Climate crisis in focus: TU Braunschweig is researching tree species of the future!

Climate crisis in focus: TU Braunschweig is researching tree species of the future!

On August 1, 2025, the focus will be on various exciting developments at the Technical University of Braunschweig. The university is intensively addressing the challenges of climate change. A current research project is investigating the resilience of native tree species through targeted nutrient additions. These measures are of great importance given the dramatic consequences of climate change for vegetation. The use of targeted nutrients could make a decisive contribution to strengthening the resilience of trees.

Another innovative project is the Wahrenholz pilot project, which uses treated wastewater for hydroponic vegetable cultivation. This project is part of the “HydroWave+” research project and shows how modern techniques can be integrated into agriculture. Teaching at the university also benefits from digital tools: The Co3Learn project, which has been running since 2021, demonstrates how such technologies can be used across universities to improve teaching offerings.

Education and digitalization in focus

Education in the context of digitalization is becoming increasingly important. This was also highlighted during a discussion about the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on sustainable education. AI can help minimize the ecological footprint and opens up new perspectives in knowledge transfer. The focus here is not only on the pure acquisition of knowledge, but also on the development of important skills that are necessary to overcome complex challenges. These competencies include skill, ability, responsibility and sense of responsibility, which are essential in today's world to be able to operate successfully. Society must increasingly deal with issues such as contexts, connections and strategic preparations in order to be well prepared for future requirements.

The topic of education is also taken into account at Braunschweig University: On August 26, 2025, the ZPE invites you to a digital event series called “Impulshäppchen”, which deals with the topic of giving and receiving feedback. This initiative represents a valuable opportunity to develop communication and feedback skills.

Diverse events and funding opportunities

Numerous events such as lectures, discussions and concerts are also announced in the TU Braunschweig event calendar. A highlight is the Data Days Lower Saxony, which will take place on November 24th and 25th, 2025 in Braunschweig. Participation is free of charge and offers an ideal platform for exchanging information about current topics in the area of ​​data and digitalization.

The Daimler and Benz Foundation has also launched a new funding line called “Forum Research”, which supports innovative projects with up to 150,000 euros. The Volkswagen Foundation's call for scoping workshops runs until September 16th, with an online consultation hour being offered on August 5th. These funding initiatives could represent a valuable resource for many students and researchers.

Such developments are particularly relevant since around 190 students presented their projects as part of a software development internship on July 17, 2025. The three best teams from these presentations were awarded, which once again demonstrates the quality of teaching at TU Braunschweig.

The reporting on these topics is supplemented by the recent campaign surrounding the rainbow flag on Universitätsplatz. This was hoisted to set an example for social diversity and democracy. Such initiatives help promote an open and inclusive university culture.

The diverse offering is rounded off by the extended opening hours of the TU Braunschweig Botanical Garden. Due to the flowering of the tropical giant water lily (Victoria cruziana), the doors are open until 10 p.m., providing an exciting opportunity for those interested in nature.

The constantly evolving projects and initiatives illustrate how TU Braunschweig is addressing the challenges of the future. From ecological solutions to digital approaches to education, the university shows that it is committed to creating an environment that promotes innovation and responsibility. For further information on environmental education initiatives, please refer to the Federal Environment Agency.