FUturist Projects from the Department of Physics
FUturist
Twice now, projects from the Department of Physics have been honored with a FUturist Award. In 2024, the project FUturesLiteracy (Dau, Kubsch) impressed the jury with its transformative approach to teaching. In 2025, the project FUFLINTAΦ, initiated by Eva Glomski (Dau, Kubsch), received the award for its contribution to sustainable development in science.
New project ideas for the next round of the FUturist call can be submitted until November 30, 2025. Projects that promote socio-ecological change in teaching, research, administration, and on campus are eligible for funding of 5,000 euros and may be proposed by any member of the university community.
News from Nov 12, 2025
The FUturist program annually supports ideas that directly contribute to implementing the sustainability goals of Freie Universität Berlin and propose effective solutions for sustainable development on campus.
With its sustainability agenda, the Department of Physics strives to integrate the concept of sustainability into all areas of its activities. This approach is particularly emphasized in teaching, empowering students to act sustainably.
Learning Project FUturesLiteracy (2024)
In 2024, the FUturesLiteracy project was designed for students in the physics education program and the master’s program in physics. Physics education researcher Professor Dr. Marcus Kubsch and experimental physicist Professor Dr. Holger Dau developed the project in collaboration with Dr. Johanna Kranz from the Competence Center for Climate Change Impacts Rhineland-Palatinate.
The project involved the design of a new course and was accompanied by scientific research. The course aimed to empower students to take action against the climate crisis and inspire others to participate. The results and the concept of the course “Learning to Shape the Future – Transformative Learning in Physics" were published to make them available for use in other degree programs over the long term.
Project FUFLINTAΦ (2025)
Diversity and gender equality are central elements for innovation and sustainable development in science. The project FUFLINTAΦ addressed the low visibility of women and FLINTA* persons in physics and aimed to promote structural changes in curricula and scientific practice.
In a newly designed seminar, “Promoting Science Identity in Physics and Science Education”, students were guided to increase the visibility of women in science and to connect this effort to the concept of “science identity.” The seminar was designed by Eva Glomski, a physicist working at the interface between experimental physics in Dau's Group and physics education in Kubsch's Group, focusing on education for sustainable development.
New FUturists Wanted
The FUturist call is open to anyone with an original idea addressing social, ecological, or economic aspects of university life. There are no thematic restrictions. What matters is that project ideas are problem-based, impact-oriented, and innovative. The proposed solution should be reasonably achievable within one year and with a budget of 5,000 euros. In addition to funding, the FUturist program offers support, networking opportunities, and coaching during implementation.
Contact: Sabine Heckmann, Sustainability & Energy Unit, sabine.heckmann@fu-berlin.de