Sustainable projects: Education and protection of water resources
In the winter semester 2024/25, 25 students took part in the Economics project seminar under the direction of Prof. Dr Groll. This year's projects were all about the sustainable use of water - one of humanity's most important resources. The focus was on educational work to sensitise younger generations to the importance of protecting and keeping water clean.
The seminar group was divided into two teams with different focal points:
- Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge 2025
15 students developed an innovative business idea with which they will take part in the prestigious competition. The challenge brings together international teams to develop creative and realisable solutions for the protection of the oceans. - Pure Water for Generations
The remaining 10 students developed a marketing strategy for two coworking products from the non-profit organisation. The association is committed to clean water and environmental education and aims to sensitise younger generations in particular to the importance of water protection.
Inspiring project work in Prague
The students have been working on their projects in Regensburg since the start of the semester. However, to breathe new life into the collection of ideas, an excursion to Prague took place from 20 to 23 November 2024. The project work was carried out over two days in the historical rooms of the Representative Office of the Free State of Bavaria, which provided the students with an inspiring working environment.
Special thanks go to the Bavarian-Czech University Agency, which financed the hotel accommodation, and the ANK faculty, which covered the cost of the train journey.
In Prague, the teams worked intensively with design thinking methods such as the ‘Crazy Eight’ technique and other creative approaches, which enabled significant progress and new impulses. The interactive way of working and the special location helped to put the finishing touches to the projects.
Cultural programme and pre-Christmas flair
In addition to working on the projects, there was plenty of time to experience Prague and its history. An exciting city tour took the students to the historical and architectural highlights of the city - from Charles Bridge to the Old Town. Despite the icy temperatures, the city guide fascinated the students with lively stories and exciting anecdotes.
The participants also got their money's worth in culinary terms: on the first evening, they enjoyed a meal together in a traditional Czech restaurant. In between, there was time to stroll through the winding streets of the old town, soak up the Prague atmosphere and enjoy the pre-Christmas mood. Of course, the first mulled wine on the Old Town Square and a fresh Baumstriezel were not to be missed.
A look at the history of diplomacy
An absolute highlight was the visit to the German Embassy in Prague, where the students were welcomed by diplomat Stefan Lätsch. In an exclusive guided tour, they were given an insight into the work of the embassy and the historic events of 1989, when the site was the scene of one of the most significant moments in the fall of the Berlin Wall. The balcony on which Genscher spoke at the time left a lasting impression on the students. You can find out more about the history of the GDR embassy refugees on the website of the Federal Foreign Office: GDR embassy refugees 1989.
Motivated for the next steps
The project trip to Prague was a complete success. The students returned to Regensburg with new motivation and fresh ideas to press ahead with their projects. While the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge team is preparing intensively for the competition, the second team is putting the finishing touches to the marketing strategy for Pure Water for Generations.
Prague has not only bridged the gap between theory and practice, but also between past and future - an impressive example of how inspiring a change of perspective can be.
