Heidrun Else Leonhardt

Dr. Heidrun Else Leonhardt is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Sustainable Economic Development, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). With a focus on agricultural economics and socio-ecological dynamics, her work examines land tenure systems, soil conservation behaviors, and policy impacts on sustainable agriculture.

• Education: M.Sc. in Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy (WU Wien 2013-2015), B.Sc. in Environmental and Bio-Resources Management (2009-2013)

Her research integrates qualitative analysis, econometrics, and mixed methods (including Q Methodology) to investigate:

• Land ownership and rental impacts on agricultural land use
• Farmer attitudes toward environmental conservation
• Statistical methodology in agricultural data analysis

Key publication themes show expertise in IACS data applications, farmland fragmentation, and climate resilience strategies. Notable awards include the 2022 Best Conference Paper Award (GEWISOLA) and multiple 2021 accolades (AGRANA Förderungspreis, Best Poster Award EAAE). She serves as a reviewer for journals including Land Use Policy and Journal of Environmental Planning and Management.

Current projects address:

• Carbon storage implementation conditions in Austrian agriculture
• Soil management under climate extremes
• Institutional influences on land use behavior