#FutureLabEarth

What is #FutureLabEarth?

New challenges require innovative ideas – both in science and education. The project #FutureLabEarth, funded by the Foundation for Innovation in University Teaching within the Freiraum2023 initiative, combines science and education into an innovative teaching concept: Challenge-Based Learning.

What does #FutureLabEarth do?

The #FutureLabEarth looks ahead! Creative ideas, advanced methods, and thoughtful approaches aim to overcome climate paralysis, with students taking the lead. They gain deep knowledge about global environmental changes, forming the foundation for designing, testing, and communicating future solutions.

In a two-semester project seminar, students from various disciplines engage with the causes of global environmental changes. They develop and analyze strategies for mitigating and adapting to future climatic changes, supported by expert input. Existing solutions are critically analyzed, tested in field trials, and evaluated. Local stakeholders provide opportunities to study energy infrastructures and mobility concepts through on-site visits. New solution concepts are presented, discussed, and assessed in interim events, with selected ideas receiving financial support for implementation and evaluation.

The #FutureLabEarth is unique! This pilot project entrusts students with developing solution concepts, teaching them to take responsibility for their projects. It showcases innovative university teaching approaches, offering valuable insights into shaping a sustainable future for our planet.

Duration

The #FutureLabEarth runs from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025

News from #FutureLabEarth

15.07.2024 - Student Presentations Round 3

Biochar & Photovoltaics - Coal and sun as climate saviours? Great insights!

08.07.2024 - Student Presentations Round 2

Direct Air Capture, Carbon Capture and Storage, Biofuels and Solar Fuels, and Artificial Upwelling – are we prepared for a NetZero future? Great presentations!

01.07.2024 - Student Presentations Round 1

Blue Carbon, Enhanced Rock Weathering, Wind Power, and Peatlands as methods for CO2 fixation and avoidance. Well done!

24.06.2024 - CCU: CO2 Recycling in Practice

Invited Talk: Christopher Oechsner, Novis BioBased Technology GmbH, Tübingen.

20.06.2024 - Visit to the Deutsche Bahn Innovation Hub

The world's first mobile hydrogen refueling station for H2 trains. Hydrogen is produced on-site via electrolysis using the overhead line to refuel H2 trains. These H2 trains are intended to eventually replace diesel engines operating on non-electrified rail sections.

17.06.2024 - Enhanced Weathering Experiment

Start Field Experiment, University of Tübingen: CO2 Fixation in front of the Geo- and Environmental Research Center (GUZ).

08.06.2024 - Visit to the Solar Park "Lustnauer Ohren" by the Tübingen Municipal Utilities (swt)

Producing 1,157 MWh of solar power per year on the on and off ramps of the B27, supplying 260 four-person households.

27.05.2024 - Pyrogenic Carbon Capture and Storage: Negative Emissions made by Plants and Fire

Invited Talk: Nikolas Hagemann, Ithaka Institute, Goldbach.

06.05.2024 - Enhanced Weathering: Dangerous Hype or Hope for Our Climate?

Invited Talk: Benjamin Möller, University of Tübingen.