Mid-term Study Tour for the AvH International Climate Protection Fellows 2024
How does scientific knowledge become effective policy?
Sunrise in Dresden. It is October 14, 2024, and a special day for a group of people of the Humboldt Foundation.
This essential question was explored by the International Climate Protection Fellows of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation during their Midterm Study Tour 2024. Organized by the CIPSEM at TU Dresden, engaged comprehensively with climate and environmental protection challenges through expert dialogues, field excursions, practical workshops, and cultural experiences across diverse locations at three special locations.
Group photo with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation scholarship holders and alumni Dr. Mulczyk, Dr. Dechyeva, and Dr. Görner - Head of CIPSEM
The study tours uniquely combine professional depth with personal exchange with the Advisors. From sustainable urban development and transformative climate policy to international nature conservation negotiations, the Fellows of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation gain valuable insights that enrich their existing knowledge with new experiences and contacts.
The 2024 study trip not only generated new knowledge through workshops and excursions but also provided new impetus for a vibrant global network of committed climate protectors.
On the last leg of our study trip, we visit the nature reserve island of Vilm near Rügen. We encounter a colorful array of flora and fauna. Three swans fly over the Bodden. It looks like a painting.
The first stop was in the heart of Saxony. In Dresden, the Fellows experienced how scientific evidence finds its way into laws and municipal agreements - and the hurdles that need to be overcome.
On their way to the networking dinner, the fellows took time for a group photo on the Altmarkt with the Frauenkirche in the background, the landmark of Dresden.
Monday, October 14: From the lecture hall to urban planning
Dr. Görner, Managing Director at CIPSEM, and Dr. Dechyeva, Project Coordinator of the Midterm Study Tour, welcome the fellows of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
On Monday, we gave the Fellows a warm welcome. Dr. Anna Görner, Managing Director of CIPSEM, and Dr. Daryna Dechyeva, organizer of the Midterm Study Tour, welcomed the participants and introduced them to the course programme.
Dr. Daryna Dechyeva engaging fellows during the highly popular “Living in Germany” workshop, which helps break the ice on the first day.
The Fellow-for-Fellow Session “Living in Germany” fosters exchange and connection among climate protection fellows each year at CIPSEM.
The fellows share their stories in the workshop—Life in Germany—and their experiences create a relaxed atmosphere.
They then accompanied the group to the first workshop at the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER), where the fellows were given an insight into the complex world of sustainable urban development.
At the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Urban and Regional Development, we meet Prof. Dr. Wolfram (at the lectern), Dr. Mazarro (seated), and Dr. Joshi.
They were particularly impressed by the contributions of Prof. Wolfram, Dr. Joshi and Dr. Mazarro, who made it clear that technical solutions alone are not enough.
Transformative processes in sustainable development outlined by Dr. Neelakshi Joshi, research associate at IOER in Dresden
True sustainability can only be achieved through integrative approaches that take equal account of social justice and economic factors.
Tour with Dr. Schielicke through the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Spatial Development and presentation of sustainable construction methods.
In the discussion that followed, it became clear how much the Fellows value the interaction between science and urban policy:
"This day has shown me that cities are not only built from materials, but above all from values."
The importance of transformative processes in sustainable development shown by research associate Dr. Mazarro from the IOER in Dresden.
Tuesday, October 15: The human side of transformation
Britta Heine welcomes the fellows to her leadership workshop.
The second day of the Midterm Study was all about leadership and personal effectiveness. In the workshop "Leading Transformation for Climate Protection" with Britta Heine, the focus was not on figures or models, but on the people themselves.
The Leadership Workshop includes interactive exercises, some of which take place outdoors.
How can we mobilize others? How can we overcome resistance in communication and behavior? The interactive exercises made it impressively clear that successful climate policy depends at least as much on interpersonal skills as on technical knowledge.
Group work in the interactive exercises in the leadership workshop.
In the exercises, the Fellows experienced what change feels like—and what it takes to become effective.
The fellows greatly appreciated the workshop with Britta Heine.
Adam Kyomuhendo is happy to have participated in the workshop.
Many described the workshop as one of the most intense and inspiring moments of the tour:
"This experience made me realize that leadership is not about control, but about connection."
Wednesday, October 16: Hands-on energy transition
Things got practical on the third day with the Renewables Academy (RENAC) AG.
Charlene Rossler and Marta Stetsiv from Renewables Academy (RENAC) AG
Brainstorming in an interactive workshop at Renewables Academy (RENAC) AG.
