The sensitivity of erosion and sediment transport to climate change was chosen as the conference topic based on a long-standing research focus of the chair. The contributions of the 26 doctoral students, 13 postdocs and 7 professors therefore dealt with topics such as the influence of climate change on the sediment balance of landscapes in high mountains, in the Mediterranean region or in the Arctic of Canada and Siberia, as well as with soil erosion and its influence through climate and environmental change. As Heckmann emphasized, the program showed that early-career researchers, their work and their networking activities were the focus of the conference.
In her keynote speech, Prof. Dr. Georgina Bennett from the University of Exeter presented her research on mudslides and landslides as well as methodological innovations in the measurement and monitoring of these processes. She emphasized that this topic is not only relevant from a scientific perspective – as these are natural hazards, they could also pose an actual risk to humans. Soil erosion threatens "one of the most important natural foundations of human life"; according to several participants, increasingly intensive rainfall and a shift in the sowing times of crops are contributing to the aggravation of this problem.
During the scientific excursion to the Reintal valley, south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the participants were able to exchange ideas even more intensively: They had a lively discussion about the role of structural changes in the catchment area, using the example of the Partnach dammed by landslide deposits and the renewed passability of the river for coarse sediments after filling of the resulting lakes. They came to the conclusion that such changes must be monitored with regard to future developments in addition to climate and land use change.
KU Vice President Prof. Dr. Klaus Stüwe emphasized that the University family held the conference in high esteem in view of the great scientific and social relevance of the topic.