BTU overview
Research Center Landscape Development and Mining Landscapes
BTU scientist Dr Annika Badorreck (left) explains the research project during a tour of the site (Photo: BTU, Ralf Schuster)
Within 20 years, many plants have colonised and developed in the six-hectare area (Photo: BTU, Ralf Schuster)
BTU President Prof Dr Gesine Grande and Dr Thomas Koch, Head of Geotechnics at LEAG, signed the extension of the usage agreement until 2030 (Photo: BTU, Ralf Schuster)
On the research side, the contract was signed by Prof. Louise Rütting, Head of the Research Centre for Landscape Development and Mining Landscapes (FZLB) (Photo: BTU, Ralf Schuster)
Presentation 20 years of the Hühnerwasser research platform 2005 - 2025 by Dr Annika Badorreck and Dr Gerwin at the signing ceremony for the "Hühnerwasser" research site (Photo: BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Ralf Schuster)

BTU and LEAG extend co-operation at the Hühnerwasser research site for another five years

Cottbus - April 23rd, 2025

The Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) and Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG (LEAG) have extended the usage contract for the world's unique research site in the Hühnerwasser source area for another five years. The formal signing took place today, conducted by BTU President Prof. Dr. Gesine Grande, Head of the BTU Research Center for Landscape Development and Mining Landscapes (FZLB) Prof. Dr. Louise Rütting, and Dr. Thomas Koch, Head of Geotechnics at LEAG.

The research site was established in 2005 through the reclamation of the Welzow-Süd lignite open-pit mine and serves to study the natural development of a man-made ecosystem. "Thanks to the extension of the usage agreement, we are now able to ensure a quarter-century of this unique research," emphasized Dr. Annika Badorreck, coordinator of the "Hühnerwasser Research Platform."

Scientists from BTU and international experts continuously monitor the developments in the area. Groundwater levels, water and elemental flows, as well as meteorological parameters, are recorded by a comprehensive monitoring network. A newly formed pond provides insights into the development of young aquatic environments and the interaction between terrestrial and aquatic subsystems.

"The extension of our cooperation agreement enables us to conduct further ground-breaking research in the areas of transformative landscape development and climate change," stated Prof. Dr. Gesine Grande.

In addition to research, BTU students benefit from internships and study projects on this unique site. More information can be found in various media reports (Sources: rbb24.de: "Hühnerwasser in Welzow-Süd can continue to be researched; LEAG press release: Hühnerwasser-Forschungsgelände in Welzow-Süd: BTU and LEAG extend utilisation contract by a further 5 years; lausitz.tv press release: Signature for globally unique research project).

With the extension of the partnership until 2030, BTU and LEAG are setting a strong signal for scientific excellence and sustainable development in the Lusatian region. We look forward to further exciting findings and developments in this unparalleled project!