Prof. Dr. rer nat. Olaf Bubenzer
Professor at the Institute of Geography at Heidelberg University, HCE member since 2011.
As a physical geographer I am interested in
- current and past relief and soil changes (geomorphology, soil science) and
- human-environment interactions (geoarchaeology)
Regionally, I work mainly in the arid regions of the world (Atacama, Namib, Sahara) as well as in the Mediterranean region and in Central Europe, using various field and laboratory methods.
Why I joined the HCE
Even during my doctoral studies, I was fascinated by the interdisciplinary collaboration that is essential for a comprehensive understanding of landscape development processes and environmental problems. As a logical consequence, I initiated the founding of the HCE at the Heidelberg University together with various colleagues in the year 2011.
My highlights so far
The inter- and transdisciplinary idea and concept. As an ‘incubator’, the HCE offers an ideal platform for such projects – also for young researchers – not only to identify new, overarching research ideas, but also to realize them.
My key partners
In addition to my more discipline-oriented national and international cooperation and association activities, the HCE network enables me, for example, to communicate and cooperate directly with other geoscientists, archaeologists, biologists, sociologists, political scientists, lawyers, doctors and economists – fully in the spirit of the very special concept of a ‘Comprehensive Research University’ like the Ruperto Carola.