Dr. Simon Benedikter & Dr. Carsten Schusser: International Forestry Field School "Sustainable Forestry in the Tropics: Unlocking the Bioeconomic Potential of Thailand’s Teak Plantations"
Applicant: Dr. Simon Benedikter & Dr. Carsten Schusser, Institute of International Forestry and Forest Products, Chair of Tropical and International Forestry | School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Period: 29.09.2024 - 10.10.2024
Participating partners: Kasetsart University, Thailand
Summer schools are a proven strategy for enhancing the international visibility of academic excellence in the specific research area. TU Dresden holds numerous summer schools every year. The summer school, organized by Dr. Simon Benedikter and Dr. Carsten Schusser from the Institute of International Forestry and Forest Products at TU Dresden called "Sustainable Forestry in the Tropics: Unlocking the Bioeconomic Potential of Thailand's Teak Plantations" took a different approach. It was held entirely at Kasetsart University, a partner university in Thailand, from September 29 to October 10, 2024. This offered participants from both universities a unique intercultural and practical learning experience in sustainable tropical forest management, focusing on teak - one of the most important wood species in the region.
International Forestry Field School 2024: Teak Plantation Management in Thailand © TU Dresden & Kasetsart University
The summer school combined scientific theory with interdisciplinary, problem-oriented learning. Participants engaged in a range of activities including silvicultural assessments, economic and social analysis, and stakeholder engagement with forest authorities, plantation owners and sawmill operators.
For Dr. Benedikter, global collaboration is a key part of his job:
„I have been working in an international context for almost 20 years, both in research and development cooperation. International cooperation and exchange is an inspiring resource to develop oneself and to understand how the world works beyond Germany in other parts of the world. Further internationalisation and international cooperation is a prerequisite for working together to solve global problems in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.“
At the same time, he emphasizes the strategic importance of internationalization for universities:
„… I consider universities with a strong international orientation to better prepare students for a globalized job market. Intercultural exchange, broadens academic perspectives, fosters critical thinking, and encourages interdisciplinary approaches. At the same time, universities with a strong international profile gain a competitive edge in attracting top students, researchers, and faculty members from around the world.“
Following the successful summer school in 2024, the collaboration with Kasetsart University has intensified. A jointly organized field course took place in February 2025 as part of the Erasmus Mundus program "Global Forestry (GLoFor)", and an additional course on mangrove administration is planned for 2026. Furthermore, both universities are preparing a DAAD funding application to continue the joint forestry field school program.
The particular strength of this summer school is the combination of a scientifically driven, practice-oriented teaching format with an authentic educational setting in the Global South. Serving as a role model of successful internationalization, the summer school fosters in-depth partnerships with concrete follow-up projects that provide visible added value for teaching and research.
Further information about the project can be found here.
Contact
© Sven Ellger/TUD
Coordinator
NameDaniela Mohrich
International Funding Programmes
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International Office
International Office
Visiting address:
Fritz Foerster Bau, Office 167 Mommsenstraße 6
01069 Dresden
Postal address:
TUD Dresden University of Technology International Office
01062 Dresden
© Sven Ellger/TUD
Research Assistant
NameHelene Herwig
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
International Office
International Office
Visiting address:
Fritz Foerster Bau, Office 167 Mommsenstraße 6
01069 Dresden
Postal address:
TUD Dresden University of Technology International Office
01062 Dresden