Scientific findings should not only shine in theory, but should also directly drive ecological, technological, and societal change in the Ruhr region and become tangible for people, according to Dr. Christoph Baer, who contributed to the new university development plan. 

Dr. Christoph Baer, Executive Director of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, particularly highlights the motto “From Discourse to Action” from the university’s development plan. The “Geistesblitz” event on September 25, 2026, in downtown Bochum will demonstrate what “hands-on science” can look like in practice.

At a hands-on station run by Collaborative Research Center 1683 “Modular Reuse” on the topic of sustainable concrete, visitors can experience and experiment with the connection between the lab and real-world applications for themselves.

Through a direct discussion with Dr.-Ing. Tito Gehring from the Chair of Urban Water Management and Environmental Engineering as part of the “Let’s talk! Science Direct – LIVE” series, interested participants will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the approach to CO₂ upcycling in wastewater treatment plants.