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Working groups

The department's research activities focus on the anthropogenic dimension of global change (see focus topics). The unique selling point of geography is its bridging function between the natural sciences and cultural studies. This specific link enables an innovative and fruitful design for global change research. This applies both retrospectively to paleoenvironmental research and prospectively to the development of recommendations for action for sustainable global and regional development.

Physical Geography

Physical geography deals with the natural environment. This can be understood as a complex interplay between geofactors (rock, soil, relief, climate, and water balance) and biofactors (flora and fauna) and the factor of time. In addition, the human factor is becoming increasingly important, as it has a lasting influence on and changes these sub-areas. Physical geography research focuses on the effects and interdependencies of geofactors and biofactors on the environment. The analysis of human influence plays a prominent role in this research.

Working Groups

Ecological Plant Geography (Prof. Dr. Maaike Bader)
Climatology and Environmental Modelling (Prof. Dr. Jörg Bendix)
Soil and Water Ecosystems (Prof. Dr. Peter Chifflard)
Environmental Informatics (Vertr. Prof. Dr. Dirk Zeuss)

Human Geography

Human geography deals with spatial systems in the context of the interrelationship between humans and the natural or man-made environment. Its task is to describe and explain such systems at different scales in a theory-based manner. The overarching goal is to analyze unique or regular structures, functions, and processes in their respective economic, political, and social contexts as the result of human decisions.

Working Groups

Sustainable Transformation Research (Prof. Dr. Sören Becker)
Economic Geography and Location Research (Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas Brenner)
Regional Research and Policy (Prof. Dr. Markus Hassler)
Urban Geography, Spatial Planning & Development (Prof. Dr. Michaela Paal)
Geography of Services, Communication and Innovation (Prof. Dr. Simone Strambach)

Didactics of Geography

Didactics of Geography deal with the research, development, and reflection of teaching and learning processes in geography lessons. The focus is on the question of how spatially-related human-environment relationships, processes of global change, and sustainable development options can be taught in a technically sound, didactically reflective, and socially effective manner. As a bridging discipline, geography education combines geographical sciences with educational, didactic, and educational theory perspectives.

Didactics of Geography (Prof. Dr. Carina Peter)

Former Working Groups

Alumni (German)