The motto of the Dortmund Science Conference on June 14, 2023 was "Energy Future". The program was designed by representatives from the scientific and economic landscape as well as external experts. Fachhochschule Dortmund was involved with four participants on the stage at Dortmunder U.
How do regions, cities and companies need to position themselves in order to master the major challenge of the energy transition? This central question was addressed by around 150 participants, including interested citizens and network partners of the Science Master Plan.
The interdisciplinary contributions dealt with, among other things, how science, the city and Business Studies can jointly develop solutions for a climate-neutral and at the same time secure and economical energy supply. In this context, the scientific competence field "Energy" in the Science Master Plan provided insights into application-oriented research projects. In addition, start-ups and young companies presented their innovative solutions and services for the energy sector in a pitch.
Program participation of the Fachhochschule Dortmund
The panel discussion "The future of energy in the city and region" dealt with a joint energy use plan for the city and obstacles to the energy transition - such as bureaucracy, environmental assessments, material shortages and a lack of skilled workers. Prof. Dr. Martin Kiel(Opens in a new tab) , an expert in renewable energies at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering(Opens in a new tab) who deals with balcony power plants and the associated regulations, joined the discussion.
The panel discussion "Energy future in the neighborhood", including keynote speeches, made it clear that the energy transition in the urban neighborhoods of tomorrow will only succeed with a holistic view. In addition to social and economic factors, it was also about communication, participation and acceptance. Prof. Dr. Torsten Füg(Opens in a new tab) from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering(Opens in a new tab) and Prof. Dr. Yves Rosefort(Opens in a new tab) from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering(Opens in a new tab) explained how the various disciplines work together and how students receive practical training. Multi-professional teams are a key factor in neighborhood development.
In the concluding panel discussion "Energy Future for Dortmund", which included Lord Mayor Thomas Westphal, Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Tamara Appel(Opens in a new tab) emphasized that three levels need to be addressed for a successful energy transition: behavioural orientation, technology and organization. Through economical behavior alone, it was possible to save around 20 percent energy at the university(Opens in a new tab) energy at the university(Opens in a new tab) in winter.
Background to the Science Conference
The Dortmund Science Conference is a format of the Science Masterplan 2.0. The Science Masterplan is a broad-based participation process that highlights the relevance of science for Dortmund, promotes good framework conditions and further advances the city's competitiveness. It is not only about excellent research and teaching, but also about how scientific findings can be made accessible to a broad public, discussions can be stimulated and curiosity can be aroused.