Forum

In the Clean Circles project, we are exploring across disciplines how iron together with its oxides can be used in a cycle as a carbon-free chemical energy carrier. Storing large amounts of wind and solar energy in iron – this is how we want to accelerate the transition to renewable energies worldwide. The underlying innovative cycle of energy and materials conversion is being researched by an interdisciplinary team of scientists from the natural sciences, engineering, economics and political sciences. Because technical and socio-economic challenges are strongly coupled.

With the International Interdisciplinary Forum on Energy and Circular Economy we give external young researchers the opportunity to actively participate in this unique environment.

In Clean Circles we discuss regions of the Global South as effective sites for large-scale storage of renewable energy. Young scientists from these countries should be actively involved in the discussion. We do not want to talk about, but with scientists from potential locations. The forum is an opportunity to network in a unique research environment accompanied by individual mentoring from experienced researchers.

Future leaders in research, business and politics must think and act across disciplinary boundaries (“leading for tomorrow”). With this forum on energy and circular economy, we offer young scientists the unique opportunity to network in an interdisciplinary scientific environment and supplement this with individual mentoring by experienced scientists.

The International Interdisciplinary Forum on Energy and Circular Economy will take place over a period of two years (online and on-site) and will be accompanied by a mentoring programme. The following dates are planned:

• Introductory event (online): Brief introduction to energy sources, circular economy, linking engineering and natural sciences with political sciences and economics, structure of Clean Circles.
• Clean Circles minisymposia (online): You will be invited to join four of our minisymposia
• On-site workshops: You will be invited to join two on-site workshops in Darmstadt, 2–3 days each, costs for travel and accommodation will be covered, in-depth presentation of Clean Circles research areas, lab tours, discussions and networking with Clean Circles scientists
• Closing event and evaluation

• Group mentoring with leading researchers from Clean Circles
• Personal exchange with mentors during on-site meetings
• Online consultations as required
• Peer mentoring: Networking and exchange among the mentees, online and face-to-face meetings as part of the forum, exchange on specific topics, possibility of coachings and seminars