The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Understanding the Planet, Shaping the Future
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, together with the Department of Geography, forms the Faculty of Earth Sciences at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich.
More than 20 professors and around 200 staff members conduct research and teach at three different locations on the Geschwister-Scholl-Platz campus, focusing on processes in and on the Earth. Our department covers the entire spectrum of geoscientific disciplines. In addition, there is close cooperation with the geoscience-oriented state collections (Mineralogical State Collection Munich and Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology) and other faculties at LMU (GeoBio-Center) and, through the Munich Geocenter, also with the geoscience subjects at the Technical University of Munich. This constellation, which is unique in Germany, is predestined for strongly interdisciplinary research and teaching in order to achieve and communicate in-depth scientific knowledge of planet Earth and its interrelationships in time, space, and the future.
History of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is part of the Faculty of Earth Sciences at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich.
1805
Foundation Mineralogy
The appointment of Johann Nepomuk von Fuchs in Landshut marked the beginning of systematic research into minerals at LMU, which was transferred to Munich in 1826. Learn more
1840
Geomagnetism
Johann von Lamont founded the Magnetic Observatory in Bogenhausen, the predecessor of today's observatory in Fürstenfeldbruck, thereby establishing Munich's geophysics, which at that time was still part of astronomy. Learn more
1856
Focus on paleontology
With the appointment of Albert Oppel, paleontology was separated as an independent subject in order to conduct more targeted research into the evolution of life. Learn more
1920
Geology
Under Erich Kaiser, geology was established as an independent institute, which enabled more targeted research in applied geology. Learn more
1938
Observatory relocation
After moving to a new building in Fürstenfeldbruck to avoid magnetic interference from the city's tram network, the LMU's geomagnetic observatory is being overwritten.
1944
War damage
During air raids, the Old Academy (Neuhauser Str. 51), then home to the collections and institutes, is almost completely destroyed.
1948
Interim
Parts of the geosciences find temporary refuge in the premises of the Deutsches Museum after losing their locations. Geophysics uses rooms at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz. Teaching resumes in temporary rooms in the Old Botanical Garden.
1948
Chair of Geophysics
With the appointment of Hermann Reich, the first independent chair of geophysics is created and the institutional separation is completed. Learn more
1950
New locations
The geology and mineralogy departments are moving into the new building on Luisenstraße. The geophysics department is leaving the main building and, together with the paleontology department, is moving into the adjacent building on Richard-Wagner-Straße.
1952
Crystallography
Formal establishment of the Chair of Crystallography; Georg Menzer is appointed as its first full professor. Learn more
1970
Another move
Geophysics moves into Theresienstraße 41. There, special foundations in the basement provide a basis for precision measurements despite urban disturbances.
1998
Site consolidation
Relocation of crystallography and parts of mineralogy to Theresienstrasse to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation.
2002
Establishment of the department
On April 1, 2002, all institutes of the Faculty of Geosciences were dissolved and merged into the newly founded Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. This consolidation of forces, together with the integration of geography from TUM, created a synergistic center for earth and environmental research in our faculty. Learn more
2018
Presentation of the design for the new building for geosciences and environmental sciences on the Sendlinger Tor campus
In Ludwigsvorstadt, geophysics, mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry, geology, crystallography, paleontology, geobiology, the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology, and the State Mineralogical Collection will be brought together in a single building complex. The design for this building will be presented to the public. Learn more
2024
Groundbreaking ceremony for the joint new building
On September 25, 2024, construction of the new department building officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony. The new facility will bring together the department's five teaching and research units in one location. Currently, geology, paleontology and geobiology, mineralogy and petrology, crystallography, and geophysics are scattered across three locations around Königsplatz. Learn more
