Establishment of a University Professorship at the University of Pforzheim
Pforzheim University has received funding from the Carl Zeiss Foundation for a specialized professorship dedicated to advancing research and education in resource efficiency and sustainable raw material supply. This initiative is part of the foundation’s broader commitment to supporting science and innovation at German universities, particularly in fields critical for future sustainability.
The new professorship, established for a period of five years, will be integrated into the university’s curriculum, contributing to both undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in engineering, economics, and business. The role is expected to be led by a highly qualified professor specializing in materials science, engineering, or a related field.
The research focus of the professorship will centre on several key areas: resource efficiency, sustainable raw material supply, innovation in materials and processes, life cycle assessment, and industry collaboration. The aim is to develop methods and processes to optimize the use of raw materials, investigate strategies to ensure environmentally and socially sustainable raw material supplies, support the design and implementation of new materials and technologies, evaluate the environmental impact of products and processes throughout their entire life cycle, and work with businesses to implement research findings in real-world industrial settings.
Professor Dr. Ulrich Jautz, Rector of Pforzheim University, expressed gratitude for the Carl Zeiss Foundation’s support, stating that it is an important addition to the university’s efforts in sustainability and resource efficiency. The position will contribute to the university’s strategic further development, as stated by Dr. Felix Streiter, CEO of the Carl Zeiss Foundation.
The new professorship will be part of the INEC team, which has been a significant focus at Pforzheim University due to the work of Professor Mario Schmidt. The chair will focus on supply chain laws related to raw materials, the impact of raw materials on the environment and climate, raw material availability, and social aspects. A doctoral position is also funded for a period of five years as part of the professorship.
The funding was selected by an independent expert committee in a two-stage process, and the university has committed to making the professorship permanent after five years. The position will have a reduced teaching load of up to 11 semester hours, allowing the professor to focus on research and industry collaboration.
As the professorship becomes operational, it is expected to position Pforzheim University as a regional and national leader in sustainable resource management and circular economy research. Ongoing projects likely involve collaborations with regional companies and research institutions, focusing on practical solutions for resource management.
While specific current projects may not be detailed in publicly available sources, the professorship’s initiatives are likely to include workshops and seminars on sustainable resource strategies, joint research initiatives with other universities or research centers, student involvement through research projects and theses focused on resource efficiency, and public publications and conference presentations highlighting research results in the field of sustainable raw material supply.
For those interested in finding more information about the new professorship, the Pforzheim University website is a good starting point, offering the latest updates on the position. The Carl Zeiss Foundation may also provide additional details on the professorship’s scope and achievements through official announcements and funding reports. Academic publications authored by Pforzheim University faculty may offer insights into current research directions in the field of sustainable raw material supply.
This new professorship, funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, will integrate into Pforzheim University's curriculum, focusing on education and self-development in resource efficiency, sustainable raw material supply, and personal growth through learning. The role will contribute to undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in engineering, economics, and business, and will aim to develop methods for optimizing raw material use and ensure environmentally and socially sustainable raw material supplies.
