Research areas1. Soil organic matter dynamics using natural isotope abundances (14C und 13C) * Soil development of different soil types * Palaeosoils * Terrestrial carbon cycle * Decomposition of coal mining dust following processes of recultivation * Modelling2. Applications of radiocarbon dating * Radiocarbon dating of earthquakes with regard to risk assessment * Archaeology of cities (Hamburg, Freiburg, ...) * Content of renewable resources in bioplastics * Various other issues3. Development and administration of the International Radiocarbon Soils Database (IRSDB)Teaching* Isotope dating in soil and environment research (Mastercourse Geosciences)* Soil science field course at Hahnheide near Hamburg (Bacherlorcourse Geosciences)* Seminar Basic Knowledge of Soils (Bacherlorcourse Geosciences)Other professional tasks and activities 1986-2008 Radiation protection officer of the Institute of Soil Science (from 2006 Deputy) 1990-1995 Chief Editor of "Hamburger Bodenkundliche Arbeiten" (Vol. 14-28) 1990-1995 Board member of the "Verein zur Förderung der Bodenkunde" in Hamburg 1994-2011 IT-Network commissioner of the Institute of Soil Science 1996-2011 Internet commissioner of the Institute of Soil Science 2005-2011 Fire protection commissioner of the Institute of Soil Science