Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your scientific career?

My name is Dr. Ellen Kayendeke, a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Management, Makerere University Uganda. I started off my academic journey with a bachelors in environmental science of Makerere University before continuing with postgraduate studies. During this time, I became increasingly interested in natural resources and ecosystem services, particularly wetlands. In Uganda, I realised that wetlands provide many important ecosystem services, yet their ecological and economic value is often underestimated. This inspired me to focus my research on wetland management and to understand how changes in wetlands affect both ecosystems and people’s livelihoods.

Later, I specialized in hydrology, combining hydrology, wetland management and community-based natural resource management. More recently, I have expanded my work towards system dynamics modelling, where I have used participatory modeling to investigate how wetland systems change over time, how communities interact with them, and how management interventions can balance between environmental protection and community livelihoods. Together with colleagues here at KIT, we are working on developing Machine Learning (ML)  models to better understand the long-term impacts of environmental change and management decisions on these ecosystems.

Could you tell us a little about your university?

Makerere University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Africa. It was established in 1922 as a technical college and later developed into Uganda’s national university. Today, it offers programs across a broad range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, engineering, agriculture, medicine and the natural sciences.

International collaboration is an important part of the university’s mission. Makerere works with partners across Africa, Europe and North America through joint research projects, academic exchange programs and doctoral training initiatives.

The university also hosts specialized research centers covering areas such as infectious diseases, food security, biodiversity and sustainable development. My department is home to the National Biodiversity Data Bank, which plays an important role in collecting, managing and providing biodiversity data for Uganda, and beyond.

What is your impression of KIT as a scientific institution?

I have been very impressed by KIT. What stands out is the excellent research environment, with outstanding infrastructure, well-equipped laboratories, modern facilities and excellent library resources.

KIT also places a strong emphasis on collaboration. Researchers are encouraged to exchange ideas across disciplines and build international partnerships. Funding opportunities and mobility programs make these collaborations much easier.

What I particularly appreciate is that research here is closely connected to societal challenges. Scientific excellence is combined with the ambition to generate knowledge that has a real impact beyond academia. To me, this reflects the idea behind Science for Impact.

As a FA(ST)2Africa scholarship holder, what advice would you give us for building stronger collaborations with African universities?

The most important thing is to identify the right research questions and the right partners. Every university has its own strengths, so successful collaborations should build on complementary expertise.

Joint research projects that include training opportunities for young researchers are especially valuable. Students and doctoral candidates can spend time at partner universities and learn from each other’s strengths. Makerere University has already benefited greatly from similar exchange programs.

Today’s challenges are increasingly interdisciplinary and cannot be solved by one discipline or one institution alone. Partnerships should therefore be designed to benefit everyone involved.

It is also important to focus on research questions that matter both in Africa and Europe. Water management is a good example. Climate change, changing river systems and infrastructure affect water resources worldwide, even if the challenges differ from region to region.

Strong partnerships do not start with institutions—they start with shared scientific questions. Once researchers identify common challenges and combine their strengths, long-term collaboration can grow naturally.

We often speak about “Africa” as if it were one country. What should we understand better?

Africa is extremely diverse. Every country has its own context, institutions, languages and priorities. It is important not to think of Africa as one homogeneous region.

Successful collaborations require an understanding of the local context and partners who know the specific challenges and opportunities in their own country.

What should researchers from Germany know before working with partners in Uganda?

Administrative procedures can sometimes take longer, so patience is important.

At the same time, personal relationships are essential. Building trust and maintaining close contacts are key to successful collaboration. In that respect, Uganda is actually not so different from Germany. Even when institutions support a project, it is often the commitment of individual researchers that keeps a partnership alive.

How did you experience your stay in Karlsruhe?

I really enjoyed my time in Karlsruhe. Coming here gave me the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues working on hydrology in a completely different environment. Seeing different research approaches has been a valuable experience for me. I also enjoyed everyday life here. The weather was actually very pleasant, even though it was warmer than I had expected. The food was another highlight. Karlsruhe offers a great variety of international cuisine, from Chinese and Turkish food to many other options.

Was there anything you particularly liked about the people in Karlsruhe?

What impressed me most was how friendly and accommodating people were. I remember being in a supermarket and apologizing because I don’t speak German very well. The sales assistant immediately switched to English and patiently continued helping me until everything was sorted out. I really appreciated that. Experiences like this made me feel very welcome during my stay.

If you could bring one thing from Germany to Uganda—and one thing from Uganda to Germany—what would it be?

