The final conference of the BMBF-funded initiative WaX – Water Extremes took place on March 12 and 13, 2025, in Berlin. It was jointly organized by the University of Potsdam and the German Committee for Disaster Reduction (DKKV). The event provided the twelve interdisciplinary research consortia – comprising a total of 81 partner institutions – with the opportunity to present the results of three years of intensive work. Core topics included the prediction of extreme weather events, dealing with droughts, heavy rainfall, and flooding, as well as innovative approaches for sustainable water management, especially in urban areas. Particular attention was paid to the practical applicability and scalability of the developed solutions. A “marketplace of opportunities” and numerous expert presentations encouraged exchange between science, practice, and policy.
Particularly impressive highlights included a VR headset that allowed participants to virtually experience a flood event, and a digital twin showcasing how urban drainage systems can be managed more intelligently in the future. A lively panel discussion emphasized the urgent need for practical solutions – and the strong interest in implementing them. The high level of participation from practitioners and public authorities underscored that WaX results are more than academic insights – they are drivers of real-world change.
You can find the full article on the WaX website.
The final brochure is available here in German language.