BRIGHT-Futures Connects with SYSTEMSHIFT [07.10.25]

The BRIGHT-Futures team is delighted to connect with Prof. Dr. Tobias Kümmerle, head of the Conservation Biogeography Lab at Humboldt University Berlin.

On 27 October 2025, Prof. Kümmerle visited the University of Hohenheim, where he gave an inspiring talk on his ongoing research projects. His presentation sparked lively discussions among BRIGHT-Futures researchers and opened exciting avenues for future cooperation.

This new collaboration explores on synergies with Prof. Kümmerle’s ERC-funded project SYSTEMSHIFT https://biogeo.pages.cms.hu-berlin.de/website/systemshift/, which explores how land-use dynamics influence biodiversity and conservation opportunities.

 Link to Prof. Dr. Kümmerle's website https://biogeo.pages.cms.hu-berlin.de/website/

Successful completion of the scoping trip to Kerala

Appreciation letter (in Malayalam) from the BF-Team to our wonderful host, Sally, and the EcoFriends farmers' association in Wayanad

In early October, the Bright-Futures team has successfully completed their month-long scoping trip to  Kerala, India.

The main objective of the scoping trip was to visit farms and gain a deeper understanding of local farming systems: their structure, challenges, and opportunities. These insights helped the PhD researchers to refine their research questions, strengthen their methodological approaches, and adapt their research instruments to the local context.

Learn more about the outcome of the trip 

Field Trip to Kerala [08.09.25]

Since 8 October, the BRIGHT-Futures team, consisting of Hannah(s), Navya, Ingo, Bowy, and Huei Ying, has been in Kerala for their first scoping trip. The objectives of this trip are to meet with collaborators, establish official collaboration agreements, and visit farmers and their fields to gain a deeper understanding of local farming systems. We were deeply touched by the hospitality and generosity of our Keralan partners, as well as the farmers’ passion for their work!

Learn more about the scoping trip

Fostering further collaborations: The KAU–UHOH consortium
The BRIGHT-Futures team during their first farm visit in Wayanad, with much appreciation to Mr. Dileep Kumar K. J. (a fruit, spice, and paddy farmer)

Preparatory Workshop for the Fieldwork in Kerala [22.07.25]

With all PhD candidates on board, we held a workshop to prepare for our first fieldwork this fall. The workshop was supported by the PhD candidates of Jun. Prof. Dr. Seufert- Haani T. and Julia Fortin. It was a truly productive day!

Haani shares his work in Kerala
During our brainstorming session

3 new PhD candidates [16.07.25]

We warmly welcome Hannah Uther (Topic: Ecosystem Ecology), Hannah Melcher (Topic: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services), and Navya Miriam Itty (Topic: Socio-economics) to the team!

Hannah Uther
Hannah Melcher
Navya M. Itty

Visit from Dr. Archana Sathyan [30.06.25]

Dr. Archana Sathyan

From 23–27 June, we were pleased to welcome Dr. Archana Sathyan, our key collaborator from Kerala, India. Her visit to the University of Hohenheim was part of a broader collaboration, and she played an important role in refining our project planning and preparations for the upcoming field trip to Kerala this autumn. The visit also gave the BF team in Hohenheim a chance to connect with her in person, further strengthening our collaboration.

Dr. Sathyan's official website

Kick-off Workshop [12.03.25]

It was a productive day for the BF Team. During the workshop, we clearly defined our research goals and outlined the first steps toward achieving them- setting a strong foundation for the project’s success ahead.

Part of the BRIGHT-Futures team members
We’re getting started [01.03.25]
Bowy den Braber
Huei Ying Gan

The project is gaining momentum with two new team members: Dr. Bowy den Braber joining as postdoc and Dr. Huei Ying Gan as project coordinator. Welcome to Team Bright Futures!