In a dynamic role-playing game, the Fellows slipped into the roles of decision-makers,
Fresh ideas during breaks in the RENAC AG workshop.
The workshop was intensive, inspiring, and incredibly fun despite the high level of concentration.
Gabriel Kpaka receives a certificate for participating in the RENAC AG workshop.
The subsequent networking dinner with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation provided an opportunity to deepen the contacts made and forge new collaborations.
Networking dinner with representatives of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Dresden.
Thursday, October 17: Climate change in an experiment - hands-on science
With the wind at your back to Bad Lauchstädt.
At the Bad Laustädt research station of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), we engaged directly with cutting-edge empirical research and experimental approaches addressing climate and environmental challenges.
Sheep are part of the Global Change Experimental Facility.
Prof Dr François Buscot - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
Under the expert guidance of Prof. Buscot and Dr. Reitz, the Fellows were given an insight into long-term experiments on the effects of climate change on grassland and agricultural ecosystems. ecosystems.
Prof Dr François Buscot & Fellows AvH 2024 - Global Change Experimental Facility (GCEF)
The vivid demonstrations made it clear how sensitively ecological balances respond to changes in temperature and precipitation—and how crucial evidence-based research is for political decision-making.
Prof Dr François Buscot & Aster Hordofa - Global Change Experimental Facility (GCEF)
The participants were impressed by the methodological precision and the clear link between research and policy:
"Observing the experiments made me realize how much patience science needs - and how much urgency politics, on the other hand, should have."
A group photo with soil profile on the UFZ premises. Dr. Reitz is pictured on the right.
On the way back to Dresden, we had a short guided tour of Leipzig.
Friday, October 18: Science meets activism
At CIPSEM, the day began with a deep insight into the practical implementation of nature conservation at the local level.
Dr. Sabine Hänel from the state capital of Saxony, Dresden.
Dr. Sabine Hänel from the state capital Dresden introduced the fellows to the large-scale project "DresdenNATUR". She combined the scientific foundation with tangible urban nature.
The concrete project examples in particular, which demonstrated the creative combination of climate protection and biodiversity in urban areas, made the complex challenges and solutions of a large city immediately comprehensible.
In the subsequent course, Dr. Jessica Junker from Re:wild took us on a journey into the global dimensions of species protection.
Dr. Jessica Junker from Re:wild
A connection to nature. A rare moment. A mandrill pauses for a moment and looks into the camera.
Her passionately presented research findings on the threat to great apes, particularly from mining, provided an impressive case study of the intertwining of economic interests, ecological consequences, and international conservation efforts.
Their work at the interface of field research and evidence-based policy advice gave concrete form to the concept of the "science-policy interface".
The Fellows described their experiences with Dr. Junker as:
"This was great! This was an absolutely captivating session! Jessica Junker has a captivating storytelling style and her passion for the topic was palpable."
Christian Bläul talks about his time with Fridays For Future.
Another highlight was the exchange with Christian Bläul from Fridays for Future. His engaging perspective sparked a lively discussion that made palpable the tension between political persistence and social urgency.
Here, the theoretical concept of "advocacy coalitions" came to life, visible in the dynamics among research, civil society, and politics.
Fellows having a think tank session with the Last Generation
On their last day in Dresden, the fellows enjoyed a short guided tour of the historic state capital.
Vilm Island: Where global responsibility takes shape
On the day we arrive on Vilm, we see a white heron landing majestically in the bay while we drag our suitcases, exhausted.
The remote island of Vilm near Rügen provided the ideal setting for reflection and in-depth exchange. Surrounded by unspoiled nature, the Fellows immersed themselves in the complex world of international environmental negotiations.
Sleepy, like a blanket, the forest of Vilm lies in the mist of sunrise.
Monday, October 21: Immersion in the world of nature conservation
Guided Tour Isle Vilm by Irene Lautenschlager of the International Academy for Nature Conservation.
A bat climbs a tree in the natural, almost pristine forest of Vilm
After an impressive guided tour of the nature reserve, the International Academy for Nature Conservation (INA) provided practical insights into the reality of international negotiations.
Dr. Thomas Goettert, Head of BfN Division "International Academy for Nature Conservation and Event Management"
The sessions with Dr. Göttert made it clear that protecting global public goods, such as biodiversity, remains a balancing act between states with different interests and opportunities.
A white heron lands in Vilm Bay.
This tree stands like a monument and is the secret symbol of this island. People defended this forest against deforestation by Napoleon's troops over 200 years ago.
