Projects handled by the department

Current projects

HyTrust – Toward a hydrogen society

HyTrust studies the societal effects of introducing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the mobility sector. The project examines the general population’s acceptance of hydrogen technology as well as trust in the actors promoting the technology. Experts and citizens elaborate scenarios for the future in participatory processes.

Citizens’ conference “Nanotechnologies and environmental protection”

The citizens’ conference on the topic of “Nanotechnologies and environmental protection – opportunities and risks” enables a group of citizens to form an informed opinion on the opportunities and risks of using nanotechnological processes for environmental applications.

KORINA – Coordination center invasive neophytes in Saxony-Anhalt

The overarching goal of the project is to develop and implement an early-warning system as well as to design measures to combat invasive neophytes in Saxony-Anhalt (Action Program Invasive Neophytes).

E-Trust – Guiding principles and concepts for the future of electric mobility

E-Trust, like HyTrust, examines the general public’s perception and acceptance of electric mobility. The project evaluates existing guiding principles and concepts for the future held implicitly or elaborated in writing by both the general population and the actors influencing policy.

SiteChar – Characterisation of European CO₂ storage

In this project, the UfU is collaborating with 16 European partners on the question which geological, economic, ecological and social prerequisites must be fulfilled before a company can be issued a permit to store CO₂ underground. In this context, the UfU is concerned with the issue of advancing public awareness.

Youth and mobility

The focus of this project is on the question whether changes in young people’s mobility behavior can be observed, what the nature of these changes is and what their causes are. In particular, the significance of mobility and cars for young people’s self-definition is to be questioned. Accordingly, the project concentrates on images and emotions as well as everyday experiences.

Renewable energies in conflict

The energy transition and the implementation of renewable energies it involves are viewed very positively in Germany, with high acceptance by the general public. However, citizens’ approval declines as soon as they are directly affected by the expansion of renewable energy. Local protests and the establishment of citizen’s action groups to oppose the planned projects are not uncommon.

Completed projects

Citizen’s conference “Nanotechnologies and consumer protection”

The use of nanomaterials in consumer products can result in products featuring new characteristics, but also new risks. The citizens’ conference on the issue of nanotechnologies and consumer protection was the first to study the opportunities and risks of nanotechnology applications in the most varied areas, such as food, cosmetics and consumer products, from the perspective of citizens.

H₂O Knowledge

The database “H₂O knowledge – teaching and educational materials on the protection of water bodies,” first published in 2003, was revised, and quality criteria for educational materials on water were developed in the project Water and Education.

Water network Saxony-Anhalt

The cooperation project Water network Saxony-Anhalt accompanied the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive in Saxony-Anhalt with exhibitions, information events and excursions. Practical measures to protect water bodies were also part of the project. For example, more than 500 young trees were planted in various segments of water bodies in Saxony-Anhalt.

 City on the river

Using various building blocks, the project “City on the river” is intended to help people make a connection to their rivers and to initiate relationships that place the Saale River as a natural lifeline with its own special features and peculiarities at the center of attention. Interesting information about the city and the river is to be made available to the public on the Internet as well as on signs in the city and along walking paths.

From a problem to compost – toilet use in allotment gardens

Public relations project commissioned by the Landesverband der Gartenfreunde Sachsen-Anhalt (2005)

Sewage collection and disposal in allotment garden areas

Study commissioned by the city of Halle (2004)

Introduction of an “Adopt-a-stream” program in Saxony-Anhalt

Project supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment Saxony-Anhalt and AKTION MENSCH (2002-2005)

Implementation of soil-friendly agricultural practices to guarantee erosion prevention and water pollution control

Project supported by the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Agriculture and the Environment Saxony-Anhalt (2002-2004)

Monitoring zooecological efficiency of compensating measures

Project commissioned by Flughafen Leipzig-Halle GmbH (2000-2005)

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