Last name, First name: Woost, Wolfgang
Nationality: German
City, Country: Munich, Germany
Course of Study, Degree: M.Sc. Civil and environmental engineering
Graduation year: 2002
Employer, Position: ClimatePartner, Key Account Manager

Why did you decide to study civil engineering and environmental technology at the TU Hamburg?
I was already very interested in environmental protection during my school days. The TU Hamburg offered these subjects at the time, which in my opinion represented a sensible combination of a classic and established field of study such as civil engineering and my desired topic of environmental technology. During my studies, however, I concentrated on structural engineering - with a particular passion for mechanics and statics.

What happened after your studies?
At that time, many engineers were being wanted in the aviation industry in Hamburg, so I started working for a service provider in the Airbus environment in the calculation department for aircraft components. I was able to take part in the large development projects in Hamburg, the A380, A400M, A350 and A320neo. After twelve years in aviation and now as head of the calculation department with a good 30 employees, I decided to leave my beloved home of Hamburg.

They went to Munich...
... I took over the branch of a calculation service provider there with a focus on the automotive industry. I then took over the management of a medium-sized company in project management.

You have reoriented yourself again this year and are now committed to climate protection professionally. What were your motivations?
While looking for a job with a positive impact on society, I rediscovered my passion from school days, environmental protection, as part of a coaching session. After intensive research, discussions and reading numerous articles and books, I decided to become professionally involved in climate protection. I have been working at ClimatePartner since the beginning of the year and, in my role as Key Account Manager, I support companies on their path to greater climate protection. The path to get there consists of five steps: Calculate CO2 footprints, set reduction targets, implement reductions, finance climate protection projects and communicate transparently.

You are also active in various social projects. How did that happen?
I feel the need to get involved in social areas outside of my daily environment. For me, volunteering is the glue of society. Without volunteers, many projects would not be possible because neither staff nor money is available. In addition, when you volunteer, you usually leave your usual surroundings – the “bubble” in which you live and work.

What projects are we talking about?
I help homeless people, mostly with a migrant background. I support them with everyday problems and try to simply be there, even for personal conversations. I am also involved in “Engineers Without Borders”. Many people will probably know this. We focus primarily on the implementation of projects in the global south - with planning services and also donations, also with our regional group in Hamburg. I can only recommend that everyone take up volunteer work. Above all, it’s about broadening your own perspective.

I would like to swap a day with...
... I have lots of ideas: For example, with my two-month-old son to see the world through his eyes, or with Elon Musk to get an insight into the mind of an eccentric person with such innovative potential. I would also like to swap places with an occupier of the International Space Station (ISS) to be able to take a look at our Earth. However, when I think about it, I would most likely trade a day with Vladimir Putin to end the war with Ukraine, pave the way for free elections and face the International Criminal Court. Even if it's a lot of work for one day.

What would you ask an all-knowing researcher from the future?
I would ask how it is possible to travel long distances in space. Ever since I became a Trekkie on Star Trek as a little boy, I've been fascinated by the idea of ​​traveling to distant planets.

If you were president of the TU Hamburg...
... I would quickly ensure that a capable candidate stands for election, as I do not see myself in such a position. Before that, I would establish an interdisciplinary climate protection institute that is designed for technological developments in this area.

Do you particularly remember any experiences from your time at TU Hamburg?
I remember Prof. Edwin Kreuzer very well - he awakened my passion for technical mechanics. And I can still hear his “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to the Mechanics 1 lecture for engineers” as if it were yesterday.

How would you describe the character of TU Hamburg in three characteristics?
Familiar, modern, challenging.