After all, it will only be possible to plot a course into a sustainable future with in-depth knowledge of the Earth system, innovative technologies, strategic solutions, and recommended actions for policymakers. In the joint program "Changing Earth - Sustaining Our Future", the UFZ combines its expertise with that of the participating partner centres.

We have therefore organized our research areas into nine topics as well as numerous cross-cutting activities and alliances. Our aim is to pool the knowledge generated through this work and promote cooperation between Helmholtz Centres and with national and international partners. To make sure that our research findings are brought to public attention and are able to influence developments in society, we have set up a synthesis and communication platform.

Five of the nine topics are decisive for our research at the UFZ, two of which are coordinated at the UFZ. As an environmental research centre, we contribute our expertise to program research in the natural, engineering and social sciences as well as the infrastructure we operate in the six UFZ research units "Ecosystems of the Future", "Water Resources and Environment", "Chemicals in the Environment", "Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology", "Smart Models / Monitoring" and "Environment and Society".