Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) brings future-oriented topics into the classroom

Five Year 11 classes, four activities organised by the THI and a morning that involved more than just listening: the pupils moved between talks and workshops, discussed issues, took a stand and made their own decisions. A first-aid station run by Apian Gymnasium rounded off the programme.

The starting point was a paradox: a great deal is known about climate change, resource consumption and ecological consequences. So why does this knowledge have only a limited impact on our behaviour? Dr Stefan Schweiger examined the state of sustainability in Germany and worldwide and explained, from a systems theory perspective, which mechanisms hinder change. Four possible scenarios then offered an insight into how production, consumption and social coexistence might be organised in the future.

From these potential developments, the discussion moved on to the question of how the future can be studied scientifically at all. Dr Gerhard Schönhofer gave an interactive introduction to futures studies: how do visions of tomorrow emerge, what assumptions underpin them, and what methods can be used to examine alternative trajectories? Afterwards, the pupils sketched out their own visions of the future. In doing so, they used an AI agent designed by former students of the ‘Global Foresight & Strategic Management’ master programme at the Bavarian Foresight Institute at THI.

Whilst the focus here was on the future, Franziska Hegner looked for solutions that have long existed – in plants, animals and biological systems. Using specific examples, she explained how principles from nature can be applied to technical applications. Whether materials, structures or modes of operation: biological models provide numerous approaches to challenges in the field of Engineering Sciences.

Finally, Dr Anna-Lisa Klages’ workshop demonstrated how technical and ecological changes have a direct impact on everyday life. The starting point was a fictional block of flats on Emilienstraße in Ingolstadt, which was due to undergo comprehensive energy-efficiency refurbishment. The roof, heating system, façade and windows were all up for discussion, as was a photovoltaic system. Who will bear the costs? Who will benefit from the investments? And what effect will the individual measures actually have? Drawing on various data, the young people weighed up ecological, economic and social interests against one another and agreed on a joint statement from the perspective of the tenants’ association.

The project day thus spanned a wide range of topics, from global contexts and visions for the future to biological models, right down to a block of flats in the heart of Ingolstadt. Scientific topics were transformed into concrete decisions that had to be justified, negotiated and reached jointly.