Change at “inwa”: On March 1, 2026, Dr. Harvey Harbach took over the position of deputy director of the institute. Together with institute director Prof. Günter Müller-Czygan, he will play a major role in shaping the strategic development of the institute and implementing operational measures.
Prof. Dr. Manuela Wimmer, who previously held the position, will in future devote herself even more intensively to topics in the field of artificial intelligence in transfer projects and teaching – especially as research group leader at inwa. Prof. Günter Müller-Czygan expressly thanks her for her great commitment, particularly in the successful establishment of inwa and the Competence and Transfer Center for Sustainable Sponge Cities/Regions.
Focus on team strength and competence development
In his new role, Dr. Harvey Harbach aims to strengthen the internal competence development of inwa team members and further expand synergies within the institute.
My main concern is to promote networking between the research groups and strengthen a strong team spirit. In this context, it is particularly important to me that we support young scientists.”
Dr. Harvey Harbach
Among other things, there are plans to systematically record the existing competencies within the institute in order to identify training needs more transparently, highlight synergies, and deploy expertise in a targeted manner in projects. The aim is to use existing knowledge more efficiently and to strategically support the further development of employees.
“In times of increasing complexity, researchers must develop new skills in order to find appropriate responses to multi-crises and multidisciplinary requirements,” says Prof. Müller-Czygan, who heads the BMFTR-funded and recently launched “ResilienceLab” project, in which all university institutes are participating to create a novel real-world laboratory based on the sponge city principle at Hof University of Applied Sciences, with training in complexity skills being an important component. Dr. Harbach will ensure effective transfer to the inwa. “Available resources must be used efficiently and effectively, and bureaucracy must be kept to a minimum in order to focus on added value,” explains Dr. Harbach.
Countering the “age of global water bankruptcy” with a strong team
UN experts have determined that “water scarcity” or “water crisis” no longer adequately reflect reality, but that the world is entering an “age of global water bankruptcy” and that existing multi-crises are intensifying. The inwa has successfully positioned itself in the future-oriented fields of water infrastructure, photonics, sustainability, and food production. The focus now is on the consistent further development of these key areas, and the Competence and Transfer Center for Sustainable Sponge Cities/Regions also plays an important role in this. Prof. Müller-Czygan and Dr. Harbach see every day that the employees at inwa are sufficiently motivated and well trained for this task.
Strengthening the culture of innovation
Dr. Harbach is convinced that these measures will not only increase the efficiency of the institute, but also create an environment in which innovation can flourish.
“I would like to encourage everyone at inwa to follow their passions with Steve Jobs’ quote, ‘Stay hungry, stay foolish’. In return, we as an institute offer the opportunity to contribute your respective strengths and continuously develop yourself,” he emphasizes.