From Germany, I would probably bring the strong culture of waste separation and recycling. I think there is a lot to learn from the way recycling is organised here.

From Uganda perhaps the music. Music always brings people together, and I think it is a wonderful way of connecting people and cultures.

As part of the FA(ST)²Africa Scholarships, Dr Samia Chasi, Head of the Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships Office at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in Johannesburg, visited the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). During her stay, she worked closely with the KIT team to further strengthen the scientific exchange between the two universities. The visit focused on deepening existing relationships, identifying new opportunities for collaboration, and expanding academic exchange for both researchers and students.

Dr Chasi has built an international academic career spanning two continents. After studying in Germany, she continued her education in South Africa, earning a Master's degree in Engineering Management before completing a PhD on North–South partnerships in higher education. Today, she leads the development of international and strategic partnerships at Wits University.

According to Dr Chasi, international university cooperation needs to evolve. For too long, collaboration has often been understood primarily as a one-way transfer of knowledge from Europe to Africa. Today, she argues, the goal should be to bring together the scientific strengths of both partners. “A partnership of equals means that both sides contribute to the collaboration – and that both benefit equally from it.”

She believes that KIT and Wits University offer ideal conditions for such a partnership. Wits is one of Africa’s leading research universities and has internationally recognised expertise across a wide range of disciplines. Research in water, energy, the environment, sustainability and climate change is central to both institutions. While both universities address the same global challenges, they do so within very different social, climatic and economic contexts. According to Dr Chasi, this diversity is precisely what makes the partnership so valuable. “We have our expertise, we conduct our research in our respective contexts, and we can learn from each other simply because of those different perspectives.”

For Dr Chasi, partnership is therefore not about eliminating differences but about making productive use of them. Scientific excellence does not depend on where funding originates or where research is conducted. Instead, successful collaboration requires combining complementary strengths and learning from one another. At the same time, she cautions against viewing Africa as a single scientific landscape. Research environments across the continent are as diverse as its higher education systems, making it essential for partnerships to recognise local contexts and institutional strengths.

For Dr Chasi, genuine collaboration begins long before a project is funded. Research questions, project concepts and funding proposals should be developed jointly from the outset. Terms such as co-creation, co-design and co-research, she says, are far more than fashionable buzzwords—they represent an approach that makes international partnerships sustainable over the long term.

During her visit to KIT, Dr Chasi gained broad insights into the university’s research landscape, service units and international funding opportunities. She particularly valued the discussions with researchers from different institutes, which revealed numerous opportunities for future collaboration, especially in the fields of water, energy, environmental research and sustainability.

On a personal level, she also experienced Germany differently from when she had still lived here more than twenty years ago. Today, she says, Germany has become far more international. Travelling on public transport, it is perfectly normal to hear many different languages being spoken. That is why it is less important for her what makes up the core of ‘German’ identity or culture, but rather how people treated each other. 'Openness, respect and genuine interest' are the key prerequisites for successful collaboration.

Dr Chasi also sees the long-standing relationship between Germany and South Africa as an excellent basis for expanding scientific cooperation. Germany is by no means unfamiliar to South Africans. German schools, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Goethe-Institut, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and numerous German companies have maintained a strong presence in South Africa for decades. Together, they form a broad network that extends well beyond academia and creates favourable conditions for new research partnerships. Programmes such as the FA(ST)²Africa Scholarships play an important role by enabling the personal encounters on which lasting collaborations are built.

With around 42,000 students, Wits University is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities. Originally founded as a school of mining, it continues to enjoy an outstanding international reputation in engineering. Beyond that, the university has strong research profiles in the health sciences, business, natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities. Wits is also internationally renowned for its archaeological and palaeontological research. Located near Johannesburg, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cradle of Humankind is one of the world’s most important locations for studying human origins. Researchers from Wits University and their international partners continue to make significant contributions to our understanding of human evolution—reminding us that we all share a common origin.

“Projects should not only come from the top down”

An interview with Dr. Appolinaire Derbetini Vondou about climate research, international collaboration and scientific cooperation between Germany and Africa.

Could you briefly introduce yourself — your academic background and where you come from?

I am Dr. Appolinaire Derbetini Vondou from Cameroon, and I work in atmospheric physics and climate research. I have been active in academia for around 20 years. Before that, I studied physics in Cameroon.

I was recruited as an assistant lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I, where I have been teaching since 2012. Today, as a professor, I can share the knowledge I have gained and develop new scientific concepts with my students and colleagues.

