Future in focus: Leuphana University starts comprehensive transformation project

Future in focus: Leuphana University starts comprehensive transformation project

Leuphana University in Lüneburg has launched an ambitious project called “Embracing Transformation” that aims to understand and control comprehensive transformational processes in our society. More than 100 scientists at different career levels work together to gain new insights in five interdisciplinary areas of potential as well as in the psychology of transformation. Prof. Dr. Erich Hörl, Vice President for Research, formulates the objective of the project: The combination of research, teaching and practical communication should effectively address the challenges of transformation in globalized societies. The Leuphana Transformation Lab is particularly highlighted as a central thinking and working space in the university building that promotes exchange and collaboration in order to develop and implement solutions to pressing social problems.

The project includes a wide range of interdisciplinary seminars, workshops and conferences. Master's graduates from Leuphana University have the opportunity to actively participate in this university-wide research project. Central research topics include climate futures in digital cultures, the role of companies as agents of sustainability transformation, democratic resilience, organizing in times of crisis, paths to a regenerative society and the psychology of transformation. These focal points offer research programs a modern basis that aims to attract and develop talent from all over the world.

Promotion and social relevance

The doctoral program as part of the project teaches both modern research methods and advanced theories. The project is supported by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation, which are providing a total of 18.5 million euros. This generous funding underlines the social relevance of the project, especially given the global challenges we are facing.

According to current reports, the world is facing immense pressure because no country is currently meeting the basic needs of its population in a sustainable manner. Global environmental change is expressed in increased natural hazards such as forest fires, floods and droughts and is reflected in the effects of climate change such as the extreme weather events in recent years, both in Germany and internationally. For example, in 2021, floods caused damage of around 44 billion euros, while drought and heat events in 2022 resulted in costs of around 40 billion euros. Given these facts, the need for greater efforts to reduce emissions and develop resource-efficient economies is essential to avoid future damage.

Interdisciplinarity and research competence

The interdisciplinary research landscape at Leuphana University plays a crucial role in the critical diagnosis of current social challenges. The cooperation partners encompass a variety of disciplines, including media, art, literature, philosophy, science and social sciences, which together deal with topics such as migration, the Anthropocene and decolonization. Projects such as the DFG graduate school “Cultures of Criticism” aim to expand different perspectives of perception and develop new approaches to thinking and acting.

In summary, the comprehensive project from Leuphana University highlights the critical need to recognize, analyze and actively shape transformations in various areas of society. This happens not only by supporting young talent, but also by gradually building a new, sustainable future.