Thesis topics


1	Category	Title	Level	Main supervisor	Language	Requirements	Description	Posting date	Time restrictions

2	Horticulture	Phenotyping of root-substrate-plant interactions	MSc	Kraska	EN	The candidate should have first experiences with modelling and statistical anlysis. Beneficial would be participation in "Erfassung, Analyse und Modellierung von Phänotypen" (NPW-031) and / or "Erfassung, Analyse und Modellierung von Heterogenität" (NPW-030)	In this experimental work hyperspectral anlysisof roots, growing medium, and the plants will be conducted in a rhizotrone system at Forschungszentrum Jülich in close cooperation ith Prof. Dr. Uwe Rascher. Thi Thesis will be part of a DPPN project on hyperspectral phenotyping. We will test for the first time, if with hyperspectral sensors the root-substrate interaction can be analysed. At the same time the shoot will be analysed too. The thesisshould show, if substrate and root can be distinguished and how this interaction develops over time. The main part of the theis will take place at Forschgungszentrum Jülich.	02/09/2023
3	Horticulture	Hyperspectral analysis of root-substrate interactions	MSc (BSc)	Kraska	DE/EN	Candidates should be interested in non-invasive methods and sesnors. A general understanding of hyperspectral imaging would be beneficial	The work will analyse the hyperspectral features of different horticultural substrates and roots of horticultural crops. The main aim is to analse how the hyperspectral features of both will change over time. The main goal is to analyse the interaction in situ. For this aim rhizotrons will be used in an automated system at Forschungszentrum Jülich in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Uwe Rascher	31/03/2023
4	Horticulture	Biostimulants in ornamental production	BSc	Kraska	DE/EN		Literature Review on the utilization of biostimulants in ornamental production. Which classes of biostimulants are used, which effects can be achieved, how can plant performance and quality promoted. (Language: English or German)	02/10/2022
5	Horticulture	Is Phenotpying of dormancy possible by means of hyperspectral sensors	BSc/MSc	Kraska	DE/EN		In this theis first a literature search should be conducted on phentopying of dormancy in fruit trees by non-invasive techniques and sensors. In the 2nd part hyperspectral sensors should be tested	13/07/2022
6	Holistic Systems Analysis	SWOT and decision analysis of utilization of spent coffee ground	MSc	Kraska	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Utilization of spent coffee ground could be a sustainable alternative for other feedstock. In this thesis you will analys the strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats for using it. And you will try to generate a decision anaylsis (e.g. barriers, critical points), first contact is Thorsten Kraska	21/06/2022
7	Horticulture	"Open Topics" in horticultural production	BSc/MSc	Kraska	DE/EN	Participation in 'Gartenbauliche Kulturen' module	You are invited to bring up an own idea for your thesis in horticultural production. We will discuss with you how such a topic could be realized.	21/06/2022
8	Horticulture	Hyperspectral Phenotyping in horticultural substrates	MSc	Kraska	DE/EN	Participation in 'Gartenbauliche Kulturen' module	In two projects the aim is to phenotype horticultural substrates, roots, and shoots with hyperspectral sensors. The work will include not only the measurements but also way of data analysis	21/06/2022
9	Horticulture	Hyperspectral Phenotyping of fruit quality parameters	BSc/MSc	Kraska	DE/EN		In this literature work the aim is to analyse which quality parameters of fruit trees (apples, pears, cherries) could estimated, evaluated, and predicted by using hyperspectral imaging techniques	07/01/2022
10	Horticulture	Dormancy Breaking agents to stimulate seed germination of horticultural crops	BSc/MSc	Kraska, Milyaev	DE/EN		Within this theoretical & experimental work agents and substances will be screened, which could release dormancy in plants, but especially of seeds. In small germination trials the effect of DNA methylation inhibitors will be tested. In the seedling stage the growth will be evaluated. The outcome should give further insight on how dormancy in plants could be released by external factors and if the principles are of more general nature.	02/09/2023
11	Literature review OR Decision Analysis - Nutrition	Review of nutrition interventions	BSc/MSc	Krause	DE/EN		Review effective, socially inclusive nutrition interventions (processes and monitoring, policy reviews). Such interventions could be, for example, Nutri scores, mobile apps, or board games that generate knowledge on different topics. A potential focus could be on the role of mothers (generating knowledge on breastfeeding), fathers (learning about child nutrition), and children/minors (girls/boys) in developing countries or south-east Asia.	30/12/2022
12	Dormancy	Phenotypic plasticity in tree budbreak - concept and evidence	MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	ideally "Tree phenology analysis with R", or otherwise some prior knowledge on tree dormancy	Bloom dates of trees are driven by temperature, and they are being affected by climate change. A concept that has popped up in recent literature is "phenotypic plasticity", which implies that trees are somewhat flexible in their requirements and can therefore tolerate some climate change without adverse consequences. To what extent this is true remains unclear, as well as the extent to which this concept is supported by evidence. A literature review assembling information on the concept and the evidence, followed by a critical discussion could help clarify this matter.	26/03/2023
13	Tree phenology	The role of photoperiod in spring phenology - a critical review of the evidence	MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Tree phenology analysis with R module (or otherwise solid knowledge phenology modeling)	Several studies have suggested that spring phenology of temperate-zone trees may be driven by photoperiod, yet the biological mechanisms through which this might happen are unclear. Much of the evidence for this phenomenon appears to be based on statistics rather than convincing experimentation. Such statistical evidence is prone to problems with chill and heat models, and datasets rarely contain sufficient variation in photoperiod to produce robust conclusions. The evidence needs a thorough evaluation, which could produce a powerful update to the scientific literature on this topic.	29/12/2022
