The Bonn Youth University initiative “Kinderuni” is aimed at children aged eight to thirteen, is free of charge, and requires no prior registration. It presents a wide range of topics from various research fields to familiarize young minds with science and research.

This time, Prof. Dr. Anna Cord took the stage with her lecture “Biodiversity – Discover, understand, protect!”. She introduced the young audience to the topic of biodiversity and its importance for human life, while also offering insights into novel monitoring technologies used to track the presence of birds in the field.

Curious and highly engaged, the young participants thoroughly enjoyed the presentation – and are already excited for the next Kinderuni event!

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The visit focused on ongoing research at the University of Bonn’s Cluster of Excellence PhenoRob and the collaborative project DigiKliMAP, where scientists are developing and testing innovative technologies together with agricultural partners. We had the honor to present the research of PhenoRob. Cyrill Stachniss, Charlotte Hubert, André Cornelißen and Felix Esser explained why, in our second funding phase, we are intensifying our integrative approach to develop new innovative cropping systems that simultaneously tackle ecological, economic, and societal needs.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity for exchange between science, policymakers, and practitioners, highlighting that AI enables concrete solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Pictures: © University of Bonn/ Volker Lannert

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A keynote presentation, pitch sessions as well as an interactive world café offered the possibility to gain new insights into root traits, plant development and agricultural applications.  An informal networking session with drinks and snacks allowed the attendees to connect and share further insights.

The discussions highlighted that root traits hold great potential for the development of resilient and sustainable cropping systems. However, fully unlocking this potential will require improved data collection methods, a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms and closer collaboration between research, breeding and practical agriculture.

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Among the attendees were Rector Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ilona Grunwald Kadow, Cyrill Stachniss and Prof. Dr. Hendrik Streeck, who served as patron for the event. The discussion led to the central consensus that technological sovereignty begins with excellent basic research. Therefore, it also relies on universities that seamlessly connect research with knowledge transfer and real-world innovation.

The University of Bonn illustrates this connection. With eight Clusters of Excellence, it is the most successful university in the Excellence Strategy and organizes cutting-edge research across faculty boundaries. During the event, PhenoRob spokesperson Cyrill Stachniss and Bonn researcher Lena Funcke (Cluster of Excellence “ML4Q” & “Color meets Flavor”) demonstrated this impact. Using automated agriculture and quantum technologies as prime examples, they illustrated how research creates long-term technological advances.

© Pictures: German U15

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During their field trip, the students analysed the CO2 content of winter wheat and observed real-time applications of robotics and drones for objective field data collection. Furthermore, they engaged with complex questions surrounding global food security and biodiversity preservation.

Overall, the field trip received highly positive feedback from the students, who particularly valued the opportunity to participate in practical work within the fields. Hands-on projects of this nature play a crucial role in bringing theoretical knowledge to life and thus making it more accessible.

Pictures: © University of Bonn / Volker Lannert

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Keynote presentations, a panel discussion, and interactive World Café sessions provided insights into digitalization, consumer roles, and political frameworks for improving sustainability. The discussions highlighted that advancing sustainable food systems requires close collaboration among all stakeholders.

The PhenoRob Business and Stakeholder Networking Event Series offers an ideal platform to connect science and practice, initiate new projects, and explore current trends in digital crop production. The event also provided opportunities for informal networking over drinks and snacks.

Pictures: © Volker Lannert

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Jessika Roswall met with PhenoRob researchers to discuss current challenges and priorities in areas such as digital agriculture, sustainable food systems, and biodiversity conservation. PhenoRob presented its work on innovative cultivation systems and technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence, aimed at developing future-proof solutions for agriculture.

Commissioner Roswall emphasized the importance of research for Europe’s food security, highlighting the relevance of PhenoRob’s work for the sustainable transformation of agricultural and food systems.

Pictures: © Barbara Frommann / Uni Bonn

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The International Conference on Digital Technologies for Sustainable Crop Production (DIGICROP 2025) took place as a fully remote event on July 8–9, 2025. Organized by DigiCrop.Net, a consortium of research groups dedicated to technology-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture, the conference brought together a global community of experts and innovators.

DIGICROP 2025 featured six keynote speakers and 49 scientific talks by researchers at the forefront of engineering, robotics, computer science, crop science, agricultural science, phenotyping, and economics. Delivered across three Zoom rooms, the program combined pre-recorded video presentations with live-streamed panel discussions to foster insightful exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue.

All recorded talks are available for public viewing on the PhenoRob YouTube channel.

Pictures: © PhenoRob, All rights reserved

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On May 9, 2025, the DFG-funded Cluster of Excellence PhenoRob, in collaboration with the University of Bonn’s Faculty of Agriculture, Nutrition and Engineering Sciences and the Theodor Brinkmann Foundation, hosted its second career fair in Bonn. The event focused on non-academic career paths for young scientists, drawing strong interest across disciplines. Around 30 companies and organizations, ranging from startups and ministries to international corporations, presented job opportunities in agriculture and related fields, such as autonomous driving, surveying, and nutrition. A highlight of the event was the “speed dating” session, where participants engaged directly with employers, gained career insights, and expanded their professional networks beyond academia. The career fair underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in shaping future careers in sustainable agriculture.

Pictures: © PhenoRob, All rights reserved

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Three speakers were invited to give short keynote speeches, followed by an interactive discussion. After the break, participants were invited to take part in a World Café with three thematic tables to discuss policy frameworks, technological innovation and regional networks in smaller groups and to share future visions for biodiversity. The event ended with an open networking session and a PhenoRob poster presentation.

The PhenoRob Business and Stakeholder Networking Event Series thus provides an ideal platform to initiate new projects and stay ahead of the latest developments and trends in digital crop production and to learn about scientific solutions to real-world problems.

Pictures: © PhenoRob, All rights reserved

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