Current Bachelor and Master thesis research topics at the Chair Group of Production and Resource Economics
Note: The thesis research work can be written either in English or German. Research works will be supervised by the academic staff at the Chair Group. Interested students in a given topic can contact the responsible staff member directly. The following topics are currently available for BSc and MSc thesis research at the Chair Group.
Quantifying Nature-based Solutions Using Ecosystem Services (B.Sc.-Thesis)
Contact: Annette Schantz
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly viewed as a tool for strengthening urban resilience and addressing environmental and societal challenges. Their effectiveness relies heavily on the ecosystem services (ESS) they provide, particularly regulatory services such as climate regulation, air purification, and heat mitigation. However, in previous research, NbS and ESS have often been studied separately, resulting in a lack of comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms through which NbS contribute to sustainable urban development. The aim of this literature review is to systematically examine the relationship between NbS and regulatory ecosystem services in an urban context and to critically assess the extent to which existing evaluation approaches adequately reflect their contribution to climate protection, climate adaptation, and urban development policy goals. Particular emphasis is placed on the economic significance of these services and on the methodological approaches used to measure and evaluate them. By analyzing and comparing existing assessment methods, this study aims to demonstrate how the impacts and societal benefits of NbS (with the aid of ESS) are quantified and evaluated.
This bachelor’s thesis may be written in German or English.
If you are interested, please contact Annette Schantz (annette.schantz[at]tum.de).
Social Acceptance of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in Cities (B.Sc.-Thesis)
Contact: Annette Schantz
As urbanization increases, NbS are gaining importance as an approach to addressing environmental and social challenges in urban areas. However, in addition to their potential contributions to climate adaptation, biodiversity, and quality of life, the successful implementation of such measures depends largely on their social acceptance.
As part of a literature review, the current state of research on the social acceptance of NbS in urban areas will be systematically analyzed. The focus is on which factors promote or hinder the acceptance of NbS, and on the barriers, challenges, and drivers identified in the literature. Particular emphasis may be placed on land-based nature-based solutions (e.g., land de-sealing, urban land enhancement, or water-sensitive urban development). The aim of this study is to organize existing findings, identify research gaps, and foster a better understanding of the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of NbS in cities.
This bachelor’s thesis may be written in German or English.
If you are interested, please contact Annette Schantz (annette.schantz[at]tum.de).