Research Projects @TdLab
The TdLab Geography at Heidelberg University was founded in 2018 and is dedicated to transdisciplinary geographical research to address complex societal challenges.
The TdLab's approach involves integrating scientific and practical perspectives by engaging a variety of stakeholders in the development of solutions. Its work focuses on adapting to the consequences of climate change, climate protection, education for sustainable development and future skills. Through this integrative approach, the TdLab aims to develop comprehensive and pragmatic solutions that address the varied demands of the present era.
Impulses @ Climate Change Garden
The ideas behind the Climate Change Garden are intended to encourage people to pause for a moment and see the city with new eyes. As you walk through the garden, you will discover traces of climate change in our urban environment, such as heat islands, cool retreats and places of biodiversity.
Further information on projects and events, along with the ideas, will be made available on this website bit by bit. From autumn 2025, a sign with a QR code in the Climate Change Garden will direct you to this website.
The Climate Change Garden is being created on part of the grounds of the Clinic for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics (which is part of the Centre for Internal Medicine and the Centre for Psychosocial Medicine at Heidelberg University Hospital), as well as on the adjacent grounds of the Centre for Asian and Transcultural Studies (CATS) at Heidelberg University, in the Bergheim district.
TrafU: Conception and implementation of the MINT focus on transformative environmental research in the Master's program in Geography
Funding within the framework of the MWK call for proposals “Attractive MINT studies: stimulus program for the future-oriented and innovative development of MINT study programs”
As part of the project, the current optional specialisations on the Master's programme (M.Sc.) in Geography at the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences at Heidelberg University will be supplemented by a new STEM specialisation in Transformative Environmental Research (TrafU), combining geoinformatics and physical geography with transformative skills. TrafU combines competencies in geoinformatics and physical geography with transformative skills. This will ensure that TrafU graduates have a strong STEM foundation, while also aligning with the demands of the professional research and application world in the context of diverse transformation processes.
Silver Ways
Integrating a Walkable Routing System with a 15-Minute Neighborhood Index to Enhance Mobility for Older People | International cooperation with Uppsala (Sweden) and Kayseri (Türkiye)
Silver Ways enhances urban mobility for older people by combining an index of age-friendly 15-minute neighbourhoods with a customised pedestrian route system. The project analyses the walking habits of older people in different cities to develop routes that meet their needs. Route characteristics are captured using geospatial data and image analysis and are then used for optimisation. A special index evaluates the accessibility of important facilities. These findings are intended to help improve the quality of life of older people in cities, in collaboration with urban planners.
Completed projects
CAS | Climate Action Science
The interdisciplinary research team at Heidelberg University's Heidelberg Center for the Environment combines empirical findings from the fields of atmospheric physics and geography on greenhouse gas emissions sources with insights from the social and economic sciences. This approach enables the team to understand where emissions originate and how knowledge of emissions influences climate protection efforts.
Stay cool! Development of interdisciplinary digital teaching/learning modules on heat and health
Fellowship for Dr. Kathrin Foshag & Dr. med. univ. Kathrin Zangerl as part of the Fellowship program for teaching innovations and support services in digital higher education in Baden-Württemberg.
Climate change and associated heat events pose a significant threat to public health. As part of an interdisciplinary teaching and learning project, the fellowship team is developing innovative concepts with geography and medicine students to raise awareness of the health risks associated with extreme heat.
Climate physics meets ESD | A research-oriented hybrid module for future teachers
A new teaching and learning program on climate change for Heidelberg teacher training students of physics and other STEM subjects: Dr. Nicole Aeschbach and Prof. Dr. Werner Aeschbach as tandem fellows for digital university teaching, funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts (MWK) Baden-Württemberg and the Stifterverband
The project's core objective is to develop a teaching and learning programme on climate change for Heidelberg teacher training students specialising in physics and other STEM subjects. This programme will have a direct research focus and a concrete connection to school practice. The programme integrates the fundamentals of physics and the current state of climate science, while aligning with the curriculum and the goals of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
HEAL | Heat adaptation for vulnerable population groups in Heidelberg
Cooperation project with GIScience research group and Heidelberg Institute for Geoinformation Technology (HeiGIT)
As heat stress in cities increases, everyday life and mobility become more restricted, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and people with chronic illnesses. The HEAL research project aims to address this issue. The project will identify hot spots in the Heidelberg metropolitan area using sensor data to calculate routes that avoid the hottest areas. Beyond the project, a map, a routing app, and analogue information materials will be made available.
HEAL is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation as part of the 'Innovations for Adaptation to Climate Change' research programme. Project partners include the Heidelberg Digital Agency, the Heidelberg Environmental Office, the Heidelberg Academy for Older People and local residents.
Environmentally friendly business travel management at universities and research institutions | FlyingLess
Successful research, less flying
The FlyingLess project is a joint initiative of the Ifeu Institute for Energy and Environmental Research gGmbH in Heidelberg and the TdLab Geography. It is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) through the National Climate Initiative (NKI). The FlyingLess project is developing ways to reduce aviation emissions in the academic sector. To achieve the broadest possible impact, the project's results and specific tools are made available through various communication channels.