02–07 November 2025 | Environmental Campus Birkenfeld (ECB)
IMAT Alumni 2.0 Conference at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld: Global Expertise for Sustainable Development
The Institute for Applied Material Flow Management (IfaS) hosted the IMAT Alumni 2.0 Conference at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld (ECB), welcoming IMAT graduates from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America for a week of dialogue, reflection, and international collaboration.
The event served as the highlight of this year’s training and networking activities within the two-year project “Global IMAT Alumni Network 2.0: Expert Training for Sustainable Development,” funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Held in parallel with the 16th International Circular Economy Week (ICEW), the conference emphasized the significant contributions IMAT alumni are making to sustainability transitions worldwide.
Strengthening the Global IMAT Network
This year’s gathering showcased the growing reach and impact of the IMAT community. Alumni shared insights from their careers across a wide range of fields, including renewable energy, water management, climate policy, sustainable finance, waste management, and circular economy innovation.
Throughout the week, former students reflected on how IMAT has shaped their professional paths. Key themes included:
- Systems thinking and holistic problem-solving
- Hands-on learning through site visits, case studies, and the Traveling University
- International and interdisciplinary teamwork
- New career opportunities enabled by the global IMAT network
These reflections once again highlighted IMAT’s strength in educating sustainability professionals who can work across borders, cultures, and sectors.
Alumni Workshop: Shaping IMAT’s Future
On the final day, alumni participated in a dedicated workshop to discuss the future direction of the IMAT program. The session provided space to exchange experiences from their professional journeys and to identify priorities for the next decade of sustainability education.
The workshop demonstrated the strong commitment of IMAT graduates to actively support the program’s advancement and to contribute to the success of future student generations.
Looking Ahead
The conference concluded with a certificate ceremony recognizing the active participation of alumni in the training program. With renewed connections, fresh ideas, and an even stronger global network, the IMAT Alumni 2.0 Conference once again showcased what defines the IMAT program: international orientation, practical relevance, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainable development.
During the conference, participants also discussed a range of measures to further enhance the sustainability of the IMAT program, strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders, and elevate the global IMAT network to the next level. A vibrant, well-connected community of sustainability experts is, after all, essential for tackling the global challenges of today—and those faced by future generations.
ECB and IfaS express their sincere appreciation to all alumni, students, and partners whose engagement made this event a success.
