News from the University of Potsdam
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“We need a more complex picture of ecological processes.” – Why a paradigm shift towards an individual-based ecology is necessary
The world is in crisis. But not only climate change is alarming researchers; the biodiversity crisis has also assumed threatening proportions. There... more
Understanding Tipping Points in Savannas – Ecologist Prof. Anja Linstädter Researches How Humans Affect the Development of African Savannas and Grassland
Since September 2020, Anja Linstädter has been Professor for Biodiversity Research and Systematic Botany at the University of Potsdam and Director of... more
When Heavy Rainfall Turns into Flash Floods – Hydrology research group examines the hazards of flash floods for cities
In July 2021, there were devastating floods caused by heavy rainfall with 180 deaths and immense economic damages in Rhineland-Palatine and... more
The Ups and Downs of Mountains – Peter van der Beek, guest scientists at the University of Potsdam, obtains an ERC Advanced Grant
The internationally well-known geologist Prof. Peter van der Beek who is currently a guest professor and scientist at the Institute for Geosciences... more
The Mystery of the Rainforest – Geoscientists show that humans were already shaping the central African landscape 2,600 years ago
Fields, roads, and towns but also forests planted in neat rows, and dead-straight rivers: people shape nature to better suit their purposes. The fact... more
Underway in Kenia – February, 15: “Oloonong’ot – mountain of many ridges
Geoscientists on an Excursion in the East African Rift System February, 15th Today we want to study one of the largest caldera volcanoes of the Kenya Rift - Mount Longonot at an elevation of about 2560 m.... more
Quite Warm, Quite Cold – Geomicrobiologist Dirk Wagner researches the smallest lifeforms in extreme environments
The Arctic, deserts, and volcanos: Life exists in very unexpected places – and on a surprising scale. Geomicrobiologist Prof. Dr. Dirk Wagner tracks... more
In Her Element – Why thallium and other trace elements are becoming a problem for the environment and what can be done about it
They are everywhere: in the soil, in the water, and sometimes even in the air, albeit often in such small quantities that they are hardly traceable.... more
Underway in the Andes – March, 9: Fossils in the late summer snow
Travel Journal: Doctoral Students on an Excursion in Western Argentina We are leaving Mendoza and drive to the South along the famous “Ruta 40”, the longest road in South America. Today we are heading to Malargüe and the... more