Desirée Hetzel

Desirée Hetzel is a Scientific Associate in the Anthropology of Science and Technology at the Department of Science, Technology and Society (STS), Technical University of Munich. She specializes in ethnographic research on water governance, climate politics, and hydrosocial territories. Her work bridges hydrology, public expertise, and artistic approaches, particularly in Berlin-Brandenburg and Vanuatu.

Her research focuses on climate change adaptation, including projects like the EU Horizon 2020 FALAH program and the DFG-funded 'Localizing Global Climate Change Politics in Vanuatu.' She co-leads the TUM Public Science Lab and contributes to the 'Knowledge after Progress' working group.

Key research interests include transdisciplinary collaboration, ontological diversity in environmental discourse, and the intersection of science, policy, and local practices. Recent studies analyze lake-level declines in Berlin-Brandenburg and vanishing waterscapes, emphasizing socio-ecological governance beyond technical solutions.

Her publications span environmental anthropology, climate justice, and hydrosocial dynamics. She teaches in STS, RESET, and AI and Society programs, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on global challenges.