Research Areas

Research addresses water quality and related issues, including pollutant transport and degradation in soil, groundwater, and surface waters, as well as effects caused by these chemicals and their transformation products (pharmaceuticals, pesticides, persistent hydrophobic organic pollutants, etc.) in the environment. --> Link to Theme I

This research theme addresses interactions and feedbacks between biota and the hydrologic, geologic, and geomorphic components active near the Earth’s surface. Central to this theme are investigations of how small-scale processes such as plant physiology, genetics, ecology and microbial processes interact with larger scale processes like modern and paleo- climate, mountain building, biodiversity, landscape evolution, and rock weathering. --> Link to Theme II

The platform envisages an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability and global change research including technical, ethical, and legal aspects. In close cooperation with partners from the non-scientific community we aim in developing concepts and methodologies for the protection and and management of natural ressources. --> Link to Theme III