Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
As the DLG’s Head of Research and Innovation I create, shape, and manage the research program and innovation actions of the DLG`s medium-to-long-term agricultural research priorities contributing to innovation and its long-term overall success within entire agri-food value chains. As visiting associate professor at the ISEG I support knowledge creation, its exchange and strategic collaboration.
As the DLG`s Head of the Research and Innovation unit I manage research and innovation activities supporting multiple DLG units covering the entire agri-food value chain in archiving their goals. In addition to the above mentioned project and knowledge management services the DLG`s Research and Innovation unit facilitates tailored implementation of DLG services and resources into projects. In addition to these activities, the DLG Research and Innovation unit provides expertise, technical, and administrative support to ensure effective execution of activities of other DLG units; e.g. DLG Services and DLG Internationals.
The ISEG is the School of Economics and Management of University of Lisbon. I am a member of the Development Studies and Sustainable Transitions Research Group, which is linked to ISEG`s Research Center on Economics and Management. My research refers to sustainability of agri-food value chains and its integration into business strategies.
Mainly 1:1 coaching of 4 start-ups assigned to my person. Referring to this cohort (cohort #2; https://eitfoodentrepreneurship.turtl.co/story/seedbed-cohort-2025/page/1) my background and expertise in the fields of soil science and agriculture are relevant.
Collaboration and networking with an aim to boost knowledge transfer from science to end-users and decision makers in both the public and private sector and vice versa.
I coordinated the SustInAfrica project and managed multiple research activities addressing sustainable management of soils and intensification of African and European farming systems. The 7 Mio EUR SustInAfrica project`s major objectives are as follows: i) sustainable soil management, ii) pest insect management and iii) valorization of ecosystem services. As one of the EJP SOIL`s work package leaders I developed and coordinated activities addressing internal call management (Work package 3 "Research alignment/Internal calls", ~50 Mio EUR). Additionally I designed and coordinated one work package (0.8 Mio EUR) of the PAPILLONS project addressing impact of nano and micro plastics on plant performance and assessing socio-economic costs/benefits of agricultural plastics.
As Luke’s Research Manager I created and shaped Luke`s Plant Production research program, enabling medium-to-long-term agricultural research priorities at Luke that contributed to its long-term overall success. I was responsible for planning and implementing new research and communication strategies, and overseeing progress of about ~130 projects with an overall budget of 9 Mio. EUR. I also managed and coordinated the 7 Mio. EUR H2020 SustInAfrica project and internal projects of the 80 Mio. EUR EJP SOIL project.