The Institute for Applied Research Urban Futures (IaF Urbane Zukunft) is an interdisciplinary research institution affiliated with the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, located in Potsdam, Germany. Established in 2014, IaF serves as a central unit within the university, designed to address the complexities of urban development through both research and practical collaboration. Since its inception, the institute has been home to a variety of research initiatives and currently employs a motivated team of staff members.
IaF's core structure consists of three research professorships: Resource-Optimised and Climate-Adapted Construction, Sustainable Urban Development Strategies, and Information, Visualisation & Management. These focus areas reflect the institute’s commitment to tackling urban issues such as regional and social transformation, mobility, and information management through resource-efficient and climate-sensitive approaches.
Rather than operating in isolation, IaF positions itself as a catalyst for applied research in cooperation with regional actors. The institute is particularly invested in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work, integrating insights from different academic backgrounds and supporting collaboration between university departments and external partners in business, government, and civil society.
Recent and ongoing projects at IaF frequently address the sustainable transformation of urban environments, with research themes spanning climate adaptation, visualization of urban data, and strategies for social inclusion within cities. Despite its connections with international networks, the institute maintains a strong focus on regional relevance and practical outcomes, contributing to the ongoing development of Potsdam and its surrounding areas.