Division IV - Natural and Built Environment

We create and impart knowledge for a future worth living in and with dignity for all.  

We combine professional excellence with interdisciplinary thinking to answer major questions of relevance for society.

We develop sustainable solutions based on the diversity of our cultures, concepts and methods.

We inspire people and encourage talents.

KIT Division IV 'Natural and Built Environment' generates, teaches and applies knowledge about the changing Earth. This includes natural processes and developments as well as man-made changes and their impacts. To achieve this, research, teaching and innovation are bundled in strategic fields joining over 30 Institutes from architecture, civil engineering, geo- and environmental sciences, as well as meteorology and climate sciences. The scientists of Division IV explore, develop and teach local, regional and global solutions for a sustainable future. Teaching and acadamic affairs of Division IV are organized in the KIT departments of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Geo- and Environmental Sciences, while the mission-based large-scale research tasks are managed in frame of the Helmholtz program "Changing Earth-Sustaining our Future".

Orphal
Head of Division

Prof. Dr. Johannes Orphal

Contact Team Division IV

 

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Understanding the world of today and shaping it for tomorrow

News

schnee-berge-20220320-BB-01-006_editedBarbara Breig, KIT
How climate change affects alpine sports

Expert forum “Climate.Sport.Snow” publishes position paper on the prospects for winter and mountain sports - adaptations to climate change effects necessary.

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Hagelsonde-kunzSusanna Mohr, KIT
Climate research: Chasing thunderstorms in the USA

KIT researchers are participating in the international ICECHIP measurement campaign in the Great Plains, which for the first time in over 40 years is dedicated exclusively to hail research.

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kitcube-20250407-MB-01-073Markus Breig, KIT
Weather research: Measurement campaign for better forecast models and severe weather warnings in the Alps

International measurement campaign aims to better understand air exchange processes over the Alps.

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BRIDGEValentin Goldberg
Raw materials extraction: start of German-Chilean geo research

KIT coordinates international initiative for research into sustainable raw material extraction from thermal waters.

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Blass_AusschnittMarkus Breig, KIT
A screw revolutionizes timber construction

Celebrating 200 years of KIT!

Knowledge snack: Professor Blaß developed the (very) long screw for timber construction.

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Messstation_Anys_2024_editedEvgenia Greiner-Müller
Climate change: healthy trees for the city

Researchers at KIT and the University of Freiburg want to use sensors and samplings to ensure the long-term health and functionality of urban trees.

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2025_018_Flugzeugkampagne-KlimawandelThomas Gulde, KIT
Aircraft Campaign: Climate Change in the Arctic

KIT researchers and partners investigate the impact of ozone and and water vapor in the troposphere and stratosphere.

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2025_012_KIT KI_Hochwasser_72dpiGabriele Zachmann, KIT
Artificial intelligence: better protection against flooding

KIT researchers use machine learning to develop the first national flood forecasting model for small rivers.

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Stadt
Urban Research at KIT

Contributions to sustainable urban development

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Damast
Water Research at KIT

Sustainable concepts for the use and protection of water resources

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Schneefernerhaus
Environmental Research Station Schneefernerhaus

KIT - Member of the Consortium Schneefernerhaus

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CEDIM
Center for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Technology

Interdisciplinary research at KIT on disasters, risks and security

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Klima und Umwelt
KIT Climate and Environment Center

For an Environment Worth Living in

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Globus
Climate Protection and Sustainability

KIT works for the sustainability of our resources - in research, teaching and innovation

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