In an unprecedented initiative, the 16 universities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia have joined forces in 2021, forming the Humboldtn initiative in order to actively promote the topic of sustainability at universities. As a multiplier and intermediary, Humboldtn will coordinate joint research interests and pool expertise and competencies, both in basic research as well as implementation- and application-oriented sustainability research. Another central task is to sensitise young researchers to aspects of sustainability research. The Wuppertal Institute and the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences, Humanities and the Arts cooperate with this initiative.
The Wuppertal Institute contributes its expertise in transformation research and is involved in the management and steering of the network.
From 2024, Humboldtn is developing the so-called "Future Conference" together with the Sustainability Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia. As a new synergetic platform for science, it pursues the following goals:
- Topic exploration and networking – promoting dialogue and exchange on current and future sustainability topics
- Methodical approach – development of joint strategies and projects to promote sustainable solutions
- Community of practice – development of a strong scientific community that continuously addresses sustainability issues
Another part of the cooperation is an "interministerial dialogue forum" as an offer of discussion from the scientific community to policymakers. In this setting, the needs regarding current sustainability issues in the country can be formulated and scientific findings can be prepared and used for social and political action in a targeted manner.
The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia.
