Establish sustainability as the guiding principle in the development of technical systems
With this goal in mind, the University of Freiburg founded the new Institute for Sustainable Technologies - INATECH - in October 2015.
At its heart is a dedicated engineering approach to finding technical solutions to challenges that emerge from the core issues of sustainable development.
Take on the challenges of our time with engineering science
Together with partners from the public and private sectors, INATECH uses interdisciplinary research projects to develop technical systems that take on the challenges of our generation.
Resource scarcity
Our raw materials and resources are finite. Sustainable technologies must treat them responsibly.
Energy revolution
The energy system of the future must be more than just climate neutral. Similarly, electricity and heat must be failsafe and available at affordable prices.
Climate change
Global warming has consequences. INATECH was established to find solutions that can minimize climate change and produce engineers capable of building a sustainable future.
Complex risks
Risks are one consequence of the rapidly growing complexity and interdependence of our critical infrastructures. INATECH researches how they can be minimized and avoided.
What is Sustainable Systems Engineering?
Sustainable Systems Engineering is the process of designing technical systems in such a way that they contribute to sustainable development and have the least possible impact on the environment. This process is characterized by the following strategies:
The structure of INATECH
INATECH is composed of an equal partnership between the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg and the five Freiburger Fraunhofer institutes.
This foundation is unique in the research field, a structure that covers the entire spectrum from fundamental research to industrial application.
Director INATECH
Prof. Dr. Stefan Glunz
Secretary INATECH: Vanessa Schultz
Emmy-Noether-Straße 2, 2nd floor North
+49 (0)761 / 203 - 96900
info@inatech.uni-freiburg.de
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Balle
Secretary INATECH: Vanessa Schultz
Emmy-Noether-Straße 2, 2nd floor North
+49 (0)761 / 203 - 96900
info@inatech.uni-freiburg.de
Vice Dean & Dean of Studies INATECH
Prof. Dr. Anke Weidlich
Secretary: Viola Gartner
Emmy-Noether-Straße 2, 4th floor West
0761 / 203 - 54177
viola.gartner@inatech.uni-freiburg.de
History
The challenges of the energy revolution, resource scarcity, global warming and complex risks: INATECH was founded as a response to the urgent questions of our time.
2015
INATECH founded
The University is already optimally positioned for addressing societal and political questions on sustainability. It is now clear that sustainability must be more than a research domain of the natural sciences. Engineering solutions are also required to implement practical solutions. Scientific and technological experts are teamed together with the five Freiburger Fraunhofer institutes: INATECH is founded.
2016
Masters: Sustainable Systems Engineering
The goal was clear from the start: produce capable and motivated engineers ready to build a sustainable future. Run entirely in English, the Masters program with students from across the world begins.
2018
Bachelor studies begin
The German-language Bachelor course begins. It teaches general engineering basics with a focus on sustainable development.