Prof. Dr. Matthias Pietsch is a Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, serving as Vice Dean of the Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology, and Landscape Development. He holds a PhD from TU Dresden on landscape structural measures for biodiversity assessment. His expertise includes GIS applications in environmental planning, remote sensing for nature conservation, and standardization in landscape planning. He leads research on multifunctional cultural landscapes, UAV-based monitoring, and smart region applications. As Director of the Prof. Hellriegel Institute, he drives interdisciplinary projects in geoinformatics and remote sensing. Research Interests: GIS methodology, remote sensing technologies, landscape resilience, urban-rural dynamics, and standardization in planning. His work bridges ecological, technical, and social dimensions of sustainable development through innovative data-driven approaches. Key Contributions: Developed GIS-based decision support systems, pioneered UAV applications in biodiversity monitoring, and contributed to XPlanung standards for interoperable landscape data. Recent articles focus on urban cool islands, ecosystem service assessment, and resilient landscape planning.
Dr. Jeroen Groot is an Associate Professor at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in Farming Systems Ecology. He holds a PhD in Agronomy and MSc degrees in grassland science, animal physiology, and tropical animal husbandry. His research focuses on farming systems analysis, model-informed landscape planning, and participatory modeling to address sustainability challenges in agriculture. Dr. Groot has coordinated international projects like EULACIAS and contributed to frameworks such as the COMPASS modeling suite, which integrates biological processes, economic calculations, and optimization algorithms to support decision-making in multifunctional landscapes. His work spans projects in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, emphasizing sustainable intensification of mixed farming systems, trade-off analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Key areas include nutrient cycling, design of mixed farms, and the integration of socio-economic and environmental indicators. Dr. Groot has published widely on topics like participatory gaming for sustainable landscape design, multi-objective optimization in farming systems, and the role of models in bridging disciplinary divides. Recent publications highlight his systematic review of trade-off analysis methodologies in agriculture, emphasizing gaps in multi-scale analysis and stakeholder inclusion. His research also explores gender norms in farming communities and the socio-ecological impacts of agricultural intensification. Dr. Groot’s contributions aim to advance sustainable agriculture through interdisciplinary approaches and policy-relevant insights.
Dr. Monika Wesołowska is a Professor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, where she works in the Department of Socio-Economic Geography within the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management. With over two decades of academic experience, she has established herself as a leading expert in rural geography, settlement patterns, and demographic changes in rural areas of Poland, particularly in Eastern regions. Dr. Wesołowska's research primarily focuses on: Rural geography and settlement patterns in Poland Demographic changes and depopulation processes in rural areas Socio-economic development of rural regions, particularly in Eastern Poland Transformation of rural spaces following Poland's political and economic transition Border area development and cross-border cooperation Her extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding the complex interplay between demographic trends, economic transformation, and spatial organization of rural areas. Dr. Wesołowska has made significant contributions to understanding the phenomenon of disappearing villages in Poland, analyzing both the causes and potential solutions for sustainable rural development. Dr. Wesołowska has participated in numerous research projects funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and international frameworks: TERESA project (Framework Programme 6) on environment, rural economy, and society interactions in European regions (2007-2009) Studies on the impact of state borders on socio-economic development in Eastern Poland (2007-2010) Research on contemporary socio-economic transformations and population potential in Eastern Poland (2011-2014) Development of educational materials for sustainable development education (2014) She holds significant leadership roles in academic organizations: Member of the Polish Geographical Society since 2003 Deputy Chair of the Rural Areas Commission of the Polish Geographical Society since 2020 Member of the Committee for Spatial Development of the Country, Polish Academy of Sciences since 2011 Editor-in-chief of Annales UMCS, sec.B since 2022 Organizer and jury member of the Geography Olympiad since 2003
