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Geography in Marburg: Humans – Environment – Global Change
At the Department of Geography at Marburg University, we study the interactions between society, the environment, and the Earth system. Our research combines natural science and social science perspectives in order to understand key challenges of global change and to develop sustainable solutions.
How are ecosystems, cities, and societies changing in the context of global change? What interactions exist between human activities and natural systems? And how can sustainable and liveable spaces be created for the future?
Research on key challenges of our time
Geographical research in Marburg addresses central questions of global change – ranging from climate dynamics and biodiversity to sustainable economic systems and urban and rural transformation processes.
Research at the department is organised around four central thematic fields:
Humans and the Earth System
This thematic field investigates the complex interactions between society and the environment. It includes research on sustainable development, food systems, environment and health, as well as global transformation processes.
Monitoring and Modelling
Modern geography is increasingly data-driven. Researchers at the department develop and apply innovative methods such as remote sensing, spatial modelling, geodata analysis, data science, and AI-supported approaches in order to better understand environmental and societal processes.
Climate and Transformation
Climate change is transforming ecosystems, cities, and societies worldwide. In this thematic field, we investigate climate dynamics and their impacts on natural systems, resources, infrastructures, and societal development. At the same time, we analyse how economies, political systems, and societies change under conditions of climate change and which transformation processes are necessary to enable sustainable ways of living and economic activity in the long term.
Resilience and Education
This thematic field explores how cities, regions, and landscapes can become more resilient to crises and long-term change. At the same time, the communication of knowledge on sustainable development and the transfer of scientific knowledge to society and education play a central role.
Research and teaching closely connected
The degree programmes of the department and their curricula are closely linked to these research themes. Students not only learn geographical theories and methods, but also engage early on with current scientific questions.
They acquire strong disciplinary and methodological skills, learn to analyse complex spatial processes, to develop scientifically grounded solutions, and to communicate their results clearly.
Learning through practice
Geography is a practice-oriented discipline. Therefore, practical applications and independent research experiences already play an important role during the degree programmes.
Our students benefit from
- practice-oriented research projects
- field courses and excursions
- modern geodata analysis and digital methods
- cooperation with public authorities, companies, and international organisations
This allows them to apply their knowledge beyond the university and to work on societally relevant challenges early in their studies.
Career perspectives
Many current societal and environmental challenges have a spatial dimension. This is precisely where geographical research and education contribute.
The analysis of spatial structures, processes, and human–environment relations is essential for understanding and addressing contemporary societal and environmental challenges.
Graduates of the department work, among others, in
- environmental and climate research
- nature conservation and biodiversity protection
- urban and regional planning
- regional and rural development
- environmental and resource management
- mobility and transport planning
- geodata analysis, GIS, and remote sensing
- environmental education, education for sustainable development, and science communication
- international development cooperation and international organisations
- consulting, policy advice, and project management
- research and academia
Through their training, they contribute to the development of scientifically grounded solutions for societal and environmental transformation processes.