Research
Science and Technology for the Benefit of Society
The topic of sustainability in research is dynamically evolving. RWTH strives to foster a unique educational and research environment that embraces the convergence of knowledge, approaches, and insights from the humanities, business and economics, engineering, and the natural and life sciences.
The following chapter provides an overview of recent developments in sustainability and research at RWTH. How does research at the University promote sustainability? How do we think sustainably and integrate sustainability into in our research projects? Further, we provide insights into the interdisciplinary activities of two RWTH centers in the area of circular economy and hydrogen.
An overview of the basic structures in the area of sustainability in research at the University can be found in RWTH’s first Sustainability Report.
Three Questions for...
Professor Dr. Kai-Uwe Schröder, Chair of the RWTH Senate
Sustainability at RWTH is a matter close to the heart of those who learn, teach, research, and work at the University. They all bring different perspectives on the sustainable university. We have three questions for Senate Chairman Professor Kai-Uwe Schröder on sustainability-related research. We are looking forward to his answers!
At a glance
RWTH has increased its positive impact in the area of sustainability, its so-called “handprint”. This is reflected, among other things, in the publication output relating to the Sustainable Development Goals and also in the activities of our University members.
Good to Know: RWTH Is Guided by a Sustainability Mission Statement.
The sustainability efforts at RWTH Aachen University are based on the Sustainability Mission Statement adopted in July 2021. In our mission statement, we have laid out our understanding of sustainability and formulated our joint commitment to creating a sustainable campus. As an orientation framework, it also addresses aspects of governance.
Our Path Toward a Sustainable Future
Developments in Research at RWTH
Since RWTH’s first Sustainability Report was published in 2021, new developments have taken place in the area of research. The timeline shows selected milestones. The revision of the RWTH UROP program line has succeeded in making research projects in the field of sustainability and surrounding the global development goals more visible. The RWTH UROP Sustainability program makes it easier for students to make their first contribution to research in the area of sustainability during their Bachelor's degree.
Collaboration and networking play important roles in promoting research into sustainability, including at universities. May 2022 saw the launch of the Humboldtn sustainability initiative of the universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, which was established in 2021. The platform provided by the initiative aims to bring together skills and expertise in sustainability research. Furthermore, so-called Humboldtn Schools are held to promote young talent. In 2023, Aachen hosted the 2nd School on “Hydrogen as an Innovation Ecosystem” in Aachen.
Research Contributions to the SDGs
RWTH Involved in Cutting-Edge Research
Our first Sustainability Report in 2021 already provided insights into the University's Research and Knowledge Transfer Strategy. As described in the report, sustainability and social responsibility continue to be firmly integrated into the University’s understanding of scientific inquiry and permeate almost all areas of research. In addition to sustainability research and socially responsible research, research for sustainable development plays an important role at RWTH.
To perform a publication data analysis centered on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offers one way of quantifying RWTH’s research contribution to sustainability. As with the first Sustainability Report, the University Library was responsible for carrying out the analysis for the period from 2020 to 2022. Based on already defined search queries that enable comparability, Elsevier’s SciVal analysis tool makes it possible to visualize the research output that contributes to achieving the individual SDGs.
The figure shows a comparative overview of RWTH’s research contribution to the SDGs. The figure shows the relative share of publications (from 2020 to 2022) that are among the 10% most cited publications worldwide for the respective SDG. The diagram bars also show the absolute figures in the form of publications in the top 10% of total publications for the respective SDG (source: publication data analysis of the RWTH University Library, performed on June 27, 2023).
RWTH’s research contribution is particularly noteworthy for eight of the sixteen SDGs under consideration (see figure). SDG 17 is not considered as it is not included in SciVal. The figure shows the respective proportion of RWTH publications that are among the 10% most cited publications worldwide for the corresponding SDG (the so-called “Top 10% Citation Percentile”, field weighted). The year of publication, the type of publication, and the discipline are taken into account when weighting the citations. Example: At RWTH, 1,451 publications were published that are assigned to the topic of SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy. Of these, 241, that is 16.6%, are among the 10% most cited publications worldwide.
For a total of eight SDGs, RWTH’s percentage of top 10% publications is higher than the German or global benchmark. This results in citation frequencies that are above the respective German and international benchmarks for SDGs 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, and 16. The absolute number of publications published in the period from 2020 to 2022 should also be noted. RWTH had the most publications overall on SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being (2,993), SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy (1,451), and SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (1,269). For these three SDGs, RWTH had already achieved citation frequencies above the national and international benchmark in the period from 2015 to 2019 (see first Sustainability Report).
However, it should be noted that the survey was conducted using SciVal on the basis of predefined “Research Areas”. These were refined for SDG 3 for 2022. Due to this modification of search parameters by the provider, it is not possible to compare the results of the analysis with those of the 2021 Sustainability Report for SDG 3. In addition, the analysis of publications presented in this report can be seen as an approximation to capture sustainability-related research at the University.