Gabino Joaquín Ponce Herrero is a Professor of Human Geography at the University of Alicante's Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, Department of Human Geography. He has held this position since 2001 and has been affiliated with the university since 1982, accumulating six approved six-year research periods. His academic career spans over four decades with significant contributions to geographical studies. PhD in Geography (1986), University of Alicante Bachelor's Degree in Geography (1981), University of Alicante Professor Ponce Herrero's research centers on Urban Planning, Cultural Heritage Management, and Territorial Development, with particular emphasis on Valencian viticulture landscapes, historical geography, and sustainable tourism. His work bridges theoretical geographical frameworks with practical applications in heritage conservation and territorial planning. He has pioneered interdisciplinary approaches connecting geography with wine tourism, historical preservation, and post-productivist agricultural transitions. His publication portfolio reveals consistent engagement with Mediterranean urban dynamics, border studies, and heritage management. Recent works (2020-2023) demonstrate increasing focus on sustainable development challenges, including degrowth theory applications in municipal governance, terroir studies, and wine cultural landscapes. The research exhibits strong regional emphasis on Valencia while maintaining international relevance through Ibero-American collaborations. Professor Ponce Herrero has supervised 16 doctoral theses and directed numerous research projects funded by public institutions including the Ministry of Economy and Enterprise, Ministry of Education, and Generalitat Valenciana. His knowledge transfer extends to municipal governments through technical consultancy services, particularly in heritage management and urban planning. He co-directs the Master's Degree in Territorial and Urban Planning and directs the Master's Degree in Heritage Management at the University of Alicante. As founder of the Ibero-American Heritage Management Group (spanning Spain, Mexico, Uruguay, Cuba, and Ecuador), he has organized five international meetings on heritage management and directed significant collective works including 'Havana. From Colony to Metropolis'.
Giuseppe Marotta is a Full Professor in the Department of Law, Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods (DEMM) at the University of Sannio, specializing in Rural Economics and Valuation (AGR/01). He also serves as Pro-Rector of the university and has held numerous leadership roles, including Director of DEMM and member of the Board of Directors of the Consortium for Applied Research in Agriculture (CRAA)-Campania Region. He is actively involved in the AgriSmart Study Center of Coldiretti Campania. Laurea in Economics and Commerce, University of Naples 'Federico II', 1980 Specialization in Agricultural Economics, Scuola di Specializzazione e Ricerca Economico-Agraria per il Mezzogiorno, 1983 His research focuses on rural development, agri-food systems, multifunctional agriculture, and value creation. He has led numerous research projects on agricultural policy, rural governance, and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on regional development in Southern Italy. His work integrates economic analysis with social responsibility and innovation in agri-food value chains. The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on sustainability, consumer behavior, and innovation in agri-food systems. Key themes include corporate social responsibility, value creation in multifunctional farms, consumer preferences for food attributes (especially wine and craft beer), and sustainable innovation in supply chains. His research employs advanced methodologies such as structural equation modeling and best-worst scaling, often in collaboration with leading scholars in agricultural economics. Member of the Editorial Board, Rivista di Economia Agraria (2011–2014) Guest Editor, MDPI Sustainability (2019–2021) Referee for Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural and Food Economics, and Economia Agro-Alimentare President of the Organizing Committee, 19th SIEA Annual Conference (2011) President of the Program Committee, 51st SIDEA Annual Conference (2014) Marotta has supervised PhD students as a member of the Doctoral Faculty in 'Persona, Mercato, Istituzioni' and has coordinated multiple research projects funded by the Campania Region, MIUR, and the European Union. He has played key roles in designing rural development programs and integrated rural projects across Southern Italy. His professional consultancy includes contributions to regional rural development planning and agri-food policy formulation. He leads and participates in research groups and centers focused on rural and agri-food systems, including the AgriSmart Study Center and the Consortium for Applied Research in Agriculture. His leadership in national and regional research initiatives underscores his role in shaping rural development policy and practice.
