Gunnar Dreßler

Dr. Gunnar Dreßler is a postdoctoral researcher at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Department of Ecological Modelling. His work focuses on understanding complex social-ecological systems under global change, particularly regime shifts, tipping points, and policy impacts on land-use dynamics. He leads subprojects in the NamTip initiative, exploring desertification tipping points in Namibia. His research emphasizes advancing agent-based modelling methodologies to improve policy relevance.

Education: Diploma in Biomathematics (2011, University of Greifswald), PhD in Ecological Modelling (2017, University of Osnabrück). Postdoctoral training at UFZ and Stockholm Resilience Center.

Research Interests: Agent-based modelling, decision-making processes in socio-ecological systems, climate change impacts, and policy design. He develops tools like the NamSed serious game for stakeholder engagement and explores early-warning indicators for environmental tipping points.

Key Projects: Leads the NamTip subproject on scenario development and management options for dryland systems. Collaborates on POLISES, BESTMAP, and EU initiatives like emBRACE. Supervises Namibian graduate students and teaches agent-based modelling.

Labs/Teams: POLISES Group (Policy Instruments and Socio-Environmental Systems), NamTip team, and the UFZ’s Ecological Modelling Department. Engages in capacity development through educational outreach programs like the Ombombo mobile classroom.