Good to Know! The Sustainability Strategy.
A process to develop and adopt a Sustainability Strategy and associated roadmap by engaging all members of the University community has been underway at RWTH since the beginning of 2022. The Strategy includes targets, indicators, and specific measures to realize the vision of a climate-neutral and more sustainable RWTH by 2030.
Sustainability in Research
The LeNa Shape Project
It is the declared aim of RWTH to make its own research more sustainable and to integrate the topic of sustainability in its research landscape (for example, the Profile Areas) and its research projects. How can this integration succeed? And how can we increase the enthusiasm for sustainability management both in organizations and among employees? The LeNa Shape project, which has been running since 2021, is looking for answers to these questions.
The LeNa Shape project (BMBF, duration: 04/2021 - 03/2024, FKZ: 01UV2110C) investigates whether and how the principle of socially responsible research changes research processes and projects in terms of quality, impact, and motivation of researchers. Together with various institutes of the Helmholtz and Leibnitz Associations as well as the Fraunhofer and Max Planck Societies, the RWTH Chair of Production Metrology and Quality Management has been investigating processes, methods, and mechanisms such as the communication of results and the choice of evaluation procedures in everyday research.
The aim is to use the results to generate greater involvement and enthusiasm for sustainability management in research organizations and among employees. To this end, the LeNa Shape project is conducted in two scientific modules – LeNa Move and LeNa Value.
From Reflection to Application
In the preceding project LeNa (Sustainability Management Guidelines, project end 2016), a framework for reflection was developed with the aim of supporting systematic thinking about research processes from the perspective of social responsibility. Putting this framework into practice and making the “how” of research more accessible requires a pedagogically sound approach. To this end, the LeNa Move module serves to raise awareness and support the implementation of the LeNa framework for reflection in the scientific community by developing accessible, motivating educational formats.
When developing the formats, great care was taken to take into account the different needs of the target groups, such as prior knowledge, and to offer them in both German and English. Short video clips created to introduce the eight LeNa criteria (ethics, transparency, inter- & transdisciplinarity, integrative approach, dealing with complexity, user orientation, reflection of effects) provide users with a brief insight into the topic.
Microtraining: Breaking Down Barriers
The microtrainings created – short workshops of 1.5 to 3 hours on each of the above criteria – and the workshop “Socially Responsible Thinking in Research Processes” take into account the specific needs and institutional framework conditions of researchers. The pedagogical approach of the trainings on offer is designed to overcome obstacles in the learning process. In addition, a train-the-trainer concept was developed for the microtrainings, which enables participating institutions to adapt the trainings to their individual needs and offer them independently and flexibly to their staff. In addition to the above formats, a bilingual print companion (pocket booklet) and a Web companion, which provide users with additional work and reflection material, are currently being implemented. The gamified companions are designed to illustrate the LeNa criteria in a motivating, entertaining way.
The motivational courses aim to assist researchers and representatives from University institutions in understanding and reflecting on important sustainability aspects in science so that their research management practices can be adapted accordingly.
Outlook
The aim of the LeNa Value module, which runs in parallel and is implemented by partner organizations, is to develop criteria for the quality of research and a methodology for analyzing the impact of research on achieving a more sustainable global development. LeNa Shape is scheduled to end in March 2024, concluding with the LeNa Summit in Berlin, where the project results are presented to the scientific community.
Further Information
LeNa Theory Video Clips
LeNa Website
More Exciting Insights
This section offers further features on sustainability-related research at RWTH. Find out more about the Center for Circular Economy (CCE) and the Center for Sustainable Hydrogen Systems (CSHS). A contribution from the Gender and Diversity in Engineering (GDI) teaching and research unit offers insights on the Living Lab on Templergraben.
Center for Circular Economy (CCE)
The CCE pools the expertise of all faculties at RWTH in the area of circular economy. This interdisciplinary approach is a key factor in the successful transformation of our economic system towards a sustainable circular economy. The CCE offers new paths and perspectives and connects disciplines and sectors that were previously considered separately.
Center for Sustainable Hydrogen Systems (CSHS)
The Center for Sustainable Hydrogen Systems is a key element of RWTH’s efforts to create cutting-edge technology solutions for a greener future. By participating in international networks, the Center pursues the goal of working towards a holistic hydrogen economy that helps ensure a sustainable future for coming generations.
Survey on the Templergraben Living Lab
In June 2021, the so-called Templergraben Living Lab was set up right in front of the RWTH Main Building. In collaboration with partners, the Gender and Diversity in Engineering Research Group (GDI) has dedicated itself to researching the Templergraben. A survey was conducted to explore environmental-sociological aspects of the connection between acceptance of the Living Lab and individual mobility behavior.