Prof. Dr. Ivan Petrov Paligorov is a faculty member at the University of Forestry in Sofia, Bulgaria, affiliated with the Faculty of Business Management and the Department of Economics and Management of Natural Resources . He holds a PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with a focus on Forest Economy and Policy. PhD in Economic and Management Sciences (Forest Economy and Policy) Research Interests include applied economics in forestry, sustainable forest management, forest policy, business communication, and public relations. He has contributed to projects aligning Bulgarian forestry practices with EU standards, emphasizing multifunctional and close-to-nature forest management. Scientific Awards and Memberships include roles as Chairman of the Union of Bulgarian Foresters, member of the Union of Bulgarian Scientists, and FAO Team of Specialists on Forest Policy in East Europe.
Christian Levers is a Senior Scientist at the Thünen Institute of Biodiversity (Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry, and Fisheries in Germany) and a guest researcher at the Conservation Biogeography Lab at Humboldt University of Berlin. His work bridges land-system science, sustainability research, and social-ecological analysis to address global change and biodiversity loss. He specializes in spatially explicit modeling, machine learning, and land-change simulation across Europe and South America. His research focuses on: Land-use change in deforestation hotspots like the Gran Chaco Biodiversity-land use interactions Quantitative methods for monitoring and modeling Marginalized land-use actors in sustainability frameworks Recent publications highlight his expertise in simulating land-system futures, analyzing agricultural expansion, and quantifying biodiversity impacts. His teaching experience spans graduate and undergraduate courses in Germany and the Netherlands, with extensive student supervision. He uses remote sensing (Landsat, Sentinel) and interdisciplinary approaches to inform conservation policies. Key affiliations and roles: Senior Scientist, Thünen Institute of Biodiversity (Germany) Guest Researcher, Conservation Biogeography Lab (Humboldt University Berlin)
Sian MacKintosh is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Institute of Biological, Environmental, and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University. Her research primarily focuses on animal production systems and their impact on livestock product quality, with particular emphasis on beef quality. She has published numerous research papers and participated in significant research projects related to agricultural science. Her educational background includes: Bachelor's degree in Equine Science from Aberystwyth University Master's degree in Equine Science from Aberystwyth University PhD from the Royal Veterinary College, London, on "Development of 3D Culture Models of Epithelial and Stromal Cells to Study the Pathophysiology of the Bovine Endometrium" Dr. MacKintosh's research interests span multiple areas of animal science and agricultural production. Her work primarily focuses on understanding how different animal production systems affect the quality of livestock products, particularly beef. She has conducted extensive research on the relationship between cattle diets and meat quality characteristics such as fatty acid profiles, texture, and eating quality. Her early work involved developing 3D culture models to study bovine reproductive biology, specifically the endometrium, which has important implications for understanding reproductive health in cattle. Her publication record shows a clear trajectory from fundamental reproductive biology research to applied agricultural science. Early in her career, she focused on developing 3D culture models of bovine endometrial cells to understand reproductive pathologies. More recently, her work has shifted toward practical applications in livestock production, examining how feed components like lucerne extract and field peas affect meat quality and poultry production. This progression demonstrates her ability to translate basic scientific knowledge into practical agricultural applications that address real-world challenges in food production. Dr. MacKintosh has been actively involved in research projects, including the "Enhancing agriculture productivity and ecosystem resilience in multifunctional landscapes" project from 2015-2018, where she served as a Co-Investigator. She has also participated in numerous conferences related to animal science and reproduction, demonstrating her engagement with the broader scientific community. Her work contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable agriculture and food systems. Her research has been recognized through citations and mentions in policy documents, news outlets, and social media platforms, indicating the relevance and impact of her work beyond academic circles. She has collaborated with researchers across multiple institutions, suggesting strong networking capabilities and interdisciplinary approach to her research.