I was also an Alexander von Humboldt (AVH) senior research visitor at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) between 2023 and 2025. During this time, I learned a great deal, especially about data analysis and scientific project work.

Now, I am returning to KIT as an AVH alumna for a one-month research visit. Continuing these collaborations is very important to me, both scientifically and personally.

How did your interest in atmospheric physics and climate research develop?

During my university studies, physics offered many possible specializations. I became interested in climate research because I saw that environmental and climate-related issues were becoming increasingly important in African countries.

There was a lack of studies on the climate and meteorology of Central Africa compared to other parts of the continent. Our team in Yaoundé has contributed to documenting the climate of Central Africa and making it more visible internationally.

I decided to work in this field because I wanted to contribute to climate knowledge in Central Africa and help improve living conditions in Cameroon.

What was your academic journey from Cameroon into international scientific collaboration?

At first, my work was mainly based in Cameroon, and there was little international collaboration. Later, I participated in international schools and conferences, where I met researchers from different countries.

During these meetings, I discussed scientific papers with other researchers and asked questions whenever there were concepts I wanted to understand better. These exchanges gradually opened the door to international collaborations.

What are the biggest challenges researchers in Cameroon currently face?

The biggest challenge is funding. Researchers often do not have enough financial support. Sometimes the government can provide limited support for projects, but in many cases resources are simply insufficient. This lack of funding makes research difficult and slows scientific development.

There is also very limited involvement of the private sector in supporting research.

How important is it for you to conduct research directly related to your home region?

For me, this is extremely important. One of the goals of projects like “Future Africa” should be to improve people’s lives locally.

In many African countries, climate issues are not always fully taken into account in public discussions. In Europe, people are often much more aware of environmental protection and climate-related questions. In parts of Africa, many people are focused on everyday survival and immediate economic challenges, so climate awareness is sometimes lower. Research can help raise awareness and inform people about climate change and its consequences. In the long term, this knowledge can contribute to improving living conditions.

How did your collaboration with Andreas Fink and KIT begin?

I first met Andreas Fink in 2008 during a summer school in Ghana. At that time, we did not yet collaborate directly, but we stayed in contact. Later, through research exchanges and scientific cooperation, we began working together more closely.

What does the project mean to you personally and professionally?

For me, this project is very important. Coming from Central Africa, I noticed that many international collaborations focus mainly on West Africa, East Africa or South Africa, while Central Africa is often less represented. One of my motivations is therefore to make sure that Central Africa is also more involved in international climate research projects. I think institutions like Karlsruhe Institute of Technology are increasingly taking this into account.

How can cooperation between German and African institutions be improved?

In my opinion, projects like these should not only be developed from the top down, but also from the bottom up. The ideas should not come only from Germany — African researchers and institutions on the ground should also help shape the projects.

Local researchers understand the realities, the practical difficulties and the local context much better. Their experience is essential for making projects successful.

Germany has very strict administrative procedures, especially regarding finances. In Africa, however, practical realities can be different. Sometimes funding transfers take a long time because the money has to pass through institutional structures before reaching researchers.

For example, German regulations may require project funding to be transferred first to a university account rather than directly to an individual researcher. But these procedures can delay fieldwork and research activities.

This is why dialogue with local partners is important. Researchers in each country can explain what procedures are most effective and realistic in their local context.

For example, in German universities, computer equipment is regularly replaced. Older computers are often destroyed even though they could still be used in countries like mine. In many cases, it would be enough to remove the hard drive in order to protect sensitive data. Reusing this equipment could also contribute to sustainability and environmental protection.

What advice would you give to young scientists in Cameroon and other African countries?

I would tell them to stay ambitious and continue improving their skills. Life is difficult sometimes, but they should always try to do their best. I always tell my students in Cameroon: work hard, continue learning and believe in what you are doing. That is how you eventually become part of international scientific discussions and conferences. Most importantly, people should do work they truly care about.

Cameroon is a multilingual country. What languages did you grow up speaking?

Cameroon has both English and French as official languages, but there are also many local languages. I grew up speaking my local language within my family environment, but at school and in public life we also used English and French. In secondary school, German is studied as a second language.

If you compare Cameroon and Germany, how would you describe the differences?

Germany is, of course, much more developed in terms of infrastructure and scientific resources. Cameroon is very different, both socially and economically. But Cameroon also has great potential, and many young researchers are highly motivated.

“Scientific collaboration thrives on personal connections”

An interview with Prof. Dr. Moritz Wolf (Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology (IKFT)) about catalysis research, international cooperation and academic partnerships between KIT and African universities.

