In a featured lecture titled “Transdisziplinäre Wasserforschung für ein nachhaltiges Wassermanagement,” Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers explores how cross‑disciplinary scientific collaboration can support sustainable water governance in the context of climate change and societal challenges. The presentation is part of the UNESCO Chairs’ Ring Lecture Series “Gemeinsam für den Wandel – Transformation nachhaltig gestalten,” which showcases research that bridges science, policy, and practice to advance sustainability.
Prof. Dr. Evers, who holds the UNESCO Chair in Human‑Water Systems and is a professor of geography with a focus on ecohydrology and water resources management at the University of Bonn, emphasizes the complexity of water systems and their interaction with society, climate, and ecosystems. In her talk, she highlights the need for transdisciplinary and participatory research approaches that integrate scientific knowledge with stakeholder needs, policy frameworks, and practical solutions.
The lecture outlines key challenges facing water management, including climate‑induced changes in precipitation, drought, and flooding, as well as increasing water demand from agriculture, urbanization, and industry. Evers argues that solutions must move beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to incorporate diverse perspectives and datasets that inform resilient decision‑making. This includes using transdisciplinary methods to co‑produce knowledge with local communities, policymakers, and scientists so that research outputs are not only scientifically robust but also socially relevant and actionable.
Throughout the presentation, Prof. Dr. Evers highlights examples of integrated water management research, such as collaborative decision-support tools and frameworks that foster inclusive governance. She underscores the importance of understanding how ecological processes, hydrological dynamics, and human values intersect to influence water security outcomes.
By advocating for a systems‑oriented, participatory approach to water research and policy, Prof. Dr. Evers contributes to a broader shift in sustainability science that seeks to connect knowledge production with real‑world implementation of climate‑resilient water solutions.