Review of doctoral seminar: Transformation of the basic industries

From September 30 to October 2, we welcomed a group of dedicated doctoral students to our section who are all working on a common topic: the transformation of basic industries. The focus of the seminar was on exchange and networking that transcended disciplinary boundaries.

The doctoral students are at different stages of their doctorates and presented their current projects and associated challenges, which we discussed together in the group. Some of them are doing their doctorates directly at our department, while others are part of the IMES at Lund University, with which we cooperate closely. In addition, one doctorate is based at Radboud University in the Netherlands. Many of the dissertations are written as part of research projects, including at the Fraunhofer ISI or the Wuppertal Institute.

An anchor of the seminar was the application of scenarios in inter- and transdisciplinary contexts - a topic that is particularly close to our hearts as a specialist area. Max Åhman from IMES at Lund University opened the seminar, while Christian Scholz from the NRW state think tank Energy4climate.NRW and Thilo Schäfer from the German Economic Institute provided insights into the practical application of scenarios.

A special highlight was the visit to SCHMIDTSCHE SCHACK in Kassel. Jens Hetzer and Kim Jonas Schlueter presented the company's current projects, particularly in the field of plant engineering for petrochemical products and developments towards climate-neutral production processes.

The social part was not neglected either: a joint dinner on Tuesday offered the opportunity for in-depth discussions and an appreciative exchange, which made the seminar a particular success.