Sustainability Research Hub
The Sustainability Research Hub regularly invites the research community at the University of Cologne to join events to create spaces for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration. Thereby, the Hub seeks to contribute to advancing sustainability-oriented research at the University of Cologne and embedding sustainable practices into the research culture.
Do you have an idea or a topic suggestion for an event, or would you like to organize an event in cooperation with the Sustainability Research Hub? Feel free to contact us at tatiana.lopez-julies(at)uni-koeln(dot)de.
Events in the summer term 2026
Impulses for Sustainability-Oriented Research at the University of Cologne
Sustainability Lunch Talk Series
In the summer term 2026, the Sustainability Lunch Talks Series once again invites researchers at the University of Cologne to come together on three Mondays from 12:00 to 13:30 to exchange ideas and connect around sustainability-oriented research. The three interactive sessions combine short keynote inputs with open discussion over a shared lunch. The focus will be on topics such as environmental justice, transdisciplinary sustainability research, and sustainability structures in large-scale projects and research consortia.
A lunch bag and drinks are provided for all registered participants.
Please note that sessions on 20 April and 18 May will be held in German.
Venue: Dozierendenzimmer, Main Building, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50931 Cologne
Registration: https://form.jotform.com/260823809408360
Registration for each session is open until one week prior to the respective date. If you are unable to attend after registering, please let us know via email at sustainability-research-hub(at)verw.uni-koeln(dot)de. This helps us plan the lunch bags more accurately and avoid food waste – in line with our sustainability goals.
Program:
20 April 2026: UmweltgeRECHTigkeit – Juristische Perspektiven auf die Nachhaltigkeitstransition
- Fabian Anheier: Klimagerechtigkeit durch Klimahaftung? - Wer trägt die Kosten der Klimakrise?
- Prof. Dr. Joachim Hennrichs: Der Beitrag des Unternehmensrechts im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel
18 Mai 2026: Transdisziplinäre Nachhaltigkeitsforschung – Brücken bauen zwischen Wissenschaft, Praxis und Gesellschaft
- Prof. Dr. Roman Bartosch & Tanya Gautam: Über Musik und Literatur zur ökologischen Transformation - Transdisziplinäre Forschung im Projekt Eco-lit
- Prof. Dr. Franz Krause: Gemeinsam Wissen Schaffen: Umweltethnologische Forschung zum Klimawandel mit indigenen Partnern
22 June 2026: From Structure to Practice - Sustainability-Oriented Research in Large-Scale Projects and Research Consortia
- Dr. Valentina Piano: Sustainable Science in the CRC1218: Small Changes, Big Impact
- PD Dr. Volker Ossenkopf-Okada: Practical experiences from a CRC sustainability board
Workshop at the Fourth Sustainability Forum
Research for Sustainable and Resilient Cities: Perspectives from the UN Academic Impact Hub on SDG 11
This workshop is organized by the Sustainability Research Hub at the University of Cologne in collaboration with De Montfort University (UK) within the framework of the UN Academic Impact (UN AI) Hub on SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. The UN AI initiative connects universities worldwide to advance the Sustainable Development Goals through research, education, and societal engagement. Within the SDG 11 Hub, the University of Cologne, as Vice-Chair, promotes international exchange and collaboration on research and practice related to inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
Urban sustainability transitions require action across multiple interconnected fields, ranging from climate adaptation and mitigation, sustainable mobility, and urban food systems to social inclusion, affordable housing and equitable access to urban services. Addressing these complex challenges requires not only technological and policy innovation, but also the meaningful participation of local communities through participatory and co-creative approaches that integrate local knowledge, reflect diverse needs, and ensure inclusive and equitable urban transformations.
The workshop will introduce the UN AI initiative, provide insights into current research on urban sustainability transitions, and open space for discussion, exchange, and networking. Participants are invited to reflect on the role of research in supporting urban sustainability transitions and to discuss how collaboration between academia, policy, and civil society can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable urban futures.
Inputs:
PD Dr Alexander Follmann (University of Cologne): Participatory Transformation of Urban Food Systems in Times of Multiple Crises: insights from Cologne, Germany
Dr Andrew Reeves (De Montfort University Leicester): Place-based education and collaborative engagement for climate action: the case of Leicester, UK
The workshop will be held in English.
Date & Venue: June 16, 16:30–18:00, Seminar Building, University of Cologne
Registration: Registration for the workshop is possible as part of the registration for the Fourth Sustainability Forum at the University of Cologne. All information on the program and registration can be found here:
https://uni-koeln.de/universitaet/ueberblick/nachhaltigkeit/veranstaltungen/viertes-forum-nachhaltigkeit