Scientists and experts discuss sustainable mobility in Duisburg

Scientists and experts discuss sustainable mobility in Duisburg

On April 9, 2025, research in the area of ​​sustainable mobility will be in the foreground, with the approaching 17th Science Forum on Mobility, which will take place on May 15, 2025 in the Duisburg CityPalais. Around 400 experts from science, business and politics will take part in the event, which is organized by the Chair of General Business Administration & International Automotive Management at the University of Duisburg-Essen. The opening will be attended by the Minister of Culture and Science, Ina Brandes, the Rector of the UDE, Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert, and the organizer Prof. Dr. Heike Proff headed. The main theme of the forum is “Solving Conflicts on the Way to Sustainable Mobility”.

The topics discussed at this important event range from environmentally friendly technological developments to social acceptance and the economic viability of new mobility concepts. The program includes two panel discussions and more than 60 specialist lectures, which take place in five parallel tracks. Topics such as mobility management, urban mobility, IT, competition, services and support structures are covered. A poster session will also be offered in the “Knowledge Café” and innovative projects and solutions will be exhibited. Futurologist Lars Thomsen will be the keynote speaker.

Innovative approaches for sustainable mobility

Sustainable mobility aims to reduce CO2 emissions and includes various measures, such as the principle of short distances, car sharing and the expansion of local public transport. Digital automation and networking of vehicles also play a crucial role. Research shows that alternative drive systems, especially electric vehicles, are increasingly gaining market share. The market share of electric and hybrid vehicles increased from 1.8% to 2.6% by mid-2019, reflecting progress in the use of sustainable mobility. However, the challenge of limited ranges and high acquisition costs remains, as do regional gaps in the charging infrastructure.

In order to meet the challenges of urban mobility, the promotion of intermodal transport systems is essential. These enable the seamless combination of different modes of transport such as buses, trains, bicycles and car sharing offers. The mobility platform Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) makes a valuable contribution to reducing private transport and promotes the use of public transport. Cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen are successfully using electric mobility, including e-bikes and e-scooters, to reduce CO2 emissions. A crucial factor in this is the expansion of the charging infrastructure.

Objectives, challenges and the role of digitalization

Although the expansion of cycling and walking paths improves the quality of life in cities and reduces emissions, many challenges still need to be overcome. The acceptance of electromobility is one such challenge that must be addressed through education and targeted incentives. Innovative transport concepts such as car sharing and bike sharing have the potential to significantly reduce traffic density in cities, leading to more efficient use of resources.

Technological innovations, including smart cities and smart mobility solutions, not only optimize traffic flows but also reduce environmental impact. Close cooperation between governments, companies and civil society is crucial for the successful implementation of sustainable mobility concepts. The forum on May 15th is intended to provide practical impulses for the implementation of such concepts and to promote scientific exchange.

Participation in the event is subject to a fee and, for the first time, gives students in the 11th grade of the Theodor-König-Gesamtschule Duisburg an insight into the future of mobility. Further information is available on the forum website: wifo-mobilitaet.de.