15 September 2026

Photo: UHH/Göttling

Attracting outstanding international talent to the climate sciences, supporting their arrival, and opening up long-term perspectives in Hamburg — this is the aim of "Climate Knowledges in Context: Studying Climate Futures" (CKIC), our new project at SICSS, funded by the DAAD.

Each year, CKIC welcomes a cohort of exceptional international master's students, known as the Global Climate Minds. We accompany them throughout their journey, from first contact all the way to their first career steps.

• Recruiting – We connect with climate talent around the world and help them find the study path in Hamburg that best fits their interests and goals.
• Onboarding – Our support begins long before they arrive, continuing through welcome events, buddy programs, and further offers designed to ensure a strong start.
• Career – We provide mentoring, coaching, and connections into research, industry, public administration, and civil society.

In return, Hamburg offers a density of climate expertise found in few other places, with the Cluster of Excellence CLICCS providing a unique setting where natural, social, and economic perspectives on climate knowledge come together.

The city benefits equally, gaining individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives who bring new questions to climate research — and new answers with them.

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Anna-Kathryn Leve to our team as our new colleague coordinating the CKIC project. She is now the primary point of contact for all matters related to the initiative.

We look forward to welcoming the first Global Climate Minds.