New Institute of Geography in Heidelberg: Knowledge for the future!

New Institute of Geography in Heidelberg: Knowledge for the future!

On April 11, 2025, a significant celebration of the founding of the new Institute for Geography and Geocommunication took place at the Heidelberg University of Education. The university's geographers were able to welcome numerous guests of honor, including high-ranking representatives of the German UNESCO Commission as well as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Science, Research and Art. This event marks an important step in the further development of geography as a natural and social science.

Particularly noteworthy is the extension of the UNESCO Chair in Earth Observation and Geocommunications, which is headed by Professor Dr. Alexander Siegmund is standing. The chair, which has existed since 2016, has now been extended until the end of 2028. This chair is not only the only one in Baden-Württemberg, but is also one of the 17 UNESCO chairs in Germany.

Focus on sustainable development

The new institute will focus its work on sustainability and environmental risk management, particularly on issues such as climate change and geopolitical issues. The planned measures include, among other things, a further training program for actors in UNESCO cities that promotes the use of modern geotechnologies. This is a crucial step in supporting global sustainability goals.

The work program of the UNESCO Chair includes the use of digital geomedia, climate change and education for sustainable development. The chair is known not only for its research activities, but also for its role in teaching and preparing the next generation of geographers.

Insight into the new institute

The event, which was characterized by various program items, including greetings and an interactive quiz, gave the participants valuable insights into the future profile of the institute. The guests, including ministry representatives, university members and a teacher-student delegation from the Heisenberg High School in Bruchsal, showed keen interest in the new approaches and initiatives that the institute wants to pursue.

The celebration was rounded off with a reception that offered finger food, drinks and offers from the world of virtual and augmented reality. In this context, the importance of digital media in modern geography was also highlighted.

Professor Dr. Alexander Siegmund, who not only holds the UNESCO chair but also heads the geography department at the Heidelberg University of Education, is a central figure in this innovative environment. He is a co-founder and board member of the Heidelberg Environmental Center and has launched several initiatives such as the GIS station “Klaus Tschira Competence Center for Digital Geomedia”, which are under his leadership. He also runs the “Geco-Lab”, a competence center for geo-ecological spatial research, and is thus impressively committed to geosciences in the region.