Social connection in times of climate change

The X-Student Research Group “Social Connection in Times of Climate Change” is an interdisciplinary course that enables students to design and develop their own research projects. During the winter semester 2025/26, participants collaboratively developed the project “The Intergenerational Climate Resilience Lab.” In the summer semester 2026, students are implementing this project, which focuses on fostering intergenerational dialogue in urban settings such as Berlin. The project explores how community engagement and exchange across generations can strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges.

Come to our exhibition in Berlin!

RESEARCH GROUP MEMBERS

GROUP UPDATES AND VISITS

Visit to the Federal Ministry (BMBFSFJ)

During the winter semester of 2025/26, we had the opportunity to visit the Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ). We gained insights into the ministry’s inner workings and received a detailed introduction to its national loneliness strategy from Dr Herlind Megges, a policy advisor and member of the Project Group Loneliness. This was followed by an interactive session. This experience provided us with a valuable insight into policymaking and sparked meaningful conversations about how researchers can contribute to policy changes.

Guest Session: Dorothea Baltruks (CPHP)

Dorothea Baltruks, Director of the Centre for Planetary Health Policy (CPHP), joined our group at Charité for a session. She introduced us to the workings of a leading Berlin think tank and shared her insights on how they bridge the gap between science and politics. The discussion offered us new perspectives on the role of mediators and provided a helpful 'reality check' regarding the challenges of translating research into concrete action.