New Research Network on Industrial Ecology Launched
Visiting Professor Simron J. Singh from the University of Waterloo initiates international cooperation at the University of Augsburg
The University of Augsburg is pleased to welcome Prof. Dr. Simron J. Singh from the University of Waterloo (Canada) as a visiting professor. Singh is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of Industrial Ecology. Together with the Resource Lab at the University of Augsburg, he is establishing a new international research network that aims to develop innovative strategies for climate adaptation – especially for vulnerable regions. The collaboration focuses on systems analysis, resource management, and socio-metabolic risks. The first joint implementation project addresses the resilience of small island nations such as the Maldives, Hawaii, or Fiji in the face of climate change, particularly rising sea levels. This work builds on the project Raw Material Demands for a Climate Resilient Future, which investigates the specific challenges faced by island regions. Insights from the internationally funded project RECOVER (“Resilience to Climate Vulnerability and Environmental Risk”) are also contributing to the research network. “Our goal is to work with Simron Singh to build a global data foundation for resource demand,” explains Dr. Andrea Thorenz, Head of the Resource Lab. “Due to rising sea levels, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) need to act early. These data will enable us to conduct global analyses and develop targeted interventions through the new research network. The concept of reducing the vulnerability of island systems can also be transferred to coastal regions – including those in Germany.” The planned research network will bring together leading international institutions from the fields of environmental and sustainability research. Augsburg is envisioned as a central hub in this network. This cooperation is already generating momentum in international teaching. From October 18 to 26, 2025, the Summer School on Systemic Risks, Cascades and Tipping Points (CASCADE) took place in Split, Croatia. The event was jointly organized by Singh and Thorenz in collaboration with partner universities in Graz, Hamburg, Jena, Waterloo, and Split. A total of 24 selected students, doctoral candidates, and postdocs were trained in innovative methods from the field of Industrial Ecology – with a focus on meta-crises such as climate change, pandemics, geopolitical risks, and disruptions to global supply chains. CASCADE is a flagship initiative of European and Canadian institutions. It is conducted as an Erasmus Blended Intensive Program (BIP) and coordinated by the global Risk-Knowledge Action Network (Risk-KAN). Prof. Singh is based at the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he leads the international research program Metabolism of Islands. He works closely with island nations in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Asia-Pacific regions. His research combines environmental, resource, and risk sciences with international policy advisory work. Prof. Singh is well-connected in academia and policy, serving as: Chair of the Island Industrial Ecology Board within ISIE Co-Chair of Risk-KAN, a global network on climate and disaster risk Former Executive Secretary of the International Society for Industrial Ecology (ISIE)
A Network for Global Resilience
Research Meets Teaching: The CASCADE Summer School
About Prof. Dr. Simron J. Singh
He is also affiliated with the Waterloo Climate Institute (WCI) and the Waterloo Industrial Ecology Group (WIEG) at the University of Waterloo.More information on the Summer School CASCADE:
Wissenschaftlicher Kontakt
Medienkontakt