To support the dialogue between science and society, as well as researchers across different disciplines, IRI THESys holds both external and internal events. This includes lecture series, summer universities and panel discussions open to the public, and participative workshops, colloquiums and activities for IRI THESys. Browse through our past and upcoming events to find out more.
Upcoming Events
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Jun52025
KOSMOS-Lesung by Prof. Mark Lawrence
The Anthropos Expansion and the Anthropocene
In his KOSMOS lecture, Prof. Dr. Mark Lawrence discusses the current debate on the term Anthropocene and proposes the Anthropos expansion as an alternative.
05.06.2025, 18.00-19.30
HU Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, SenatssaalThe Anthropocene has recently been rejected as a formal geological time unit, reigniting debate about its definition and significance. Should it now be repurposed as an informal term, for instance as a geological event or episode, or should it be resubmitted with additional evidence? Perhaps, in addition to a resubmission, another term can fill the gap to describe the long-term geological impact of humans leading up to the Anthropocene: The Anthropos Expansion.
Prof. Dr. Mark Lawrence is scientific director at the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences. He addresses the Anthropocene in an integrative manner, bringing together a wide range of academic expertise in his team and involving societal actors in a transdisciplinary research approach.
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Tobias Krüger, Director of IRI THESys and Professor of Hydrology and Society at Humboldt-Universität´s Geography Department.
About the lecture series
The KOSMOS-Lesungen are in the tradition of one of the most famous lecture series in the German history of science: Alexander von Humboldt's Kosmos lectures. Around 200 years ago, the natural scientist spanned the entire world and all disciplines of science. Today's KOSMOS lectures are dedicated to the challenging transformation processes in the age of the Anthropocene.
Note on film and photo recordings
During the event, photos and videos will be taken. The material will be used exclusively for the purpose of public relations.
Photo credits: NASA Earth Observatory