Our Vision
Issues related to sustainability and sustainability research play a key role in teaching. We develop new teaching and study offerings which are integrated into curricula as a visible part of the various degree programs. The University’s sustainability strategy is continuously further developed in a participatory process within the framework of our BOOST (Bonn Program for Sustainable Transformation) sustainability agenda. Strategic objectives and measures for teaching are being developed in a dedicated working group.
Working through a range of formats, the University of Bonn offers all its students the opportunity to engage with sustainability topics in an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented manner. In line with the UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) program, we take on special responsibility for empowering future generations to better structure society to meet future challenges and more prudently approach the environment and our use of natural resources.
Current teaching activities on the topic of sustainability
The University of Bonn offers all interested parties a regularly changing program of courses on sustainability topics.
Below you will find events that are open to students from all faculties. The complete list of lectures can be found here.
Service Learning
Service learning aims to combine academic knowledge and research with responsible action in civil society. Students work together with partners outside the university to independently design projects or regularly get involved in socially relevant institutions.
"StadtKlimaWandeln": Changing green spaces in Bonn sustainably
In the multi-year project, students are working on the participatory design of (urban) green spaces in order to increase their biodiversity and climate resilience while at the same time taking into account the diverse interests of users.
In addition to seminars, public events, workshops, the development of guidelines and a transformation festival in 2025 are also part of the project.
Public lecture series in the current semester
ThinkJourney:
Towards what future do we want to live?
Together with recognized experts from science and society, we go on a weekly ThinkJourney to explore desirable futures in different areas of life, spanning the semester. Our guests present their research and discuss with students, young researchers and interested members of the public. At the end of the semester, the journeys of thought are followed by a joint journey in real life to a thematically relevant place or institution.
UNESCO Chair
The University of Bonn hosts one of only 16 UNESCO Chairs in Germany, which are characterized by outstanding research and teaching in the areas in which UNESCO works. At the UNESCO Chair in Human Water Systems, Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers and her team are studying the sustainable use of water as a resource from a transdisciplinary perspective.
Interdisciplinary Activities
Campus Ackerdemie
Run in partnership with Acker e.V., the CampusAckerdemie program shows future teachers how to set up their own school garden and integrate it effectively into the everyday life of their school.
Research-based teaching focuses on topics such as environmental interrelationships, food production and sustainable eating.
Joint degree program with the United Nations University (UNU)
The Master’s degree program in the Geography of Environmental Risk and Human Security is offered jointly with the Institute for Environment and Human Security at the United Nations University. It is research-based and focuses on the issues of vulnerability, resilience and adaptation.
Effects of climate change on physical and mental health (online)
The lecture series presents and discusses perspectives from fields such as psychology, political science and medicine.
With the support of the FernUniversität in Hagen and thanks to the Humboldtⁿ Network, participants will gain a broad understanding of research approaches to the topic as well as selected methods of sustainability communication.
Funding Instruments
A grant program that’s diverse, sustainable and digital
The “vielfältig.nachhaltig.digital” (“diverse.sustainable.digital”) internal grant program is designed to further develop studying and teaching at the University of Bonn with an eye on the future.
Funding is awarded on an annual basis.
Sustainability poster competition
Students from all faculties and departments whose courses included aspects of sustainability were able to enter this competition and showcase their projects to a wide audience by presenting a poster.
2020
Establishment of the Service-Learning Coordination Office
2021
Establishment of the UNESCO Chair of Human-Water Systems
2022
Launch of the Campus Ackerdemie pilot project