Could you briefly outline your academic background?

I studied chemical engineering at KIT. Afterwards, I completed my Ph.D. at the University of Cape Town in 2018, working at the Catalysis Institute and the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Catalysis (c*change).

Following postdoctoral positions in Cape Town and at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, I became Head of Team at the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy. Since 2022, I have been Tenure-Track Professor for “Catalyst Materials for the Energy Transition” at KIT, where I lead the group “Material Synthesis and Scale-up” at the Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology.

What is your main research focus?

My research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable energy technologies. We work on topics such as chemical hydrogen storage and the production of fuels and chemicals from CO2.

Our group investigates catalyst synthesis, characterization and long-term stability under industrial conditions. We also develop alternative reactor concepts and work on scaling up catalysts from laboratory systems to industrial applications.

What importance does FA(ST)2Africa have for cooperation between KIT and African universities?

FA(ST)2Africa connects KIT researchers who collaborate with African institutions and creates a strategic platform for future partnerships. It helps consolidate existing activities and identify promising long-term collaborations.

The initiative also supports networking with African partners and encourages new collaborations between institutions in Africa and Europe. In this way, it can inspire more researchers to engage in international cooperation.

What challenges do you see in strengthening scientific cooperation between Africa and Europe?

Many joint projects depend heavily on funding from German ministries or the European Union. This can create structural dependencies and sometimes limits African partners in defining their own research priorities.

Administrative procedures can also make collaboration more difficult, especially when direct funding for African institutions is restricted. In addition, limited research funding in many African countries often constrains resource-intensive scientific work.

What role do personal encounters and long-term networks play in international collaborations?

Science itself is inspiring, but personal connections are what truly enrich an academic career. Long-term collaborations create friendships and trust that go far beyond individual projects.

I especially value the openness and hospitality of African colleagues. Long-standing networks also make it possible to witness how young researchers develop professionally over time. Seeing former students complete their Ph.D.s and build their own careers is extremely rewarding.

How did your collaboration with the University of Cape Town begin?

I initially sent an unsolicited application for a Ph.D. position to my future supervisor at the University of Cape Town, who already had connections with KIT. Fortunately, I was accepted and became part of the national catalysis network c*change.

Many of my former doctoral colleagues are still part of my professional network today and have become important partners for new collaborations and student exchanges.

How has the cooperation developed over the years?

The collaboration with the University of Cape Town has grown significantly over the years. Since 2022, the CARE-O-SENE consortium has been developing next-generation catalysts for sustainable aviation fuels.

The project focuses on converting green hydrogen and captured CO2 into synthetic climate-neutral kerosene. It brings together academic and industrial partners, including the South African company Sasol and the KIT spin-off INERATEC.

In addition, we continue to work closely with researchers and students at the University of Cape Town and have recently expanded collaborations with other universities in South Africa.

Dr. Justine Nyarige, a physicist with a PhD specializing in nano- and microtechnology at KIT, has been living in Karlsruhe with his family since 2023. Since 2025, he has been contributing his expertise to the project as a programme coordinator. 

What is the significance of the FAST(2)Africa project in your opinion?  

The FA(ST)2Africa project is a crucial initiative in addressing Africa’s challenges in different sectors such as energy, water, and climate change through advanced science and technology. It focuses on collaborating with different African universities to develop sustainable solutions tailored to the continent’s needs. By fostering collaborations between African and European researchers, the project enhances knowledge exchange and capacity building. In my opinion, its impact extends beyond scientific advancements, as it will also contribute to economic development and improved quality of life for communities facing these challenges. 

At which universities have you studied so far? 

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics at the University of Nairobi in Kenya, followed by a Master of Science in Physics at the same institution. I then pursued my PhD in Physics at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.  

What is the content of your research?  

I have specialized in semiconductor Physics, Material Science (nano and microtechnology) for photoelectrochemical water splitting and photodegradation applications. Briefly, in my research, fabricate/synthesize different inorganic materials like Metal oxides (Fe2O3, and TiO2) on different substrates such as indium doped tin oxide (ITO) on glass and then use simulated sun in the laboratory which is equivalent to 1 sun to split the water, producing H2 that can be used as a fuel and O2 can have different applications. At the same time, I also employ the same materials and approach for the photodegradation of water-borne pollutants, such as organic dyes.  

 What brought you to KIT?  

