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701-1502-00L 7 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-BAUG

Transdisciplinary Case Study: Climate Change Adaptation in the Alps

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Benjamin Hofmann, Dr. Ariane Wenger
Number of participants limited to 25. Students have to apply for this course by submitting a one-page motivation letter (why are you interested? what do you want to learn? what can you contribute?). Due to remaining available places, the original application deadline (February 1, 2026) has been extended until February 18, 2026. Further applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Please send your motivation letter to and .
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-04 00:30:16

Abstract

In this course, interdisciplinary student teams work with societal partners to understand and address a real-world problem. Students design and implement a transdisciplinary, solution-oriented research project and communicate their findings to academic and broader societal audiences. In 2026, the focus is on climate change adaptation in Surselva, a mountain region in the Swiss canton of Grisons.

Objective

Students are able to: 1) design, implement, and manage a transdisciplinary research project guided by scientific integrity and ethical responsibility; 2) co-produce a holistic understanding of a complex real-world problem and explore potential solution options; 3) apply transdisciplinary research methods and tools to engage diverse scientific and societal perspectives; 4) collaborate across disciplines, policy, and practice, and reflect on the factors that shape these collaborations, including their own roles in the project; and 5) communicate the outcomes of the project in an academic format and in a creative format targeted at a societal audience.

Content

Students develop and implement a transdisciplinary research project on adaptation to climate change in the mountain region of Surselva. The region comprises the valley of the Anterior Rhine and its side valleys. It features two main languages (Romansh, German), a decentral settlement structure, and an economy reliant on tourism and agriculture. Climate change will play an important role in shaping the region’s future, because warming at high altitudes is progressing faster than on global average. In this setting, students will work on adaptation to climate change in sectors such as natural hazards, agriculture, water, and tourism. Their place-based research will consider the cultural, economic, and political context of the region. The general topic of climate change adaptation is developed together with a local advisory group before the start of semester and serves as the starting point for the students' work. To this end, the general topic will be analyzed, structured, and translated into concrete research questions, which are then to be answered with a focus on co-creating solution-oriented knowledge. The course combines input from lecturers, independent research by students, as well as excursions and field research in the case study region. The case study in the spring semester 2026 will be carried out with the support of Regiun Surselva and the Surselva Lab, a real-world lab of FH Graubünden. The course will also offer space for exploring creative forms of expression as we will collaborate with students and lecturers from the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), Master in Transdisciplinarity (Prof. Dr. Patrick Müller). ETHZ students will be coached and supported by a tutor and two lecturers: Dr. Benjamin Hofmann (responsible lecturer, Group Leader TdLab, ETH Zürich) and Dr. Ariane Wenger (co-lecturer, postdoctoral researcher, TdLab, ETH Zürich).

Resources

Literature

Norström, A.V., Cvitanovic, C., Löf, M.F. et al. Principles for knowledge co-production in sustainability research. Nature Sustainability 3, 182–190 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-019-0448-2 , open access version: Link National Centre for Climate Services NCCS (2017). Pilotprojekt zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel «Klima-Toolbox Surselva: Ein Werkzeugkoffer für die Anpassung», Link Some basic literature will be provided in the course; additional literature search is part of students' research work.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
The examination consists of four components, all of which must be passed in order to successfully complete the course: (1) a concise research design portfolio and presentation, prepared in groups, (2) a short written research report, prepared in groups, (3) an outreach output and final presentation in a flexible format, aimed at a societal audience and prepared in groups, and (4) regular participation in and reflection on collaboration and one's own role, assessed individually.

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
18.02.2026

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Transdisciplinary Case Study: Climate Change Adaptation in the Alps
In addition to compulsory weekly sessions (Wednesdays, 14:15-18:00, plus preparation time), the course has compulsory block elements (tentative dates): - Excursions and field research in case study region Surselva, Graubünden: 11 March (whole day), 20 March (whole day), 15 April (afternoon), 15-20 June (overnight stay), 1 July (whole day) - Synthesis week at ETHZ: 22-26 June An information event on the course will take place on 18 December 2025, 13:00–14:00, at TdLab, room CHN K77. Please note that German language skills are an advantage but not a prerequisite for participation. Many documents and interactions with stakeholders will be in (Swiss) German, but we will strive to build mixed-language groups.
  • Wed 14:15-18:00 (CHN K 77)
  • 22.06. - 26.06 Date 08:15-18:00 (LFW C 11)
  • 22.06. - 26.06 Date 08:15-18:00 (LFW C 4)
210 h semesterly

Offered In