Network
German-speaking (AK LaFo)
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the wider German-speaking community
About this network
The German-speaking network (Arbeitskreis Landschaftsforschung (AK LaFo) is a long-established collaboration connecting landscape researchers and practitioners across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the wider German-speaking community. The group began running activities in 2012 in cooperation with the Landscape Research Group and later became LRG’s first formal Landscape Research Network in 2019.
The network provides a platform for interdisciplinary exchange across the humanities, social sciences and practice-based landscape research. Its focus is on strengthening collaboration, sharing theories and methods, and developing events that lead to joint publications and research initiatives. Activities typically include annual seminars, workshops, newsletters and collaborative projects addressing current landscape challenges and policy developments.
The German-speaking network has an established programme of regular meetings and workshops, bringing together academics, practitioners and early-career researchers. It also supports dissemination of funding opportunities, promotes collaborative research, and strengthens connections between regional landscape research and the wider international LRG community. Participation is open to anyone working in or interested in landscape research in the German-speaking region, with no formal membership required.
Coordinators
Prof Markus Leibenath
Network Lead
University of Kassel
Email Prof Markus Leibenath
Prof Dr rer. pol. Ludger Gailing
Network Lead
Brandenburg University of Technology
Email Prof Dr rer. pol. Ludger GailingWhat we are working on
- Conceptual landscape theory and evolving definitions of landscape
- Landscape as a cultural construct and socio-ecological system
- Landscape governance and planning cultures in German-speaking countries
- Methods for interdisciplinary landscape research
- Landscape perception, experience and representation
- Transformation of rural landscapes and agricultural change
- Urban landscape change and regional development
- Climate change adaptation and landscape resilience
- Energy transition landscapes (wind, solar and infrastructure)
- Heritage landscapes and cultural landscape conservation
- Landscape justice, participation and public engagement
- Cross-border and transnational landscape research in Europe
- Landscape policy interfaces between science and practice
- Digital methods, mapping and visualisation in landscape research
Recent activity
Take part
To learn more or express interest in the German Network, please contact the Network Lead; Professor Markus Leibenath. Participation in network events is open to all, including non-members.
Email Prof Markus LeibenathNews from this network
Partner institutions
Get involved
Participation is open to all. To support activity in your region or explore a new network, start here.