I first visited KIT from September to December 2022 for a research stay in Prof. Bryce S. Richards’s lab at his invitation. This was part of a collaborative project, Performance Enhancement of Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Materials for Water Treatment (SolPhoWat), between the University of Pretoria (South Africa) and the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), initiated during a workshop in South Africa. The project was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). During my visit, I was impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, which inspired my decision to join KIT. Later, I was awarded the Alexander von Humboldt (Georg Forster Fellowship) to continue my research at KIT from 2023 to date. 

 What were the reasons for choosing your field of study?  

My passion for Physics grew during my undergraduate studies, particularly in understanding how scientific principles can be applied to solve real-world challenges. As I progressed, I became particularly interested in Semiconductor Physics and Material Science, especially for energy and other applications. Given the global challenges of climate change and energy sustainability, I was drawn to research that focuses on renewable energy and clean water solutions, which are also the main challenges developing nations like Africa are facing. This led me to specialize in photocatalysis and nanotechnology for sustainable energy and water purification. 

How do you like Germany?  

Germany has been a great experience for me. The research environment is highly stimulating, and the emphasis on innovation, novelty, and collaboration is quite impressive for me. I appreciate the efficiency and organization in both academic and everyday life. Though the cultural differences took some adjustment, I’ve found it to be a rewarding experience, especially with the opportunity to work alongside top researchers in my field. 

What do you do in your free time?  

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring new places, and experiencing different cultures. I also like reading scientific literature to stay updated on recent developments in my field. Additionally, I enjoy outdoor activities, which help me relax and stay active. 

How is life for your family in Karlsruhe? 

Since I arrived in 2023, I have received a lot of support from KIT. At first, I had the chance to stay at the International Guest House, which gave me time to look for permanent accommodation. I found an apartment after a few months. KIT supported me a lot to make sure that my family felt comfortable and well taken care of. I was even able to secure a kindergarten spot for my daughter, which can be quite difficult. My family is really enjoying life in Karlsruhe. My daughter has grown a lot over the past two years and now loves going to kindergarten and playing with her friends. 

What plans do you have for the future?  

My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions and water purification technologies. I aim to continue researching novel materials and techniques that can improve the efficiency of renewable energy systems. I also aspire to collaborate with institutions and industries to translate research findings into real-world applications that can benefit society.

Dr. Jörg Helmschrot is the coordinator of the FA(ST)2Africa project and has been actively involved in international research collaborations on water and climate issues for many years, with a particular focus on Africa. In this interview, he talks about his scientific career, his motivation for working on the African continent, and the opportunities and challenges of international cooperation. Since 2022, he has been working as a KIT employee on secondment in Windhoek, Namibia.

How did your scientific career develop?

I studied geography, geology, and urban and regional planning at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena and graduated in 1999. Even back then, I was interested in how humans and the environment interact and how natural resources can be used sustainably. I pursued these questions further in my doctorate in geography and geoinformatics, which I completed in 2006. My time as a postdoc at the University of Washington in 2010/2011 was also formative, as it allowed me to get to know other scientific cultures. Since 2016, I have beenactive in research and teaching as a professor extraordinary at Stellenbosch University. Over the past 25 years, my work has focused heavily on Africa. I have carried out numerous activities on water and climate issues, primarily in southern Africa, which I have continued since my appointment at KIT in 2022. Currently, I coordinate WASANet, FA(ST)2Africa, and Co-Hydim-SA, among others. For me, this is not only about research, but above all about partnership-based cooperation and the development of sustainable structures and networks.

What motivated you to work in Africa, specifically in Namibia?

Africa has been a part of my life from an early age: both my thesis and my dissertation were related to southern Africa. In addition to my project work in Africa, which has now lasted over 25 years, I have always been fascinated by its culture and development and am very interested in working there with partners. Through decades of cooperation, but also through supervising numerous students, I have also established many personal contacts. An important step was then the support in setting up SASSCAL, a joint initiative of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Germany to respond to the challenges of global change, which led me to the country professionally. When I took up the position of Scientific Director at the SASSCAL Regional Secretariat in Windhoek in 2016, my life finally shifted completely to Namibia.

How would you describe your work as a coordinator?

It's a very diverse field. A large part of it involves interacting with the projects and the project sponsor to coordinate activities. I organize events – for example, as part of the WASA program or for FA(ST)2Africa – and I am in frequent contact with African stakeholders from politics, industry, and science. Often, it's also about establishing contacts, initiating collaborations, and facilitating communication between partners. Of course, administration also plays a major role, taking up about half of my time. Whenever possible, I also try to advance my own scientific work—even if that only accounts for about ten percent of my time.

