Ongoing projects
Phenorob
PhenoRob (“Robotics and Phenotyping for Sustainable Crop Production”) is a DFG-funded Cluster of Excellence in its second phase, driving the sustainable and technology-driven transformation of crop production through interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research. We co-lead Core Project 7 “Implications for Agro-Ecosystems and Society”, which explores how diversified cropping, innovative field designs, and digital technologies can support sustainable agriculture. Working with colleagues across disciplines, we assess impacts on agrobiodiversity, climate, and socio-economic outcomes, and examine the factors that influence technology adoption. CP7 aims to provide evidence-based policy recommendations to support the transition to sustainable farming.
WISE
WISE (“Wiesengut Integrated Science and Education Portal”) is a seed-funded project supported by the University of Bonn’s Transdisciplinary Research Area “Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Futures”. We collaborate with the Agroecology & Organic Farming Group, the Geoinformation Group and the Biology Education Research Group to develop a digital data platform for Campus Wiesengut, University of Bonn’s organic experimental farm. The WISE platform will support collaborative research and educational initiatives and give the public easier access to Wiesengut’s rich data resources. Already, WISE features a Virtual Tour that includes farmland bird songs recorded through our passive acoustic monitoring research.
World Ecosystem Extent Dynamics (WEED)
The main objective of the World Ecosystem Extent Dynamics project is to develop and showcase a versatile and globally applicable innovative toolkit that utilizes Earth Observation data to map and monitor their changes in extent for terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal (up to the intertidal zones) ecosystems.
CAMBIO
CAMBIO (“Camera-based Agricultural Monitoring for Biodiversity Insights and Observations”) leverages camera traps to monitor wildlife in agroecosystems and assess their responses to agriculture-related disturbances such as mowing and grazing. The project is funded by the Argelander Grant Starter-Kit “Research Funds” of the University of Bonn.
Model2Adapt
Model2Adapt (“Leveraging recent developments in monitoring and AI to develop dynamic ecological-economic models for adaptive biodiversity conservation policy instruments”) is a DFG-funded Scientific Network focused on leveraging recent developments in digital biodiversity monitoring and AI to develop dynamic ecological-economic models for innovative conservation policy instruments. The network fosters interdisciplinary collaboration through workshops, generating new research ideas, joint publications, and lasting research connections.
Concluded
ECO2SCAPE
We are testing measures to change the management of agricultural fields that can enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services in the process. We are co-designed these measures with farmers.
Bestmap
BESTMAP (“Behavioural, Ecological and Socio-economic Tools for Modelling Agricultural Policy”) was funded by Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation program. The project developed an innovative modeling framework that integrates socio-economic, behavioral, and biophysical approaches to guide the design and monitoring of future EU rural policies, promoting a sustainable future for the agricultural sector. Our team coordinated Work Package 3 on “Farming System Archetypes.”
EarthBridge
EarthBridge (“Building Bridges between Earth Observation and Environmental Sciences”) was a Horizon Europe Twinning project that united leading expertise in Earth observation and environmental sciences to close gaps across education, research, and policy. Our group actively collaborated within the network, co-authoring publications, organizing exchanges for early-career and senior researchers, and coordinating an interdisciplinary PhD student synthesis project to foster knowledge sharing and training.
BioViewPoint
We are combining biodiversity and remote sensing data with artificial intelligence to simulate landscape changes resulting from potential losses of species.
