Heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and rising sea levels – the effects of climate change are being felt by people all over the world. Climate change is not only impacting the natural world, but is also having far-reaching effects on the economy, society, and everyday life. With the new research network “Building Climate Resilience for a Vital Environment” (BRaVE), the University of Augsburg aims to research vulnerabilities arising from the effects of climate change and develop solutions for adaptation. The network was officially launched on the 23rd of January 2025.  

Interdisciplinary cooperation

BRaVE is based at the Centre for Climate Resilience, founded in 2021, and is composed of twelve sub-projects conducted by researchers from a variety of different disciplines. The network unites the knowledge and perspectives of different faculties at the University of Augsburg, as well as other research institutes such as the Environmental Science Centre and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Health Research. “The scope of topics being researched ranges from geoscientific and economic questions to medical and social aspects and political and legal dimensions,” explains Prof. Axel Tuma, coordinator of the network and representative for the green transformation at the University of Augsburg.

The aim of the project is to develop quantitative and qualitative methods to identify the vulnerabilities of people, ecosystems, and society to the effects of climate change. It also aims to develop indicators for the early identification of risks alongside sustainable approaches for minimising these risks.

International interest and promoting early career researchers

Twelve doctoral positions were advertised at the start of the network, which attracted a lot of international interest. In total, there were 480 applications from various countries.

“The large number of applications shows how relevant and attractive research on climate resilience is worldwide,” says Dr Andrea Thorenz, who together with Tuma is coordinating the BRaVE network.

Alongside addressing scientific issues, BRaVE also places great value on the development of practical solutions that can be applied to different areas of society. Through the involvement of early career researchers, the network aims to contribute to the long-term development of innovative approaches to overcoming the consequences of climate change.

Further information about BRaVE and the twelve sub-projects can be found on the University of Augsburg’s website. https://www.uni-augsburg.de/de/forschung/einrichtungen/institute/zentrum-fur-klimaresilienz/forschung/green-research-network/