The University of Potsdam - A portrait
Profile
With the Earth in Mind
Focus Area Earth Sciences
Photos: K. Rehak/ U. Altenberger/ K. Fritze
Which fuels will we use for heating in the future, and which materials will be available for future technological developments? When will the next earthquake happen, why is lava black, and how dangerous is the disappearance of glaciers in the Alps? These are intriguing questions that the Earth Sciences focus area is seeking to answer.
In its search for answers regarding the processes on our planet, their relation to processes in the earth's interior, and possible predictions for the future development of our ecological community, the focus area brings together scholars from geosciences, climatology, and environmental science. In light of climate change, the dwindling of the earth's resources, and the constant development of new areas of settlement, a multidisciplinary cooperation among biologists, physicists, social scientists, and political scientists is becoming ever more important. Only such cooperation makes it possible to predict the future development of our environment and to formulate corresponding strategies.
Building on Potsdam's 150-year old tradition of cutting-edge research in the geosciences, the field is collaborating closely with internationally renowned extramural research institutions and has in recent years become a center for earth sciences in Europe. The proximity to strong partners outside the university as well as the close cooperation with international universities and industrial partners have made Potsdam an excellent location with unique fields of study, applied research, and outstanding opportunities for supporting young scholars. These ideal conditions are also evident in the coordination of important projects, such as the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) or PROGRESS - a research and technology network working in the fields of natural hazards, climate change, and sustainability.
"Our consistent networking with extramural research institutes
and the international focus of our research offer unique opportunities
and exciting prospects for our students and young scholars."
Prof. Dr. Manfred Strecker,,
Spokesperson for the Focus Area Earth Sciences
Photo: K. Fritze