14	Holistic Systems Analysis	Assessment of policy frameworks for agroforestry	BSc/MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Review of legal frameworks for agroforestry in Germany - Explore and define text in legal documents that should be changed to allow more trees on farmland, such as the possibility of adding trees as one of the official crops for greening farmland	02/09/2022
15	Holistic Systems Analysis	Carbon benefits of nursery trees - based on an actual case study	BSc/MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	A tree nursery close to Bonn wants to know the carbon sequestration that is achieved by the trees they produce. This should be determined using decision analysis methods. This topic is particularly suitable for MSc students who have taken "Decision Analysis and Forecasting in Agriculture" (or BSc students who are willing to audit this module).	14/03/2022
16	Holistic Systems Analysis	Testing and validation of models	BSc/MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Impact pathway validation for decision models - i.e. testing the strength of observed linkages in pathways	05/10/2021
17	Holistic Systems Analysis	Planning for irrigation investments in times of uncertain drought risks	BSc/MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Recent summers have been dry, but it is far from certain whether this is a true trend or an anomaly. Many growers are considering irrigation measures, but decisions on such investments must be made in the face of considerable uncertainty. Using the example of a real-life walnut producer, this decision will be analyzed using a probabilistic decision model.	03/04/2021
18	Agroforestry - modeling	Ecosystem Services model	BSc/MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Ecosystem Services (ESS) estimation model (temperate AF vs. other Ag.). Is the relationship adequately represented in ESS related policies?	30/03/2021
19	Agroforestry - Literature review	What works in temperate agroforestry	BSc/MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN		Literature review on what exists and what works in temperate agroforestry with horticultural crops (all data sources including grey, expert knowledge etc.)	30/03/2021
20	Agroforestry	Agroforestry in the European Union	BSc/MSc	Lüdeling	EN		Describe support structures and obstacles to agroforestry in EU	30/03/2021
21	Dormancy - chillR	Winter chill analysis for California	MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Fruit tree cultivation in California's Central Valley is threatened by declining winter chill. Systematic assessments of past and future changes in this region are in urgent need of an update. The analysis can be implemented with functions from the chillR package for R. Most of the procedures are well established. Good knowledge of R is required.	13/03/2021
22	Coding	Shiny app development	BSc/MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Able to work with Shiny	This is only for people who know what this title means and feel confident they can do it... then PLEASE contact us!	19/01/2021
23	Decision analysis	TBD	MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Holistic modeling of a decision we agree on	19/01/2021
24	Decision analysis	Decision analysis: ‚development impact potential‘ of horticultural value chains for smallholder farmers	BSc/MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Evaluation of horticultural value chains in countries of the global South. Comparison with arable crops	19/01/2021
25	Decision analysis	Decision analysis: A risk-adjusting cost-benefit tool for choosing frost protection strategies for orchards	BSc/MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Frost during flowering is a big problem in orchards, but frost protection costs money. Let's develop a probabilistic cost-benefit tool to evaluate options.	19/01/2021
26	Decision analysis	Holistic modeling of agroforestry farm in Palatinate (Pfalz)	MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	A consortium of ambitious young farmers is embarking on a regenerative agriculture project with agroforestry. Let's help them anticipate the outcomes of their project.	19/01/2021
27	Decision analysis	Holistic modeling of Urban Food Forest in Berlin	MSc	Lüdeling	DE/EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	A consortium of people we're in contact with is currently planning an Urban Forest Garden. This is to help them anticipate the outcomes.	19/01/2021
28	Horticulture	Dormancy breaking agents to stimulate budbreak in fruit trees (apple and sweet cherry)	BSc/MSc	Milyaev	DE/EN	Beneficial: Participation in the module "Gartenbauliche Kulturen" for BSc and/or "Horticultural production and research" for MSc.	Climate change is affecting temperate fruit production in many regions. When winter conditions are too warm, fruit trees fail to resume their normal growth in spring. To effectively stimulate the budbreak and growth, dormancy breaking agents are needed. In this study, you will test potential dormancy breaking agents in fruit trees. The experiment involves sampling in field (4 times), growth chamber experiment to stimulate budbreak and several potential compounds for dormancy breaking.	17/03/2023
29	Horticulture	"Literature review: Side-effects of frost protection measures in fruit orchards on the environment	BSc/MSc	Schmitz	DE/EN		Fruit orchards can be protected against spring frosts using various measures. This literature work aims to give an overview of the side effects of their use (within in orchard and on the environment). In addition, it should be evaluated how strong these influences are.	14/02/2023
