30 Years of Excellence: Pioneering Environmental Engineering study program

In 2024, the Environmental Protection Engineering degree program celebrated a major anniversary - the Uschi anniversary: 30 years of Environmental Engineering and 25 years of the alumni association Kontakt Umweltschutztechnik e.V. Around 250 Uschis - former and current students and, of course, lecturers - joined the celebrations. From the science slam and quiz to the panel discussion, photo booth, merch stand, and performance by the Uschi Band, the program featured a range of exciting presentations and activities. Eva Memmel from TU Delft discussed the use of artificial intelligence for environmental and climate solutions, while Gerhard Krinner from the Institute of Environmental Geosciences (IGE) in Grenoble, and lead author of IPCC reports, focused on the polar regions as critical tipping points in the climate system. Of course, there was also plenty of time for mutual exchange between alumni and students.

Felix Hofmann is currently in his 5th semester of studying environmental engineering. Sonja Koch was part of the first regular student cohort in 1994, graduating with a dual degree in engineering and a Master of Science. Today she is responsible for planning wind farms worldwide.

Ms. Koch, Mr. Hofmann, would you choose to study environmental engineering at the University of Stuttgart again?

Felix Hofmann: Yes of course, I wanted to study something to do with natural sciences and the environment, something meaningful in view of climate change. What particularly appealed to me about the Environmental Engineering study program was that it is so broadly based and gives me lots of options. With only 20 students, we foster a close-knit, family atmosphere at the University of Stuttgart, where the sense of community among students is truly exceptional. Incidentally, the proportion of women is 50 percent, which is unusual for an engineering course.

Sonja Koch: Of course! My son is now also studying environmental engineering here. When I chose the study program, one of the decisive factors was that it was an engineering study program. The engineering degree was, and remains, highly sought after, with its broad focus continuing to hold real appeal. Input came from all sides. We sat in lectures together with students from many other study programs, for example alongside young people from various engineering disciplines, landscape planning, chemistry and architecture. With around 60 students, the proportion of women at that time was already 25 percent. As the first regular cohort, it was still a bit chaotic for us students at the time. Some also dropped out because they didn't expect such a technological focus.

Felix Hofmann: Our drop-out rate is quite low. There is a lot of information available about the study program. It's great that nine out of ten faculties at the University of Stuttgart are involved in the course. The range of opportunities is equally extensive. Topics range from water and wastewater, energy and waste to air pollution control and exhaust air purification, as well as process engineering and fluid mechanics, environmental sciences and transportation.

Are and were environmental engineers in demand on the labor market?

Felix Hofmann: Our career prospects are excellent. Companies, planning offices, and even government authorities are increasingly recognizing the importance of environmental protection, especially as it becomes a more pressing issue in light of climate change. It's also great that the Kontakt e.V. alumni network enables us to gain insights into possible areas of work during our studies, for example through lectures by alumni or excursions.

Sonja Koch: When I graduated, people on the job market didn't know much about the environmental engineering study program. Nevertheless, the job interviews were always quite straightforward, and it was no problem finding a suitable job. Environmental engineers are in demand worldwide and work in a variety of different fields. During my career, I realized just how much of what I learned during my studies in Stuttgart proved to be highly applicable—far more than I had initially expected. From fluid mechanics and acoustics to meteorology, landscape planning, road construction, traffic planning and many other areas. I completed my diploma thesis on an erosion-related topic in Oregon, and now I work on designing wind farms around the world.

Felix Hofmann: We are essentially being trained as generalists, and the field is constantly evolving. From programming and simulations to electrical engineering and climate resilience, the courses adapt to address the most relevant topics of today. Many of our environmental engineering students also take the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. I will be attending the University of Bergen in Norway in January.

How do you approach environmental protection in everyday life?

Felix Hofmann: I make an effort to adopt environmentally friendly practices whenever possible. I cycle and use public transport a lot, pay attention to my diet and was also involved in Fridays for Future. I have also decided not to fly to Bergen, but will be driving part of the way by car with a friend and taking the train the rest of the way.

Sonja Koch: I do try my best, otherwise I wouldn't have chosen the study program in the first place. But there are some practical constraints. I must fly from time to time for my project work.

... and experts who are always in demand

So, what's been happening? In the summer semester of 1994, 40 applicants from the fields of civil engineering and mechanical engineering started the environmental protection engineering course. The interdisciplinary course was supported by lecturers from 10 faculties and was limited to 60 students per academic year. The alumni association Kontakt e.V. was founded five years later.

What does the study program involve? The study program emphasizes technical solutions for environmental protection and the sustainable design of all aspects of modern life. Key areas include resource-efficient production, climate protection, air pollution control, water supply and wastewater treatment, sustainable mobility and alternative mobility concepts, renewable energy solutions, resilient urban development, and green process engineering.

Career prospects? Environmental protection engineers are in great demand across various sectors, including engineering firms, specialized plant construction companies, government agencies, regulatory offices, measurement institutes, and the industrial sector.