Climate change in focus: Cottbus Forum for young researchers starts!

Climate change in focus: Cottbus Forum for young researchers starts!

The PerspectiveForum “Climate Change and Urban Development” will take place at the central campus of the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg from September 29th to October 1st, 2025. The event is organized by the Jugend forscht Foundation. V. and the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and is aimed at “Jugend forscht” alumni between the ages of 21 and 28 who are in training, studying or doing a doctorate. This initiative was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and is part of a broader effort to support young talent in their professional orientation processes.

The PerspektivForum program includes lectures and workshops that deal with current research projects on topics such as fire protection technology, conversion of existing buildings, new construction methods and intelligent building technology. BTU researchers will be present on site to discuss with participants how buildings can be adapted to the challenges of climate change. Prof. Dr. Peer Schmidt, Vice President of the BTU, emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the areas of architecture, urban planning and civil engineering. BTU

Networking is key

During the PerspektivForum, alumni have the opportunity to establish valuable networks that can be important for their future study and career paths. The exchange between current experts and future experts is actively promoted. These events are part of “Jugend forscht” alumni funding, which supports former participants in expanding their professional perspectives and developing innovative ideas. Youth research

Free participation includes accommodation in shared rooms as well as meals and travel costs. The registration deadline is August 24, 2025. Organizational questions can be directed to greenstorming GmbH, while content-related inquiries can be directed to Ms. Sophie Swensson from the Jugend forscht Foundation.

The context of urban development in climate change

The discussion about the influence of climate change on city life is supported by various research initiatives in Germany. The Technical University of Braunschweig recently launched the Urban Climate Future Lab (UCFL) to investigate the influence of climate change on urban structures and to develop innovative solutions for the associated challenges. This laboratory is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture with up to five million euros for six years and brings together experts from various disciplines. TU Braunschweig

Another aspect of the research initiatives is the OPEN_CULTURES laboratory, which is also led by the TU Braunschweig. This is about how climate policy knowledge can be integrated into sustainable urban design. These interdisciplinary projects examine the role of participation, climate-sensitive building design and everyday practices in order to reduce the impact of climate change on cities and increase resilience.

Overall, it is clear that the challenges of climate change require not only technological but also social solutions, which can be found through collaboration between universities, research institutions and committed organizations.