What challenges and opportunities do you encounter in this work?

The challenges are often very practical: When you work from abroad, access to German KIT services is limited, and communication with partners in Germany can sometimes be cumbersome. In addition, there are occasional problems with internet or telephone connections, as well as the challenge of reconciling time management in different cultures. On the other hand, there are many opportunities. Being on site creates a closeness to the African partners, which is extremely important for building trust. You can provide direct support, are available, and gain a deeper understanding of the actual problems and needs. You also learn to take cultural and social characteristics into account in everyday life, which greatly enriches the collaboration.

What does the FA(ST)2Africa project mean to you?

I consider it very relevant. On the one hand, because it establishes and expands cooperation between researchers at KIT and African institutions. On the other hand, it creates new research and training initiatives and provides a sound basis for decisions by the KIT Executive Board. In addition, FA(ST)2Africa shows my colleagues the potential of the African continent and paves the way for excellent new partnerships in view of global geopolitical dynamics.

How does academic culture and infrastructure in Africa differ from that in Germany?

One key difference is that academic culture in Africa is strongly focused on training. Postdoctoral systems as we know them in Germany are virtually non-existent there. Many colleagues are heavily involved in teaching and academic self-administration. National support for research work or for promoting students is limited. This makes international cooperation all the more important.

And what is your life like with your family in Africa?

Basically, it's not that different from Germany, but of course there are adjustments. This applies, for example, to the school system or security issues. In addition, I travel a lot in the region because of the projects. So it's a life that seems familiar on the one hand, but on the other hand is also strongly influenced by the cultural and social conditions in Africa.

Prof. Dr. Almut Arneth has been researching the interactions between climate change, land use, and ecosystems for many years—working internationally and always with a focus on global interconnections. The ecosystem researcher is a professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), a co-author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Land, and heads the Biosphere–Atmosphere Interactions division at KIT’s Alpine Campus.

In many regions of Africa, changes in land use, vegetation, and climate are particularly crucial: they directly influence food security, water resources, and the ability of ecosystems to support local societies in climate protection and adaptation. For this reason, Arneth has repeatedly collaborated with partners from various African countries.

In this interview, she explains why African perspectives are vital and how such collaborations open up valuable opportunities for climate research.

What originally led you to study ecosystems and climate?

Alongside a general interest in ecology, it was a gradual process—from my studies to my PhD and through various stages of my career. I was always influenced by the colleagues I had the privilege to work with, and ultimately also by coincidences and spontaneously seized opportunities.

What role does the African continent play in your research?

My first independent junior research group within the Emmy Noether Programme of the German Research Foundation (DFG) was based at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI) in Jena. A colleague there had strong connections with the Okavango Research Centre in Maun, Botswana, and together with local scientists established a measurement station to study, among other things, carbon dioxide exchange and evapotranspiration in Mopane-dominated savannas. In my Emmy Noether group, we carried out additional comparative measurements and modeling in other ecosystems of the Okavango Delta, particularly in seasonally flooded grasslands.

Can you share an example from your collaboration with African partners that has particularly stayed with you?

Having the opportunity to conduct field measurements several times a year in a globally unique ecosystem such as the Okavango Delta—in the midst of extraordinary plant life and animals like giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and crocodiles—was truly unforgettable. Without our colleagues in Maun, none of this would have been possible.

What specific challenges or opportunities do you see in conducting research in and with Africa?

A major challenge is funding—both for complex, especially long-term measurements, for model development, and for employing well-trained staff on a permanent basis. Bureaucracy can also be an obstacle, although Germany does not necessarily shine in that regard compared to other countries.
The opportunities, however, lie in working within an incredibly dynamic environment: demographics, economic development, urbanization, and climate change—all of which make research in this context scientifically fascinating.

What are your hopes for collaboration between African and German partners within the FA(ST)2Africa framework?

Above all, I hope for a differentiated view of the continent. “Africa” is far too general—South Africa is not Sudan, just as Greece is not Norway. Such distinctions should also be reflected in our language. Beyond that, I wish for active exchange on equal footing, appreciation of diversity, and reliable financial support—so that genuine added value can emerge.

If you had one wish: what global change in our relationship with climate and ecosystems would you most like to see?

Ecosystems are the foundation of human societies. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and—more recently—the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) have been emphasizing this for decades. In the World Economic Forum’s “Risk Report 2025”, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, critical changes in Earth systems, and resource scarcity top the list of global risks. It might finally be time for politics, business, and society to start taking that seriously.