Risk awareness, response scenarios, resolutions.
Let's talk about global change.
This overarching motto also inspired the sixth Forster Summer School from July 4 to July 15, 2025. As a short-term Blended Intensive Program (BIP), the summer school included both a virtual component and an in-person phase/mobility.
25 students from our FORTHEM Alliance and ERASMUS+ partner universities – University of Burgundy, University of Jyväskylä, University of Palermo, University of Valencia, Charles University – and from our cooperation partner Sultan Quaboos University in Muscat, Oman, and from JGU took part in the international and interdisciplinary event.
Topic
Forster Summer School 2025 was dedicated to the research topic "resilience", under the title: "Forster Summer School explores – resilience in times of global crisis. Risk awareness, response scenarios, resolutions.” The world, our planet Earth, is currently exposed to extreme events such as climate change, natural disasters, loss of biodiversity, scarcity of resources, uncontrolled artificial intelligence, technology and power failures, anti-democratic tendencies and war.
How can we face these planetary transformations or global crisis? How can we be better prepared? What makes individuals, societies and systems more resilient in emergencies?
These and similar research questions and conceptualizations of the term “resilience” were addressed by psychological disciplines as well as natural, social and applied technical sciences during the 12-day summer school. In different kinds of settings (talks, workshops, scientific excursions), the students discovered and discussed current discourses and scientific perspectives on resilience research.
Virtual kick-off and physical scientific program
The BIP offered a vibrant mix of expert talks, lively discussions, hands-on activities, scientific visits, and inspiring excursions.
It kicked off with an energetic virtual workshop, where participants from diverse academic backgrounds explored the concept of resilience from a psychological perspective. A keynote lecture by the Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research provided insights into current research and introduced practical resilience techniques for everyday life.
Building teams – Scientific projects and discussions
Building on this, the first day focused on resilience’s governmental implications and resilience in geography education, linking the topic to teaching and learning. Three group projects, developed by the students during the summer school, were initiated. With a focus on fostering their (GEO)resilience, the small groups worked on one of three themes: an individual approach, the question of reconnecting with (their) nature, or developing (their) own politics of hope. The projects incorporated three didactic models of transformative learning from geography education as well as representational techniques drawn from documentary filmmaking.
As the program continued, interdisciplinary perspectives emerged – ranging from geothermal energy and storage to resilience in chemical/pharmaceutical supply chains, and pandemic preparedness. Experts from Translational Oncology Mainz (TRON) and the FORTHEM partner University of Valencia contributed valuable input, including innovative approaches to resilience through self-amplifying RNAs in the context of mRNA-vaccine research and sustainable food systems.
Exploring JGU campus, cultures, linguistics, sports and regional highlights
The on-site program included visits to the JGU Training Pharmacy (Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences) and the Botanical Garden, with a focus on plant resilience to climate change and preservation of biodiversity. A scientific excursion to TU Darmstadt featured the energy-autonomous smart home “eHUB,” formerly a Solar Decathlon house, now a real-world lab for crisis and disaster response developed by the LOEWE Center emergenCITY. Afterwards, the students visited the Litfass column 4.0, inaugurated in 2025, which serves as a platform for digital emergency communication in the event of crisis and disaster.
Participants also enjoyed a sustainability tour of Mainz, a campus tour, sports activities, German language workshops, creative group projects, a rafting trip in the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and an international evening.
This rich and engaging program encouraged collaboration, deepened academic knowledge, inspired exploration of the country and region, and sparked new friendships and lasting memories – an unforgettable shared experience!
Testimonials and feedback from the participants
"First of all, thank you for the opportunity of being part of it. It has truly been an enriching and inspiring experience, as I'll be leaving Mainz with new knowledge and also with more questions to find the answer for than when I arrived.”
Olimpia, Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Doctorate, University of Valencia, Spain
“I also wanted to thank you again for the experience in Mainz, I am truly grateful for the organization and the warm welcome during this year's Forster Summer School. It was a valuable and enjoyable experience. I'll keep very good memories of this adventure!”
Suzie, Sedimentology, Paleontology, Geochemistry & Georesources, Master's program, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
Join Eva as she shares her experiences during the Forster Summer School 2025 on Instagram: From engaging lectures and excursions to rafting on the River Rhine and a delicious international evening, discover how academic growth meets cultural exchange! Watch her video impressions here.
By following this link, you are leaving this website and will be redirected to our Instagram-Account (you@nullneun)
Eva, Human Geography: Globalisation, Media, and Culture, Master's program, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
We are looking forward to your application for Forster Summer School 2026!
Thanks to the Erasmus+ program and co-funding from the European Union, the BIP was able to be implemented.
Fotos: © Happel © Larguier © Mailat Gurghian © Rußkamp © Schellack