Kerstin Wydra

Prof. Dr. Kerstin Wydra serves as a Professor in the Department of Horticulture within the Faculty of Landscape Architecture, Horticulture and Forestry at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt. Her academic focus centers on Plant Production and Climate Change, with significant external engagements including membership in the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS-HLPE), Vice-Presidency on the Board of Directors of Solarinput eV, and advisory roles with ThEEN (Thuringian Renewable Energy Network) and the International Alliance on Solar Energy and Drinking Water.

• UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS-HLPE) member
• Solarinput eV Board of Directors (Vice-President)
• ThEEN Advisory Board member
• International Alliance on Solar Energy and Drinking Water participant
• Working Group for Rural Agriculture (AbL) member

Her research integrates agricultural science with climate resilience strategies, emphasizing sustainable crop production under changing climatic conditions. She investigates biodiversity conservation within photovoltaic systems (Agrivoltaics), critically examines geoengineering applications in African contexts, and develops solutions for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implementation in renewable energy systems and sustainable resource management.

Prof. Wydra leads multiple high-impact projects including the BMBF-funded 'Innovation Region MID Thuringia' for climate mitigation in the Ilmtal region, the BMUB 'KlimAGala' initiative for climate adaptation training, and the BMEL 'FruVaSe' project addressing Sub-Saharan African food security. Her current portfolio spans CO₂ sequestration through biomass (wood, straw, hemp), regenerative agriculture, and climate adaptation strategies for zoological institutions, demonstrating her commitment to transdisciplinary sustainability solutions.