Daniel 'Dan' Erickson is a Lecturer at the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. He specializes in applying geospatial analytics to address challenges in sustainable agriculture, resilient communities, and land use optimization. His work focuses on reimagining underutilized urban and suburban spaces for food production and ecological benefits. PhD in Plant and Soil Science (Agroecology + Ecological Landscape Design), University of Vermont (2012) MS in Rangeland Ecology and Management, Texas A&M (1996) BS in Natural Resources, Cornell University (1993) Research interests include retrofitting suburban landscapes, landscape multifunctionality, and ecological design. He explores how geospatial technologies can enhance food systems and community resilience. His courses include 'Global Environmental Assessment' and 'Introduction to Geographic Information Systems.' His publications emphasize GIS applications in agricultural planning, land use optimization, and sustainable development. Notable themes include urban/suburban agriculture potential and agroecological frameworks. No scientific awards are listed in the provided information. No advisees or grants are mentioned. His work is centered on academic instruction and applied research in geospatial technologies and agroecology. Labs or teams associated with his work are not specified in the text.
James A. LaGro Jr. is a Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he has served as Department Chair (2002–2008). He holds a PhD in Natural Resource Policy and Planning (Cornell University, 1991) and an MLA in Landscape Architecture (Cornell University, 1982). His research focuses on land use dynamics, urban sustainability, placemaking, and climate adaptation. Key contributions include advancing smart growth strategies, green infrastructure design, and community resilience frameworks. He has authored influential books such as *Site Analysis* (Wiley & Sons) and contributed to major projects like the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI). LaGro’s teaching includes courses on urban design, site planning, and open space systems. His work bridges academic research with practical application through service-learning projects with local communities. Notable awards include a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (2008–2009) and a Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Leadership Fellowship (2021–2022). He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of *Landscape Journal*. Education: PhD (Cornell, 1991), MLA (Cornell, 1982) Key Projects: Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management (UW-Madison), Capital Region Sustainable Communities (HUD grant) Major Publications: Routledge Handbook of Urban Resilience (2020), *Site Analysis* (3rd ed., 2013) His research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to urban sustainability, including studies on water resources, land use policy, and governance capacity. Recent work explores urban open space systems as multifunctional infrastructure and climate adaptation strategies for resilient communities.
Doris Damyanovic is an Associate Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna , affiliated with the Institute of Landscape Planning and Department of Landscape, Water and Infrastructure . As Vice Rector for Teaching, Continuing Education and Students , she bridges academic leadership with research in climate-resilient urban development and gender-sensitive planning. PhD in Soil Sciences (2006) Habilitation in Landscape Planning (2016) Diploma in Landscape Planning and Maintenance (1997) Her research interests span climate change adaptation, gender mainstreaming in urban planning, public space design, green infrastructure, and participatory planning processes. Recent publications emphasize integrating climate policies into spatial planning, equitable urban development, and land tenure reforms in Ethiopia. Scientific Awards include the Vienna Women's Prize 'Urban Planning' (2018), Project Anniversary Fund of Vienna (2013), and two 2008 accolades for poster and dissertation excellence. Supervised 65+ research projects on topics like climate-proofing cities, gender-responsive disaster risk reduction, and digital tools for urban planning. Secured grants from the European Commission , FFG , City of Vienna , and Ministries . She has delivered 85+ lectures globally, focusing on gender-equitable urbanism and climate adaptation frameworks, and contributed to 66+ knowledge-transfer publications including policy reports and media articles.
Prof. Dr. Pande Trajkov is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Forestry, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in North Macedonia. With over three decades of experience since his 1988 graduation, he specializes in forest management, dendrometry, and multifunctional forest systems. He teaches courses including Forest Management , Dendometry , and Forest Inventory at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Education: PhD in Forestry (1997), MSc in Forestry (1992), BSc in Forestry (1988) from the Faculty of Forestry, Skopje His research focuses on forest productivity , silvicultural practices , and nature conservation in protected areas. Recent work explores machine learning applications in forest biomass estimation, elevation impacts on Macedonian pine stands, and coppice forest management challenges in Europe. Key trends in his publications include: Integration of remote sensing and AI for forest inventory Ecological dynamics of native species like Macedonian pine and sessile oak Policy analysis for nature conservation vs. forestry activities Sustainable management of coppice forests Forest road infrastructure optimization Administratively, he has served as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Forestry (2001-2004, 2017-present) and contributed to EU agricultural policy adaptation frameworks.
