The "IGeo" represents an interface between basic and applied research. We are interested in natural climate variability as well as climate and human impact on aquatic ecosystems in both urban and remote, near-natural regions.
Our core areas in research and teaching are based on geoscientific, limnological, ecological and sediment-geological methods, GIS-based landscape reconstructions, and bioindication, the analysis and application of organisms as environmental and climate indicators. We use sediments as environmental archives for long-term monitoring of aquatic ecosystem dynamics.
We train our students in geo-ecosystem understanding so that they are well prepared to assess interdependencies and feedbacks within and outside the geo-ecosystem. Students are qualified for employments in the fields of landscape management, water quality assessment, conservation, (paleo-) climate research and able to develop concepts for environmental protection, especially under the aspects of future climate development and landuse, or to collaborate in international and interdisciplinary research programs.
September 08th, 2025 - The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences has taken over the HiPerCoRig (High-Performance Coring Rig) on permanent loan from the Technical University of Braunschweig. - Magazine of TU Braunschweig (Link)
On 28 August 2025, Siran Liang successfully defended her dissertation on "Un/seeing Yaks and Rangelands Like a State - Slow Pastoralism in China's Eco-Development". We congratulate Siran Liang on her successful defence and wish her all the best and every success in her future endeavours.
On 21 June 2025, TU Braunschweig opened its laboratories and facilities to the public as part of CampusXperience. Under the motto "From the lab to the world - come on an expedition with us!", we presented our equipment for field work in remote locations and provided insights into microscopy. Visitors of all ages were able to view freshly collected plankton samples under the microscope and learn more about ostracods, which we use as bioindicators, among other things. Our stand was well attended: Numerous interested people took the opportunity to get a taste of laboratory air and exchange views on current research topics. We would like to thank all participants and guests for their interest and the pleasant discussions.
We congratulate Rodrigo Martinez-Abarca, Mauricio Bonilla Flores and Sonja Rigterink on the successful defence of their dissertations.
We wish them all the best and every success in their future endeavours.
Mai 28th, 2025 - Is the Third Pole really getting greener?
Using satellite data, scientists observe a “greening” of the grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau, while yak herders report deteriorating pastureland. An interdisciplinary team at TU Braunschweig has investigated this contradiction. - Magazine of TU Braunschweig (link)