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ÉCLAIR

Excellence Centre for Landscape and Habitat Restoration

ÉCLAIR will include the integrated research training group for early-career scientists. Here, the competences of young scientists will be strengthened through workshops and lectures on selected research topics within the framework of the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. These workshops will be open for early career scientists from our cooperation network and beyond. 

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Knowledge Transfer and Science Communication

Research Integration

#ÉCLAIR further supports research-oriented teaching by integrating students’ thesis into our research process and therewith topics and theories of restoration science into the curricula of the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. 

Training Future Researchers

To promote cross-cutting research skills among young researchers we envision offering workshops and training on topics such as experimental design, scientific publishing, open science and Research Data Management, project management, etc. See the upcoming courses below.

Training Overview

If you are interested in offering or taking part in a course, please feel free to contact our coordinating team. We welcome diverse inputs that can help support and expand restoration efforts.

Sustainable Land Management and conservation

Several of our team are involved in this international masters program. See the university website for more details.

  • Annual
  • Bernburg, Strenzfelde
  • -
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Agroecology excursion

A full day excursion to visit two farms actively using different agroecological practices will offer the opportunity to learn these sustainability principles from those already living by them. Prior registration needed.

  • 28.04.2026
  • Departure Bernburg, Strenzfelde
  • Eleonore Slabbert

Science Slam

In collaboration with the TOOLS team (https://tools-jena.de) in Jena we are hosting a informal Science Slam event. Join us to find out more about our ongoing research. Prior registration needed.

  • 24.02.2026
  • Bernburg, Strenzfelde
  • Eleonore Slabbert

Science Communication Coaching

In this 2-part series of online coaching and in-person events you Will learn how to present your research in a clear and interesting way to a diverse audience. Prior registration needed.

  • 28.01.2026 & 10.02.2026
  • Online
  • Eleonore Slabbert
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Knowledge Graphs – Background and Uses Cases

This presentation provides an introductory overview of the fundamental concepts and core principles of knowledge graphs and offers insights into their application.

  • 02.12.2025
  • Online
  • Philipp Plamper

8th International Workshop on Archetype Analysis in Sustainability Research

This workshop provides a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas, fostering synergies, and connecting researchers engaged in archetype analysis in sustainability research. We offer a themed breakout session “Methods for developing archetypes for conservation governance”.

  • 29.09.2025 - 01.10.2025
  • Thünen Institut, Braunschweig
  • Markus Meyer, Ayushi Kurian

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Join Our Centre for Landscape and Habitat Restoration

We welcome ideas and suggestions for knowledge exchange and transfer to the ÉCLAIR curriculum.

RU 5: Theory and Synthesis: Developing a new theoretical framework for restoration ecology

To add real value to restoration science, RU 5 aims to develop a new theoretical framework for restoration ecology by synthesizing the underlying results of the thematic RUs 1 − 4 in a step-by-step process. Based on the overarching assessment of the studied ELR measures from RU 4, we aim to (i) develop a new theoretical framework and hypotheses for restoration science (RU 5.1), (ii) translate our results into evidence-based restoration (RU 5.2), and (iii) identify research gaps and future research needs (RU 5.3). This approach allows us to advance restoration science beyond the efforts made so far.

RU 4: Data-driven predictive analytics and overarching evaluation of restoration benefits, risks and uncertainties

The overall objective of RU 4 is to gain new insights through the joint analysis of findings and data from RUs 1 − 3. RU 4 bundles and evaluates landscape-scale effects, tests the generalisability of results and searches for effect patterns of ecosystem and landscape restoration (ELR) measures through the following approaches: (i) valuation ((non-)economic) of biodiversity and ecosystem services (RU 4.1), (ii) integration, causal relationships and transfer of results beyond the case study region (RU 4.2). 

Our aim is to develop data-driven approaches towards a knowledge-driven concept. In particular, spatio-temporal knowledge graphs and ontologies enable us to model the impact of ELR measures on the complex nature of biodiversity and ecosystem function to gain new insights based on predicting interactions and processes by considering temporal dynamics and spatial scalability in our comprehensive data basis.

RU 3: Comprehensive analysis of ecosystem and landscape restoration measures across (semi-)dry European agricultural landscapes

The overall scientific objective of RU 3 is to gain new insights into restoration of agricultural landscapes by expanding the spatial and temporal scale of observation. RU 3 will derive key indicators and (spatial and temporal) patterns of transition for sustainable successful restoration in two ways: (i) through a set of comprehensive literature based meta-analyses of the existing evidence base across (semi-)dry European agricultural landscapes (RU 3.1) and (ii) by (re-)evaluating long-term data from existing restoration experiments (RU 3.2). For RU 3.1. we will focus on both, temporary and permanent ELR measures. Data series for re-evaluation in RU 3.2 come primarily from projects aiming to restore permanent forb-rich vegetation structures e.g., grasslands or field margins. This approach allows for an assessment beyond the experimental study sites and study duration of the project.

RU 2: Effects of permanent landscape elements in agricultural landscapes

The main focus of RU 2 is on basic research related to a multitude of remote sensing sensors and methods in the special context of permanent ecosystem and landscape restoration measures. Specifically, the effects of woody and forb-rich linear landscape elements on biodiversity and related ecosystem function (incl. ecosystem services) and ecosystem processes as well as climate change resilience are investigated. In RU 2.1. we aim to develop novel remote sensing techniques, and fundamental analysis of remote sensing-based traits representing ecosystem function and ecosystem services of hedgerows and field margins. RU 2.2. evaluates and validates the effects of permanent linear landscape elements with an agricultural and ecological focus. Up- and downscaling will be possible by combining innovative remote sensing approaches using knowledge graphs and predictive models, enabling analyses of quantity and quality of linear permanent landscape structures in selected landscapes across Saxony-Anhalt.

RU 1: Effects of temporary measures

Within RU 1 we investigate restoration potential within agricultural landscapes of Saxony-Anhalt where Agri-Environmental Schemes are frequently implemented. We quantify current and long-lasting effects on selected functional organism groups, their interactions as well as colonization and dispersal processes. In addition, ecosystem services such as humus formation, nutrient cycling, soil moisture, erosion control, pollination, crop vitality, yield quality as well as ecosystem disservices such as pest damage will be quantified. 

Within RU 1.1, we study effects of current wildflower strips compared to arable fields with simple, species-poor field margins. In RU 1.2, we focus on the positive legacy effects of former wildflower strip sites. RU 1.3. will clarify in a replicated mesocosm experiment how above- and below-ground biodiversity and related ecosystem services are influenced by perennial wildflower strips, established with different seed mixtures and diversity levels. 

RU 0: Coordination and Management

Coordination and management of scientific as well as structural and practical activities are key tasks essential for successful implementation and realization of the added value of our research beyond the contributions of the thematic research units.

Thus, the main objective of the RU 0 is the provision of a basic infrastructure and overarching integration of all thematic RUs, especially with regard to fieldwork, data management and analysis, publication of the results, measures necessary for the continuation, and dissemination. This coordinating team also already works with the aims of RU5 in mind, forming the basis for the synthesis and further development of theory in restoration ecology.

In addition, RU 0 engages our collaboration partners and ensures the support of young scientists and the integration of our scientific achievements into teaching.

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