The circular economy seeks to conserve natural resources. In a perfectly circular economy, raw materials that have already been put into circulation are recycled again and again, so that the generation of waste is avoided and the need for new raw materials as inputs decreases while economic growth continues to be possible. In this way, economy and society move within the natural capacities of the Earth.

The first podcast episode on the Circular Economy is now available (in German only).

As one of the leading technical universities in Europe, RWTH is deeply aware of its obligation to help make the University more sustainable in all areas. With our efforts, we are committed to fulfilling our responsibility toward society and industry.

The path to becoming a sustainable university of technology is a process. This transformation cannot happen in all the necessary fields overnight, but – as seen in our Sustainability Mission Statement – RWTH is firmly determined to succeed.

The second podcast episode, this time on the topic of “Sustainability” is now available (in German only).

We all know that we need to transition to a carbon- and nuclear-free energy system and save energy wherever possible. The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine has also brought the urgency home from another perspective. It is not only a matter of making Germany climate-neutral – even if this is the primary goal – but it is also vital that we become less dependent on energy imports.

With the amendment of the Climate Protection Act in 2021, the German government tightened the climate protection targets and stipulated greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. Emissions are to be reduced by 65 percent by 2030 and by 88 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.

Scientists at RWTH Aachen University contribute to a successful energy transition by developing environmental technologies and sustainable solutions.

The third podcast episode, this time on the topic of “Clean Energy for Germany,” is now available (in German only).

For a society to be ready for and viable in the future, it needs interdisciplinary teams in which all genders are represented and intersectional perspectives are considered in solving the multiple challenges of our time. This is the only way we can both create and benefit from diversity. Unfortunately, certain groups of people – including women – are still disadvantaged, play no or only a minor role, and thus cannot have a corresponding influence on overall societal developments.

In this podcast, we look at a selection of women at RWTH who are still underrepresented in their fields: The University’s Equal Opportunity Officer reports on how women from all across the University experience life and work; we also provide information on targeted and tailored preparation for aspiring women architects to encourage them to pursue an academic career. We asked two women professors in mathematics and computer science about possible reasons for the low percentage of women, specifically in STEM subjects. In the final contribution, we are figuring out that “yes, we need to talk about women and technology, but also about a science system that is concerned with how technology development can be socially responsible by being inclusive not only of all genders, but also of diverse people, so it doesn't discriminate against anyone and is thus inclusive in the best sense.”

The fourth podcast episode, this time on the topic of “Gender and Diversity at RWTH Aachen University,” is now available (in German only).

Everyone who has studied knows that your student years are remembered as a very special time: Young people often move away from home, leave their familiar surroundings, and some even leave their home country and continent, to start an exciting new phase of their lives. In the process, they have numerous new experiences, learn new skills and knowledge, research different topics, worry and sometimes despair about their studies, and they develop as a person.

Of course, this all ties them to their alma mater throughout their lives, and many graduates are aware that they owe a lot to their university, not only as their educational institution but beyond. Here they met mentors who supported them, who networked them with others, and who paved the way for them, many a time into an extraordinary career.

In this episode, we take a look at the development and significant impact of alumni activities at RWTH, and we talk to three fascinating individuals, RWTH alums, who fondly remember their student or doctoral years with gratitude, and in whose lives RWTH continues to play a role even after all this time.

To the fifth episode "Alumni of RWTH Aachen University – Keep in Touch