Klaus Lehmann

Prof. Dr. Klaus Lehmann is a Professor of Chemistry at the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, where he has been teaching since 2013. He serves as the CEO of the Centre for Ethics and Responsibility (ZEV) and is affiliated with the Department of Natural Sciences and the Institute of Technology, Resource and Energy-efficient Engineering (TREE). His work uniquely bridges chemistry education with ethical considerations and sustainability practices, creating innovative interdisciplinary approaches to scientific teaching.

Dr. Lehmann earned his Diplom in Chemistry (Organic Chemistry) from the University of Bonn in 1993, followed by an interdisciplinary doctorate in 2005 combining work at the Kekulé Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry with the Center for Cultural Studies and Social Ethics. His academic path includes positions as Research Associate at the University of Bonn (1997-2003), Lecturer at H-BRS (2002-2012), and Research Associate at the Deutsches Museum (2008-2012).

His research primarily focuses on integrating sustainability concepts into chemical education through initiatives like the 'Blue Railway' (Blaue Schiene) sustainability certification program. Dr. Lehmann explores how ethical responsibility can be cultivated in laboratory settings and how interdisciplinary approaches can enhance science education. His work addresses critical challenges in teaching during the introductory phases of study programs and developing effective methods for incorporating sustainability into established curricula. He has developed innovative concepts such as 'Study Islands' for guided self-study and 'Studierwerkstatt' to support academic routines.

Analysis of Dr. Lehmann's publication history reveals a clear evolution from historical and cultural analyses of chemistry toward practical applications of sustainability principles in educational settings. His work demonstrates increasing emphasis on transdisciplinary approaches, with recent publications focusing on actionable implementation strategies for sustainability concepts in laboratory and classroom environments. The publications show a consistent thread connecting cultural studies perspectives with practical chemistry education.

• Teaching Award of the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (2016)
• Ars legendi Faculty Award for Chemistry (2018)
• Toepfer Foundation Award in the subject program 'Wirtschaftswissenschaften interdisziplinär' (2019)
• Fellow in the university didactic network Lehre-hoch-n (2019)

Dr. Lehmann actively contributes to academic governance as member of the TREE Institute's Acceptance-Technology Transfer-Sustainability working group, the Ombuds Committee, and as speaker for the 'Blue Railway FB 05' and the 'AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Lehre' at ZIEL. He serves as academic advisor for the BSc Chemistry with Materials Science program and is an associated member of the International Center for Sustainable Development (IZNE). His educational philosophy emphasizes that 'subject-specific and interdisciplinary teaching promotes disciplinary identities, raises awareness of social and ecological challenges, and offers opportunities for new alliances,' which underpins his innovative approach to connecting chemical education with broader societal concerns.