Professor Rieke Hansen serves as Head of Institute and Professor for Open Space and Ecological Urban Design at the Department of Open Space Development, Geisenheim University since November 2019. She leads research initiatives connecting landscape architecture, urban planning, and ecological sustainability with a focus on implementing nature-based solutions in practical municipal contexts across Germany and Europe. Dr. Hansen studied Landscape and Open Space Planning at Leibniz University of Hannover and completed a technical clerkship in Landscape Stewardship in North Rhine-Westphalia. Between 2010 and 2018, she conducted research and teaching at the Technical University of Munich's Chair for Strategy and Management of Landscape Development, where she completed her doctoral thesis in 2018. She subsequently worked at the Chair of Landscape Architecture at RWTH Aachen University before joining Geisenheim University. Her research centers on the innovative potential of green infrastructure, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions for sustainable urban development. Professor Hansen has extensive experience in landscape and open space planning across metropolitan regions in Germany, Europe, and the USA. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implementation, focusing on how to effectively integrate biodiversity considerations into urban planning processes and funding mechanisms. Analysis of Professor Hansen's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on translating EU biodiversity strategies into actionable municipal plans, particularly through Urban Nature Plans. Her work demonstrates consistent focus on integrating quality of life considerations with climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation in urban contexts. The research shows evolution from theoretical exploration of green infrastructure concepts toward practical implementation tools for municipalities, reflecting her commitment to bridging research and practice. Professor Hansen is a registered landscape architect with the Hessen Chamber of Architects and Urban Planners and Assessor of Landscape Stewardship. She serves as a member of the 'Wissenschaftlichen Beirat für Natürlichen Klimaschutz' (Scientific Advisory Board for Natural Climate Protection), contributing her expertise to national climate policy discussions. Her current research projects include the EU-funded PLACES project (2024-2027) focused on cultural ecosystem services in landscape planning, and work with the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation developing practical guidance for municipalities on biodiversity considerations in urban development funding. She has led the development of the 'Urban Nature Toolbox' and guides for implementing 'Urban Greening Plans' based on the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, demonstrating her commitment to knowledge transfer from research to practical application.
Roberta Raffaelli is a Full Professor of Agricultural Economics at the Department of Economics and Management, University of Trento. She holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and Policy (University of Modena, 1993) and has extensive academic experience, including roles as Associate Professor (2005-2019) and Researcher (1994-2005). Her research focuses on non-market valuation of agricultural externalities, climate change impacts on agriculture, consumer preferences for sustainable products, and risk perception. She led the Envirochange project (2008) investigating climate change effects on Trentino agriculture. She teaches courses on stated preference methods, environmental valuation, and agricultural economics. Awards include the 'Grandi Progetti 2006' grant as Principal Investigator. She has supervised over 150 theses and is active in professional societies like AIEAA and EAAE. Her research spans agricultural policy in mountain regions, multifunctional agriculture, and experimental methods to reduce bias in choice experiments. Recent work includes analyzing social desirability bias in consumer choices for organic products and farmer risk management strategies. She has collaborated with institutions like the Fondazione Edmund Mach and ETH Zurich. Key areas of contribution include sustainable development in mountain areas, environmental asset valuation, and the economic implications of climate change.
Ingemar Jönsson is a Professor at Kristianstad University 's Faculty of Natural Science , leading research in Environmental Science . His work spans two major domains: Theoretical and Evolutionary Ecology focusing on tardigrades' extraordinary resistance to extreme environments Municipal Spatial Planning advancing sustainable resource use and biodiversity through policy frameworks Research highlights include: Breakthrough studies on tardigrade desiccation tolerance , radiation resistance , and space-based experiments through international collaborations (Italy, Germany, Norway, Stockholm University) Pioneering the application of ecosystem services in urban planning via the ECOSIMP and MuniComp projects (2013–2021) Developing the Ekoplankompassen.se web platform (2022) for ecological compensation guidance His book Planera för ekosystemtjänster (2023) provides practical tools for integrating ecosystem services into planning. Current activities (2025) examine municipal roles in biological diversity and SDG implementation .
