Lorenz Probst

Lorenz Probst is a Senior Scientist at the Institute for Development Research, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He has been affiliated with BOKU since 2008, progressing from project staff to senior scientist, and served as Deputy Head of the Institute from 2017 to 2021. His work focuses on development research with strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture, food security, and innovation systems in the Global South.

His research interests include transformative learning, conservation agriculture, organic farming, agro-food systems, climate change adaptation, and gender in agriculture. He is particularly engaged in understanding innovation processes in smallholder farming systems and the role of higher education in sustainability transitions. His work spans regions including West Africa, East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on sustainable agriculture, education for sustainability, and socio-ecological transitions. They demonstrate interdisciplinary research spanning agricultural sciences, social sciences, and educational research, with strong field engagement in Africa and Asia. Themes include organic agriculture, transformative learning, conservation agriculture, values in agricultural change, and community-based resilience.

• BOKU Teaching Award (2nd prize, 2012)
• BOKU Teaching Award (4th place, 2013)
• BOKU Teaching Award (4th place, 2014)
• BOKU Teaching Award (4th place, 2015)
• BOKU Teaching Award (4th place, 2016)
• agrana - Research Promotion Award (2013)

Lorenz Probst has been actively involved in teaching and educational development, particularly in sustainability education and international training programs. He has organized multiple Sustainability Transitions Summer Schools and International Training Courses on Organic Agriculture. He serves as Associate Editor for Agro Ekonomi and has reviewed for numerous journals including Nature Sustainability, Agricultural Systems, and World Development. He has also contributed to project evaluations for major funding organizations such as the European Commission and the Austrian Research Foundation for International Development.