A new study by scientists and master's students at the University of Augsburg fills gaps in air monitoring. Using machine learning and open geospatial data, they found that although NO? levels are falling, 97% of monitoring stations still exceed WHO guidelines. This open-source project makes important environmental data accessible to everyone, supporting global efforts for clean air.

Prof. Harald Kunstmann, a hydrologist, from the University of Augsburg belongs to a group of three German candidates nominated by the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW) for the final global round of the Frontiers Planet Prize 2026. The prize honours academic breakthroughs that contribute to the stabilisation of the planet’s ecosystem.

The University of Augsburg is delighted to have received the highest rating for five of its bachelor’s degree programmes in the CHE University Ranking 2024. The five degree programmes to receive a top rating were geography, computer science, mathematics, physics, and social sciences, with the general study conditions and supervision by teaching staff highly commended. Conducted by the Centre for Higher Education (CHE), the ranking provides a nationwide comparison of degree programmes and study conditions. It was published in May. Applications to the University of Augsburg for the winter semester 2024/25 are possible until the 15th of July.

Markus Keck and Peter Fiener (Institute of Geography) and their teams have embarked on an expedition to Western Uganda, generously supported by BayFOR.

An international study shows that especially in the northern latitudes, plant growth has decreased by 10.6 percent compared from 1982-1998 to 2000-2016. The reasons are climate extremes, especially drought. The results illustrate that ecosystems are becoming increasingly vulnerable to warm droughts and that negative impacts on the uptake of CO2 by plants and on agriculture are consequences.

Carbon dioxide can be bound by finely ground rock that is introduced into ecosystems. A new study estimates for the first time the amount of CO2 absorption that can be achieved by rock flour. This biological effect is significantly higher than previously thought, the research team reports in the journal Nature Geoscience.

A major international study with participation of the University of Augsburg shows for the first time that flooding characteristics in recent decades are unlike those of previous centuries across Europe.

A study based on an analysis of 18,000 cases by Augsburg doctors and climatologists points out a possible link between certain air masses and the incidence of stroke.