Project Week: GovTech Design Lab
Harnessing AI, Earth Observation and Data Storytelling to Tackle Climate Security and Conflict
This module is tailored for students interested in data analysis, decision-making, and storytelling. Participants will develop essential skills to communicate complex narratives effectively. High motivation and willingness to engage in group work are essential.
Learning Outcomes
Students will learn to use accessible tools like Google Earth Engine (GEE) and publicly available datasets, developing insights from geospatial data to inform decision-makers and the broader public. A key project involves working with the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA) on Geoguard, an environmental dashboard tackling climate security and conflict. This collaboration offers practical experience and contributes to global environmental and peace initiatives.
Key skills students will acquire include:
1. Increased knowledge: Gaining expertise on environmental and climate security issues, such as leveraging geospatial data to monitor areas where direct access is challenging due to conflicts.
2. Data analysis skills: Learning to identify meaningful insights from geospatial data to inform policies and interventions.
3. Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Combining knowledge from Earth observation, data science, social sciences, and design, students will tackle the entire workflow—from data collection to public communication through exhibitions and other platforms.
4. Storytelling and communication: Developing the ability to build compelling narratives from geospatial data, presenting these insights through various channels like exhibitions and international events such as COP30 and TUM Sustainability Day 2025. Students will also be encouraged to publish their results.
5. Social competencies: Enhancing presentation and collaboration skills, essential for effective group work and communication.
Course Structure
The module blends academic and practical learning. Students will engage with tools like GEE to analyze geospatial data in collaboration with the UN DPPA, addressing complex climate security and conflict issues. This experience provides students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills, empowering them to contribute to solutions for climate-related challenges.
The course is part of a collaboration involving multiple TUM departments, including the School of Engineering and Design, the School of Life Sciences, and the School of Social Sciences and Technology. Esteemed partners such as the United Nations, the Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Science and AI at the University of Birmingham, the Rhode Island School of Design, and the Al Jazeera Data Lab bring additional expertise, making this module a vital part of TUM's Sustainable Futures Strategy 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Teaching Methods
The module includes a seminar with a kick-off event, classroom sessions, self-study phases via Moodle, and a one-week block course during the TUM Project Week. Students will apply their knowledge from these sources and their academic backgrounds to group projects focused on climate-related issues. Lecturers will assign projects to each group based on their fields, ensuring interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling global challenges.
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