We are excited to announce two significant upcoming events: the very first Annual Group Meeting in Freiburg and the launch of the SPHERE master’s course. These initiatives aim to strengthen collaboration among members and provide advanced learning opportunities for students.
Annual Group Meeting for members
RestPoll members are looking forward to the very first Annual Group Meeting in Freiburg. More than 65 participants, including 3 advisory board members, will attend this meeting from 12 to 14 November. The meeting will reinforce the effectiveness of the project and the cooperation between members. It will be a combination of presenting updates, networking/collaboration, and sharing practical experiences.
Plenum presentations will provide updates on the progress of the work packages within RestPoll. This way, members stay informed of the latest developments and gain insight into the direction the projects are heading.
By organising breakout sessions and discussions, members will be able to exchange ideas, address issues and explore potential collaborations. This interchange can lead to new initiatives and strengthened partnerships.
Furthermore, an excursion to a Living Lab field site will be organised. This excursion offers an opportunity to see theory put into practice. It can improve participants’ understanding of the concepts discussed during the presentations. Moreover, it provides direct feedback on how ideas function in the actual field.
The meeting can also serve as an evaluation moment to assess progress and develop future strategies or plans. It provides an opportunity to reflect on what went well and where improvements are needed.
SPHERE master’s course for students
Sustainable Farming and Pollinator Habitat Restoration for Biodiversity and Food Security (SPHERE) is a master’s course starting in October 2024 where RestPoll plays a pivotal role. This innovative course is offered to students from the University of Freiburg and the University of Montpellier. The course focuses on socio-economic dynamics in agriculture and environmental sciences, with an emphasis on pollinators.
Henning Nottebrock is the main force behind the course and will organise the teaching at University of Freiburg. Georgios Kleftodimos – member of team CIHEAM-IAMM is also highly involved, as professor at University of Montpellier
Henning Nottebrock
Georgios Kleftodimos
Also, some other RestPoll members from team CIHEAM-IAMM and ALU-FR help to shape the curriculum and to mentor students, sharing their expertise and research experience. They will facilitate connections with other RestPoll members and organisations, who are experts offering diverse perspectives and practical insights. This collaborative environment enhances the learning experience, enabling students to access practical and applicable methods and information. In this way, the course provides significant networking opportunities.
Additionally, these RestPoll members will guide students in interacting with stakeholders. Together, they will learn about co-designed restoration measures for enhancing biodiversity and pollinator health. Through discussions with guest speakers, students will organise a teaching session that synthesizes the knowledge they have gained and also explores the challenges and advancements in ecology, economy, and social sciences. This knowledge prepares them for a role addressing real-world issues in sustainable agriculture and conservation.
Stay tuned! Results of the Annual Group Meeting and the course will be posted later.
Subscribe to the RestPoll newsletter to receive updates of these events, and more!
