Apply before 20 May
Summer School “Bridging the gap – Connecting traditional and digital research approaches in agriculture” in Leipzig
Leipzig University invites PhD students and Early Career Researchers to participate in this Arqus Summer School from 25 to 29 August 2025.
The winegrowing and agricultural industry is currently facing several significant challenges that impact not only farmers but entire sector. One of the most pressing issues is climate change, which has led to rising temperatures and altered weather patterns. These changes affect the ripening of crops, while extreme weather events such as frost, hail, and heavy rainfall pose additional risks. Resource management is another critical concern, as the availability of water and agricultural land is being constrained by climate change and heightened competition for these resources.
Sustainable practices and digital transformation are essential to ensure long-term viability. Lastly, the industry is grappling with a skilled labour shortage. Finding qualified personnel in rural areas is increasingly difficult. Addressing these challenges will require creative solutions and adaptive strategies to secure the future of agriculture and viticulture.
The Smart Farming Lab is thrilled to invite Early Career Researchers from Arqus universities to participate in an interdisciplinary summer school hosted at Leipzig University. The programme will discuss current challenges in the field of agriculture with a focus on viticulture. It includes a wide range of research approaches from data management, remote sensing, robotics as well as plant physiology/ecophysiology and micrometeorology applied to crops in heterogenic growth environments and infrastructural conditions. As special emphasis lies on the effects of climate change, carbon balance, flora induction and bud fertility.
The main goal of the summer school is to foster collaborative learning and the exchange of experiences in the respective research fields. The interactive programme includes workshops, idea pitches and field trips in the region. Early Career Researchers can seize the opportunity to present, discuss their work in a supportive and international scientific community and enjoy the city of Leipzig – a vibrant and exciting place full of music, culture and creativity.
Eligibility
- Open to PhD students and Early Career Researchers from all academic disciplines
- Applicants must be enrolled/ employed at one of the Arqus Alliance universities.
- Applicants must demonstrate the relevance of the addressed topics to their respective research projects
Application Requirements
- Project Summary:
Submit a 1–2-page summary of your PhD or research project, clearly outlining its connection to the summer school topic. - Curriculum Vitae (CV):
A concise 1-page CV highlighting your academic background and achievements.
How to Apply
Submit your application materials in one PDF document via E-Mail here: hannemann@wifa.uni-leipzig.de
- Application Deadline: 20 May 2025.
Selection Process
- Applications will be evaluated locally by the partner universities of the Arqus Alliance.
Criteria for Selection:
- Relevance of the applicant’s research to the summer school topic. Quality and clarity of the submitted project summary
- Academic achievements.
Selected participants will be notified by 2 June 2025.
Funding Options
- Selected participants can apply for financial support to help cover travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs.
- Additional funding may be available through your International Offices or other relevant PhD programme funding offered by your home university.
Note: The grant is offered to PhD students from Arqus partner universities.
Why Participate?
This summer school provides an opportunity to:
- Engage in interdisciplinary discussions on Traditional and Digital Research Approaches in viticulture/agriculture.
- Collaborate with peers and experts across the Arqus Alliance.
- Enhance your research through interactive workshops, seminars, and networking.
- Present your research to gain feedback and insights.
- Unique experiences in a viticulture region rich in tradition in the heart of Europe
Additional Information
- The summer school will be conducted in English.
- Participants will receive a certificate of attendance, which may qualify for academic credits depending on your home university’s regulations.
- A detailed programme outlining activities, workshops, and speakers will be provided soon.
- Information regarding accommodation arrangements will also be shared in advance to assist participants in their planning.
For inquiries and further details, please contact Susann Hannemann (hannemann@wifa.uni-leipzig.de)
Call published on 22 Apr 2025