Research
Research Training Group 780 Urban Ecology
Launched by three Berlin universities and two research institutes in 2002, the Training Group on Urban Ecology is divided into three project terms. The project is funded by the German Research Foundation and runs until 2011.
The three project terms are:
1.) Perspectives on Urban Ecology (2002-2005)
2.) Shrinking Cities (2005-2008)
3.) Optimizing urban nature development (2008-2011)
Research aims of RTG 780/3
This particular RTG 780/3 develops innovative strategies for a better urban nature development. It aims to understand the functions of urban ecology processes with a focus on the quality of life for city dwellers. Scenarios take into account the profound changes of climate, demographic and economic developments with all its consequences for nature and environment in metropolitan areas. An interdisciplinary approach by integrated research clusters is therefore necessary. The RTG aims to introduce its experience into the international discussion on the theory of urban ecology.
Fields of Research
The input covers a wide range of disciplines such as geography, biology, ecology, hydrology, pedology and psychology. Nine key members of RTG 780 are supported by a group of associated scientists. Key faculty and associated scientists contribute to the scientific knowledge and administration of the project. They supervise PhD students in sixteen sub-projects.
Interdisciplinary knowledge integration
In addition to the four clusters several test sites are selected. They focus on the city of Berlin at three different scales:
1) microscale: small test plots
2) mesoscale: surrounding quarters
3) macroscale: greater area
Joint clusters and the same area of interest create the linking knots of the sixteen individual projects.
Research cluster in 780/3
Research in the current third term of the project is clustered around four topics:
Cluster 1 - Optimizing ecological functions and biodiversity of urban roadsides
Although road adjoining habitats are subject to a multitude of disturbances, they still offer potential habitat for highly adapted flora and fauna. Key research questions of this cluster address the role of road adjoining habitats as spaces for animals and plants to live and the effects of ecotoxicological burdens on them.
Cluster 2 - Reuse of former housing estates and urban brownfields
Due to shrinking processes, large infrastructure and settlement areas in housing estates get abandoned. With the goal of a future development of such areas, this cluster involves sub-projects that emphasize socioeconomic, planning-related, vegetation ecology and environmental psychology research, investigating the potential for these areas to enhance biodiversity and quality of life of city dwellers.
Cluster 3 - Strategies for temporarily used urban sites
Temporarily used urban sites, which are a sign of social and economic restructuring processes, are getting increasingly employed as a flexible instrument within the field of city planning. At the same time, the aim of sustainable development of such areas is being realized with long-acting instruments. Investigations within this research cluster include the influence of spatial planning, land market and the process of shaping public opinion within civil societies on sustainable and ecological orientated urban development.
Cluster 4 –Psychological health and mental state of urban dwellers
Dynamic and short-term changes are characteristic for urban ecosystems. It is of great interest whether and how the modification of certain objective conditions is reflected in subjective perceptions and valuations.nFurthermore, this cluster will investigate how perception and valuation processes reflect on specific actions and mental health of city dwellers.