Lilli Scheiterle’s MSc thesis entitled “Opportunities and Challenges in the Production of Maize in Northern Ghana”and Athena Birkenberg’s “Forest Access and Governance: A Case Study on Karen Community Forestry in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand”, both graduates from the University of Hohenheim wins the Hans H. Ruthenberg Award for Graduates 2012. This award is given to excellent young scientists whose topics are 1) highly relevant and discussed, 2) innovative which uses new methodological and theoretical trends in research, 3) sound and has a critical analysis of the data, and 4) a policy relevance of the recommendations specifically to developing countries. Part 2: Interview with Athena Birkenberg How do you feel right now? I am really honored and I felt even more honored after the laudation because I just realized what the award really means and the reasons why the award was given to me. What were the challenges you faced in the field?

Lilli Scheiterle’s MSc thesis entitled “Opportunities and Challenges in the Production of Maize in Northern Ghana”and Athena Birkenberg’s “Forest Access and Governance: A Case Study on Karen Community Forestry in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand”, both graduates from the University of Hohenheim wins the Hans H. Ruthenberg Award for Graduates 2012. This award is given to excellent young scientists whose topics are 1) highly relevant and discussed, 2) innovative which uses new methodological and theoretical trends in research, 3) sound and has a critical analysis of the data, and 4) a policy relevance of the recommendations specifically to developing countries. Part 1: Interview with Lilli Scheiterle How do you feel right now? I am honored. I was very excited on stage when I was presenting while at the same time challenged with the vast number of people in the auditorium. It is my first time to have this so much crowd. I still feel very happy until now. What were the challenges you faced in the field? There are phases where you ask yourself, “Am I doing the right thing? Is my research useful? Will my data be used statistically?” . There are moments where you doubt – but you have to make a decision – stand by that decision and justify why you do it. What is the benefit of the award to you? Any plans for a PhD?

Just one day before the Tropentag 2011 conference in Bonn, Prof. Dr. Asch of the University of Hohenheim and Chair of ATSAF, pointed out his main ambitions for this year's conference. He encourages especially the opportunities for young scientists to get in touch with colleagues, get feedback on their research and find out about jobs.

International conferences, like Tropentag, are excellent platforms for scientific knowledge exchange, networking, and for talented new professionals to present themselves. At least this is the experience of Dr. Barbara Ramsperger, the Executive Manager of the center for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics of the Univesity of Hohenheim. This experienced researcher also has advice for new and ambitious researchers: - If you have a poster, show what you have already done with confidence. Exploit your 3 minutes of fame! - Be proactive and don’t be afraid to approach people and talk to them - Participate in the conference activities that you’re interested in. Environmental issues in tropical countries have different dimensions: There are many researchers working with these issues from different perspectives, such as poverty and development. Tropentag brings together Universities, researchers, students, NGOs and other institutions and allows them to share their knowledge in several poster sessions, oral presentation, plenery sessions and social events.

In less than 24 hours Tropentag 2011 in Bonn will begin. This event is not only interesting for well-known speakers, but it’s also a unique opportunity for young scientists to present their research and meet with people from all over the world. This event will be covered by a group of 12 selected students of 11 different nationalities and 10 European universities. Last weekend, all student reporters arrived from different corners of Europe to attain two days of training session at the University of Hohenheim. After workshops such as ‘journalism ethics and standards’ and ‘how to catch attention’ by Mr. Florian Klebs from the Press Office of Hohenheim University, we got an introduction of the use of social media and trained on reporting skills. The next coming days, we will keep you updated on all the most important activities and outcomes of Tropentag 2011. What are the controversial issues around themes such as food security, biodiversity, climate change and development on the margin? We will help you to find out! You can read our blogs, watch our videos and look at the photographs that will be published on this website and social media. So follow us on Twitter and Facebook! We are ready, are you?

A student initiative called FRESH (acronym for Food Revitalisation & Eco-Gastronomic Society of Hohenheim) have been working for almost two years to suggest, fundraise and conceptualize a new course module on the Ethics of Food & Nutrition Security. Among the other actions of FRESH are a very fertile organic student garden in campus and leading the dialogue for more regional, more seasonal and more ethical food in the University canteen. This is the first module of this nature in Germany, where students not only request, but are also actively involved in its design and facilitation. The course is now in the study programme of the University of Hohenheim and since Monday, September 27, open for registrations.