TUHAN
Transatlantic Urban Heat Adaptation Network
Acronym: TUHAN
Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Matthias Mauder
Duration: May 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027 (18 months)
Partners:
- Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IÖR)
- University of Heidelberg
- Princeton University, USA
- Boston University, USA
- City College of New York, USA
- Arizona State University, USA
- University of Waterloo, Canada
The TUHAN (Transatlantic Urban Heat Adaptation Network) networking and exploratory project is establishing a transatlantic network for urban heat adaptation. Together with leading researchers from the U.S. and Canada, the project is exploring opportunities for scientific collaboration, developing project ideas, and preparing joint follow-up grant proposals. TUHAN builds on the BMFTR project KlimaKonform and focuses on small and medium-sized municipalities, which have been underrepresented in international heat adaptation research to date.
The project pursues an integrated approach combining natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences, linking urban climate modeling, building simulation, participatory methods, and socio-economic perspectives. A central concern is the transferability of modeling approaches and adaptation strategies across different climatic and administrative contexts: Cities in the U.S. South are already experiencing temperatures today that are expected in Germany in a few years, thus providing a preview of future conditions.
Core activities include two three-day network meetings in Princeton (October 2026) and Dresden (August 2027), featuring pitch sessions, keynote speeches, breakout groups, field trips, and stakeholder dialogues. Participants include TU Dresden (lead), the IÖR, Heidelberg University, Princeton University, Boston University, City College of New York, Arizona State University, and the University of Waterloo. Outcomes will include joint publications, a research plan, and grant proposals to ensure the continuity of the collaboration.