Tuesday, October 22: Human stories behind the treaties
Dr. Michael Huettner of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Michael Hüttner's workshop features intense discussions.
Dr. Michael Huettner (GIZ) linked climate policy with the protection of tropical forests and showed impressively how closely the two are connected. The film screening "Guardians of the Earth" brought the abstract processes of the UN climate negotiations to a deeply human level and made visible the personal stories, tensions, and power imbalances hidden behind diplomatic texts.
AvH Fellow Andrew Asaviansa loves trekking through unspoiled natural forests
"On Vilm, I realized that protecting biodiversity is more than just nature conservation - it is also an act of trust between nations."
Fellow Sukanya Janardhanan of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enjoys reading a book on the shore of Vilm.
The island's tranquil atmosphere was described by many as inspiring and grounding. In the evening conversations - often by candlelight or walks by the sea - new friendships and collaborations developed that extend far beyond the program.
Fellows taking a walk together and reflecting on the day spent by the water.
Wednesday, October 23: Natural solutions for complex problems
The role of peatlands in climate protection by Mr Felix Beer of the Greifswald Mire Centre
Two particularly inspiring contributions awaited us on this day: Gregory Fuchs (Ecologic Institute) analyzed social-ecological systems, while Felix Beer (Greifswald Mire Centre) used the example of peatlands to show how nature-based solutions can have a concrete impact.
The contrast between these tangible solutions and the often cumbersome political processes raised the central question: Why don't we implement what we already know?
Standing, taking off, flying. Three gray herons in the shallow bay of Vilm.
Thursday, October 24: Farewell and conclusion
The accommodations in the morning mist on the island of Vilm.
AvH Fellow Prof. Chhaya Bhardwaj takes a break on the sun terrace.
The last day began with insights into international climate financing from the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
Dr Jochen Krause from the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) Division on Marine Protected Areas of the Exclusive Economic Zone
Dr. Krause's and Dr. Morys' insights on marine nature conservation were particularly impressive—for example, the photo of a six-metre-long tuna in the port of Hamburg around 1950, which powerfully demonstrated the changes in our oceans.
In the afternoon, many participants took the opportunity to reflect on the week's intensive experiences through quiet walks.
The last joint stroll on Vilm.
A festive closing ceremony provided a worthy setting to conclude the joint trip and cement new partnerships.
The Fellows of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation 2024 celebrating their time and efforts of the Studytour on Vilm.
Conclusion: Theory and practice sustainably linked
Natural solutions for complex problems.
The Midterm Study Tour 2024 was more than just a study trip—it was a learning process that transcended borders.
Species such as this finch—displaced elsewhere by humans—live in a protected environment on Vilm.
In the evaluations, the fellows particularly praised the clear structure, the thematic diversity, and the high practical relevance. The fellows said the tour had given them new impetus for their own work and strengthened their ability to translate scientific findings into political or social impact.
On the day of departure, the sea eagle finally showed itself. As if it wanted to say goodbye.
The trip made it clear that sustainable transformation is not achieved through facts alone, but through relationships - between disciplines, institutions, and people.
It showed how valuable spaces for dialogue are, in which knowledge is shared, trust is built, and the courage to change grows.
The last walk together on Vilm. No other gesture illustrates how the scholarship holders felt about the study trip.
Many Fellows described the tour as a turning point:
"This was more than a study tour - it was an impressive confirmation that our work makes a real difference."
In the end, the realization remains: science is only alive when it enters into encounters with politics, with society, with people themselves.
The bridges that were built on this journey will continue to be built-in projects, collaborations, and shared visions of a sustainable future.
A group photo on Vilm. The fellows with Irene Lautenschlager and Dr. Dechyeva.
The CIPSEM team at TU Dresden would like to thank everyone involved - especially the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the host institutions, and the fellows - for their commitment, their openness, and the shared spirit that characterized this trip.
The ferry, the only connection between Vilm and the mainland. We enjoyed the return trip and the view in silence.
The programme "International Climate Protection Fellows - Knowledge Transfer for Effective Climate Change Policies" is a central component of the International Climate Protection Fellowship Programme, which the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation organizes in cooperation with the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, the Federation of German Industries (BDI), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), the Renewables Academy (RENAC), and CIPSEM TU Dresden.
If you would like to learn more about the program, please use these links:
TU Dresden CIPSEM: Homepage - Center for International Postgraduate Studies of Environmental Management (CIPSEM) - TU Dresden
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation: Sponsorship during your International Climate Protection Fellowship - Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation