Forest Information Technology: 20 Years of Innovation at HNEE

For two decades, the Master’s programmeme in Forest Information Technology (FIT) at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) has been training experts at the intersection of forestry, ecology, and digital technologies. Offered in collaboration with the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW/WULS), this joint (dual degree) Master’s programmeme combines in-depth knowledge of sustainable forest ecosystem management with innovative computer science and remote sensing approaches.

Interdisciplinary, Practical, and Innovative

The FIT Master’s programme, accredited in both countries, integrates core knowledge of modern and sustainable forestry with applied data science and remote sensing. Over four semesters, students at both universities in Eberswalde and Warsaw earn an internationally recognized Master’s degree, which also qualifies them for doctoral studies. All lectures, seminars, and practicals are conducted in English, reflecting the highly international student body in FIT.

“The interdisciplinary focus, the application of modern, computer-assisted methods, and the degrees from renowned forestry universities are decisive factors for many of our applicants to choose FIT,” explains Prof. Dr. Jan-Peter Mund, the programme director of FIT at HNEE. The demand for professionals who are proficient in both ecology and digital technologies remains high.

This unique combination sets the FIT Master’s programme apart in the European higher education landscape, and potentially on a global scale. The programme continues to emphasise the close integration of theory and practice, evident in its numerous seminar-based, practice-oriented teaching formats. The high proportion of project work, practical exercises and research projects helps graduates to start their careers and opens doors to many successful scientific careers.

Machine Learning, Multicopters, and Microclimate Sensor Technology

Technical developments in recent years have also influenced the degree programme curriculum. Methods of machine learning and deep learning, in particular, have become an integral part of the training. These methods are used to analyse large amounts of remote sensing and monitoring data. Examples include pattern recognition in satellite images, modelling tree growth under changing climatic conditions and processing windthrow areas. “We want to enable students not only to work with current technologies but also to critically question them and use them sustainably,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Jens Müller.

Another innovative element is the use of multicopters and laser measuring devices to create orthomosaics and capture 3D point clouds. With these, students can create high-resolution models of forest stands, derive tree heights and crown structures, and capture changes in the stands in the shortest time. On the Marteloskopes in Haselberg and at the Möller’s grave (Eberswalde) and many other areas in the immediate vicinity of the forest campus of the HNEE and in Poland, data treasures are created as digital 3D reconstructions of trees and the forest in the form of so-called digital twins. These data sets are supplemented by continuous measurements that capture both the microclimate and soil moisture in the forest and the short-term tree growth. The latter is recorded by point dendrometers attached directly to the tree, which provide changes in the micrometer range at a minute-by-minute rate.

“This allows us to collect very precise and continuous data on the interactions between forest and environment,” explains Prof. Dr. Luis Miranda. With the help of this data, students learn to conduct empirical and data-driven analyses and answer ecological and prognostic questions about complex forest ecosystems.

The modern technologies are not only applied in teaching but also in the research projects of the students This year’s FIT research colloquium featured presentations by students on a range of works, including:

– Identification of climatic predictors for tree mortality using logistic regression,
– Capture of LiDAR point clouds in urban forest gardens to determine above-ground woody biomass,
– The development of surface temperature of moors in Brandenburg from 2019 to 2024,
– Satellite-based analysis of forest loss in the Omo Forest Reserve in Nigeria, and
– Determining the urban climate green spaces of tropical megacities.

“The variety of topics and the opportunity to specialize in one’s own focus areas within the projects are a great asset for our students,” says Dr. Evelyn Wallor. These projects often arise in collaboration with partners from the field, such as the Thünen Institute of Forest Ecosystems, the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) and regional forest authorities. Equally important partners from the degree programme, including those from research, business and society, are also involved.

Curriculum with International Network

The practical research projects in the third semester are a central component of the degree programme. They build on the fundamental knowledge and skills taught in the first two semesters in Eberswalde and Warsaw. “Our teaching follows a competence-oriented and student-centered learning and teaching concept that integrates various didactic formats—from experience-based in-person teaching to hybrid learning scenarios to asynchronous digital materials. These particularly support individual preparation and follow-up, provide flexibility, and enable students to engage in self-directed learning. However, in-person teaching remains at the core, as it is particularly effective for direct dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and immediate feedback. The combination of digital offerings and interactive courses promotes both subject matter depth and the social and cooperative competencies of our students,” explains Nicole Voss, FIT alumna and lecturer in the programme.

“The programme has continuously evolved and changed, yet remains true to its core idea: to better understand and sustainably manage the forest with modern technologies.”

JAN-PETER MUND, Lead of the FIT study programme

In the subsequent semesters, FIT students have the opportunity to enhance their studies through Erasmus stays at European partner universities in Wageningen in the Netherlands, Brno in the Czech Republic, Valladolid in Spain, or Mikkeli in Finland. The programme also offers extra-European study abroad opportunities in Chiang Mai (Thailand), Hanoi and Thai Nguyen (Vietnam), Kumasi (Ghana), Chapingo (Mexico), and Bogotá (Colombia). “You can conduct your research project not only in Germany or Poland but also in other countries. For example, I spent my semester in the Czech Republic,” says Jakub Sobolewski, who graduated from FIT in 2024.

In Demand in Science and Practice

Graduates of the programme work today in a wide range of professions: in (inter-)national forest authorities, environmental organisations, geodata analysis, forest planning, or in science. Some graduates pursue a doctorate at renowned research institutions after their master’s degree. Reflecting back, Akhil Chandran, FIT alumnus from 2022, says: “The FIT programme was very well structured, and the courses and the way my professors taught me were very useful for my career.” Robert Magnuson, also a graduate from 2022: “This programme combined everything I personally wanted and needed to reach a higher level in a leadership position.”

Celebrations in Eberswalde and Warsaw The FIT programme is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with festivities at both university locations. On September 26, the HNEE invites to Eberswalde, and on September 29, the celebrations will take place in Warsaw at the SGGW/WULS.

This article was first published in AFZ der Wald – in German Language.