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FernUni Hagen and Wuppertal Institute: New professorship for circular economy!
The FernUniversität in Hagen and the Wuppertal Institute will establish the “Circular Society” professorship for sustainable research on October 1, 2025.
FernUni Hagen and Wuppertal Institute: New professorship for circular economy!
On October 1, 2025, the FernUniversität in Hagen will take an important step in sustainability research in collaboration with the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy. At a time when the challenges of global environmental problems are on the agenda, the creation of a joint professorship for “Circular Society” heralds a new era of interdisciplinary research. This reports Recycling portal.
The new course is set by the appointment of Prof. Dr. Henning Wilts, who will not only take over this professorship, but will also continue to head the circular economy department at the Wuppertal Institute. The aim of the professorship is to intensify the scientific analysis of the social aspects of the circular economy and to promote exchange between the two institutions. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manfred Pferdedick, President of the Wuppertal Institute, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration and sees great potential for finding answers together to the pressing transformation questions regarding energy, the environment and sustainability.
Focus on society and the environment
Prof. Wilts' research will focus on transformation processes towards a circular economy. Particular emphasis is placed on the inclusion of various social groups, including the impact on actors in the Global South. This is loud Distance learning a central point for developing sustainable solutions that are relevant not only locally but also globally.
The cooperation between the FernUniversität and the Wuppertal Institute is institutionalized by the Faculty of Cultural and Social Sciences. This holistic approach to the challenges of transformation is intended to enrich not only science, but also society as a whole. The aim is to create new synergies between the two institutions in order to best support the training of young scientists.
Shaping the future of sustainability
The initiative is part of a broader movement towards a more sustainable society that also includes other scientific actors. As the ZIN (Center for Interdisciplinary Sustainability Research) at the University of Münster shows, sustainable development is crucial for the future of society. Various factors, from ecological to social aspects, must be brought together in an interdisciplinary dialogue. In this way, ZIN makes essential contributions to public discourse through empirical, normative and transformative research; Publications and events also promote exchange among scientists.
With the announcement of the professorship for “Circular Society” on October 1, 2025, the two institutions see themselves positioned at the forefront of the research landscape. The focus on social changes and innovative approaches to transformation processes are key to sustainable progress that extends far beyond Germany's borders. The partnership between FernUniversität and Wuppertal Institute aims to find concrete solutions to create a sustainable future for everyone - and it's about time!