HCE COLLEGE CLASS 2025/26 HCE COLLEGE FELLOWS

“I am a data scientist by training, and my research focuses on understanding how climate, environmental changes, and interactions between humans and animals influence the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. By combining data science and epidemiological approaches, I aim to improve our ability to anticipate and prevent zoonotic disease risks. I am motivated to join the HCE College to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration at the interface of environment and health, and to contribute to developing data-driven solutions for pressing environmental and public health challenges.”

“I research climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases in Europe, with a particular focus on how urban environments influence the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito. I joined the HCE-College because I believe in deepening interdisciplinary collaboration across university settings and am excited to explore how such approaches can help address societal and environmental change.”

“My research explores the role of hope in scientific practice, particularly among polar researchers working in the context of ecological crisis. I investigate how hope shapes the way scientists interpret data, make decisions, and communicate knowledge about environmental change. In this context, I am discovering hope as a interrelated and interdependent element and flourishes among other things, through the active orientation towards meaning and awe.

I wanted to join HCE College to deepen my interdisciplinary approach and connect with others who are committed to meaningful, impact-driven research. I’m especially drawn to a space that bridges science, society, and imagination because I believe how we think and feel about the future directly shapes what we create.”

“My research focuses on the drivers and barriers of the green energy transition in the Global South. In the dissertation, I analyze how different forms of governance, policies and politics affect the energy transition across countries.

I really enjoy the interdisciplinary approach of the HCE and find it very insightful to engage with researchers from other fields, such as environmental physics, on energy challenges around the world.”

“I study carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in Heidelberg by sending invisible laser beams across the city and analyzing how the light is absorbed. This relatively new technique helps us measure CO₂ in the atmosphere more accurately and could improve how we track emissions in urban areas. I joined HCE-College because it brings together PhD researchers from different fields who all work on environmental and societal challenges. It offers a valuable opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives and to strengthen my interdisciplinary communication skills.”

"I am a PhD candidate at the Institute of Chinese Studies at Heidelberg University focusing on environmental and climate policy. My dissertation project examines the dynamics and driving factors behind China’s coal phase-out. Furthermore, I work as a research assistant in the EU Horizon Project “European Hub for Contemporary China”. 

At HCE College, I seek to complement my perspective on global environmental challenges and their governance through further cross-disciplinary research, insights, and perspectives."

"My research explores how carbon-free fuels can help mitigate carbon emissions, with a particular focus on numerical simulation of combustion processes. Being part of HCE enables me to view environmental sciences from a broader perspective, and the interdisciplinary exchange fostered here closely reflects my expectations and aspirations for my future career."