FiW — Forschungsinstitut für Wasserwirtschaft und Klimazukunft an der RWTH Aachen e. V.

Research. Transfer. Sustainability. By developing long-term strategies and innovative processes, FiW contributes to the sustainability of water management in order to meet the upcoming challenges for water quantity and water quality, even in times of climate change.

As a member of the JRF research community, FiW is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. As a non-profit transfer institute at RWTH Aachen University, FiW stands for research and consulting services in the fields of environmental process & energy technology, water management and international cooperation with about 45 employees. We support the water industry in particular in coping with the dual key role of shouldering climate impact adaptation and at the same time becoming a driver of the sustainability economy towards energy efficiency, climate neutrality, material cycles, digitalization and a predestined location for the market ramp-up of the hydrogen economy.

In the sponsoring association, members from science, special-law water associations, urban drainage companies, planning offices and personal members are involved on a voluntary basis.

Our vision

Our vision forms the basis of our daily actions, both internally and externally. We are convinced that the pressing challenges of our time must be viewed globally and solved locally with knowledge-based decisions, sustainable strategies, innovative technologies, commitment and participation, so that the next generations can also take over clean water, necessary resources and an environment worth living in.

Our mission

As one of the leading independent environmental research institutes, we contribute to the sustainable development of water, energy and waste management. We are committed to this with long-term strategies and innovative processes in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Europe and in emerging and developing countries. For us as a practice-oriented research institute, the three pillars research – transfer – sustainability form the basis of our work to achieve our long-term vision.

Our self-image

As an independent, non-profit institute at RWTH Aachen University, we are characterised by professional quality, customer orientation, economic efficiency and the commitment of our strong team. We want to create value – for the environment and society. We achieve this together with our funds and clients, members and partners and, of course, with our employees.

The facts

Foundation: 1979
Legal form: registered association, non-profit, VR1926
Location: Aachen
Subjects: Transfer Institute
Fields of expertise: Wastewater, Energy, Circular Economy, Water Management, Digitalization, Climate Change Adaptation, Resource Efficiency, Sustainable Development, Education & Training, Water Tariffs
Staff: 45

Management:
Dr. sc. Dipl.-Ing. Frank-Andreas Weber (General Management)

Association Board:
Dr.-Ing. Joachim Reichert (Chairman of the board)
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Pinnekamp (Executive board)
Dr.-Ing. Dirk Waider (Board member)
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Thomas Wintgens (Board member)
Barbara Gerhager (Board member)
Dr.-Ing. Frank Obenaus (Board member)