The winter semester 2026/2027 has successfully begun, and we are delighted to warmly welcome our new students and new staff to the GeoZentrum Nordbayern. A particular highlight this semester is the official launch of our new English-taught Master’s programme Earth System Dynamics and Evolution (ESDE).
A total of 114 students have started their first semester as majors in the Bachelor’s programmes in Geosciences and GeoSustainability and another 43 students their first semester as majors in the Master’s programmes in Geosciences (with the English-taught MSc, Palaeobiology), Geothermal Energy/GeoEnergy, and Earth System Dynamics and Evolution.
An important new development this semester is the launch of our new English-taught elite Master’s programme, Earth System Dynamics and Evolution. This interdisciplinary programme provides students with the scientific foundations and methods needed to investigate complex questions across different spheres of the Earth system and over a range of timescales. The curriculum combines interdisciplinary modules with discipline-specific foundational courses and advanced electives. These include advanced courses in data analysis and modelling, as well as laboratory and field courses. Students develop their critical thinking skills and learn to formulate their own research questions and carry out research projects, preparing them for their Master’s thesis in the fourth semester. In addition, they receive training in science diplomacy and learn to critically evaluate the role of science in society. The programme is part of the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB) (https://www.elitenetzwerk.bayern.de/en/home), which provides crucial financial support. Membership also offers students a wide range of opportunities for academic and personal development, including soft skills seminars, networking opportunities and participation in exceptional events such as the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.
With the launch of the new Master’s programme, our team is growing, too. We warmly welcome seven new German and international members of staff who will support the programme and work across the GeoZentrum Nordbayern, the Department of Geography and the Chair of Science, Technology and Gender Studies at FAU, as well as the Bayreuth Centre for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER).
We wish all our new students and staff a successful start, exciting experiences and lots of enjoyment in their new roles and challenges!