Central objectives and tasks
After 10 years working under the 'FTZ-ALS' heading, we have, as part of the Faculty of Life Sciences' new ordinance, chosen to use a new name: the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management Research and Transfer Centre (FTZ-NK). This name reflects our work and our expertise on matters related to sustainability and climate change, including the interconnection between climate and health. We continue to undertake high-quality research projects, train BSc, MSc and PhD students, and hold high-profile events in Germany and around the world.
The main objective of the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management RTC is to support fundamental and applied research on sustainable development and climate issues, especially by conducting practice-oriented research projects. The centre also promotes HAW Hamburg's contribution to knowledge and technology transfer at the national and international levels.
The RTC's central tasks are as follows:
- Implementation of interdisciplinary research projects in the field of sustainable development and climate change, including health-related issues
- Strengthening of international cooperation and support for the establishment of networks; organisation of conferences, symposia and further training programmes on sustainable development and climate change
- Application and adaptation of R&D results to other regions and countries
- Promotion of the next generation of scientists through supervision of Master's and PhD theses on sustainable development and climate change issues
Topics
Our RTC addresses the following topics:
- Sustainable development
- Energy resources and management
- Climate change and climate protection
- Climate change and health
- Nature conservation
- Environmental protection technologies
Since January 2023, the RTC has a new structure that shows more clearly where the center’s core expertise and work is. The head of the center – Prof. Dr. mult. Walter Leal – now oversees three units:
- Environment and Circular Economy
- Climate Change and Health
- Sustainability