30	Horticulture and Robotics	Leaf-cutting robot in commercial greenhouse production system	MSc	tbd; contact: ellenberger@ko-ga.eu	DE/EN		This thesis is to be done in collaboration with a large producer of tomatoes and other vegetables in Neurath. There are options to combine the thesis work with an internship.To ensure recurring, high-quality steps in production, the company deals with automation in the greenhouse. the company deals with automation in the greenhouse. For this purpose a leaf cutter robot of a Dutch company was installed. Your task will be to implement the robotics in the greenhouse in cooperation with the production management and the manufacturer. Your thesis can go in different directions: Economic efficiency, development potential, IT optimization, ...	02/10/2023
31	Holistic Systems Analysis	Model validation	MSc	Whitney	EN/DE	comfortable with programming, advanced maths	Validating our decision models based on probabilistic frameworks and expert knowledge is a multifaceted challenge. We could use all types of ideas here and have a strong need for enthusiastic young programmers	09/23/2024
32	Holistic Systems Analysis	Review of nutrition interventions and food evnironments	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Review of nutriton interventions (i.e. policy aimed at better health outcomes for populations) and food environments. You can chose a regional or health implication focus (i.e. malnutriton, obesity) or focus more generally on the relationship between interventions and food environments. Your work will contribute to a much larger work outlining the literature and to an impact pathway relating the literature to the logical connections about how interventions impact nutrition.	18/10/2022
33	Holistic Systems Analysis	Review of Holistic Systems Analysis methods across fields	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Review of Holistic Systems Analysis methods in the language of...' (e.g. maths, economics, psychology etc.). Your work will culminate with a short paper outlining the literature.	18/10/2022
34	Holistic Systems Analysis	Review of Holistic Systems Analysis for Agricultural Development	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Review of Holistic Systems Analysis methods applied for agricultural development. Your work will contribute to a much larger work outlining the literature.	18/10/2022
35	Modeling	Carbon sequestration estimation	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN		Carbon sequestration estimation model (agroforestry vs. other Ag.). Is the relationship adequately represented in GHG emissions policies?	30/03/2021
36	Evidence gap map	Evidence gap map for agroforestry	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Evidence gap mapping for tree planting on farms (agroforestry) across European countries	30/03/2021
37	Decision Analysis	Costs, benefits and risks of planting trees on farms	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Farmer’s choices to implement trees on their farms and potential costs, benefits and risks (i.e. in the context of political system of EU laws, subsidies etc.)	30/03/2021
38	R programming	High dimensional data plotting	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN		If you know some R programming we would like to work with you on different options for plotting high dimensional data (ggplot2, cowplot etc.)	30/03/2021
39	R programming	Workflow design	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN		If you know some R programming we would like to work with you on figuring out optimal workflow design (tidyverse, dplyr etc.)	30/03/2021
40	R programming	R package developing	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	If you know some R programming we would like to work with you on package development (devtools etc.)	30/03/2021
41	R programming	Interactive tools for scientific communication	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN		If you know some R programming, knitr, markdown, pandoc we would like to work with you on application of interactive tools for scientific communication (Rmarkdown, Blogdown, Bookdown, R-Pres etc.)	30/03/2021
42	Transdisciplinarity - Literature review	Transdisciplinary approaches	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Transdisciplinary approaches in development research: - Stakeholder identification and power mapping (bringing the right people to the table for assessing and generating comprehensive causal understanding [Theory of Change, Causal Diagram, Impact Pathways] of decisions) - Alternative approaches in evidence gap mapping for guiding horticulture interventions (generating evidence gap maps with uncertainty and diverse data sources, including expert and local knowledge)	30/03/2021
46	Systems modeling - Literature review	Complex systems modeling	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN	Participation in Decision analysis module	Methods in complex systems modeling: - Use of expert knowledge in developing qualitative and quantitative models (Theory of Change, Causal Diagram, Impact Pathways)	30/03/2021
47	Ethnobotany - Literature review	Probability modeling approaches in ethnobotany	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN		Use of probability modeling approaches for synergies in ethnobotany and development (literature review)	30/03/2021
48	Ethnobotany	Transdisciplinary ethnobotany	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN		Transdisciplinary ethnobotany (i.e., assess related use and development issues for plant species or plant communities) - See the ethnobotanyR package	30/03/2021
49	Agrobiodiversity	Traditional uses of plant species	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN		Traditional uses of plant species and applications for horticultural production (underutilized species, possibly in collaboration with local Slow Food groups in Bonn)	30/03/2021
50	Agrobiodiversity	Review on agrobiodiversity and traditional knowledge	BSc/MSc	Whitney	EN		Agrobiodiversity and traditional knowledge (literature review) - open to any geographic region or crop type etc.	30/03/2021
51	Horticulture	Review of priming effects in horticultural production / Vorbehandlungs efekte in Tomaten	BSc	Whitney/Lutum	EN/DE	Participation in 'Gartenbauliche Kulturen' module	Review or priming effects related to horticultural production - your work will result in an impact pathway with the relevant connections found in the literature and a related bibliographic collection relevant to each part of the impact pathway.	18/10/2022
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