New master's programme ‘Sustainability Science: Resources, Materials and Chemistry (M.Sc.)’ starts in autumn

‘Chemistry must be sustainable and contextualised in order to prevent and solve the current or even future problems related to socio-environmental pollution, resource scarcity and energy transition,’ says Prof. Dr. Dr. Vânia Zuin Zeidler, Professor of Sustainable Chemistry and Renewable Organic Resources. The new master's programme ‘Sustainability Science: Resources, Materials and Chemistry (M.Sc.)’ aims to enable students to design sustainable solutions, through cutting-edge knowledge in chemistry, materials science and energy. ‘Our programme is unique in several ways compared to existing programmes in Germany and around the world: we use systems thinking as a methodological approach. The relationships between the concepts covered regarding chemistry and materials, such as renewable and finite resources and their life cycles and flows, are critically discussed using real-world examples,’ says Vânia Zuin Zeidler.

Another special feature of the programme is that it enables students to shape a more sustainable and healthier future. They can design molecules and products and learn how materials and energy can be used in a circular manner. Current topics such as AI, planetary boundaries, regenerative practices, future food and diversity are addressed using the latest teaching approaches to develop critical and systemic thinking – for the good of the planet and all beings.

The focus is on real-world problems to develop and analyse new products, processes and services using greener and more sustainable technologies and feedstocks: ‘We cooperate with leading global chemical companies, institutions and influential NGOs and political organisations. Our students have the opportunity to work on solving acute problems through internships. With this study programme, we are educating scientists on a critical and solid basis, who are in high demand on the job market, in Germany and globally. We aim to make an effective contribution, through education and cutting-edge science, to building a fairer, more responsible and sustainable society.’ says Vânia Zuin Zeidler.