Biodiversity through Time: Collections-based Research at a Natural History Museum

Background of Summer School / Introduction

The University of Hohenheim and the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS) have a strong tradition of collaboration in collection-based research, combining paleontological and neontological perspectives to understand biodiversity dynamics from deep time to the Anthropocene. This integrative approach provides critical insights into the evolutionary processes that have shaped life on Earth and informs strategies to sustain biodiversity under current and future environmental challenges.

This summer school focuses on the three fundamental levels of biodiversity: ecosystem, interspecific, and intraspecific diversity. We will examine how these levels interact, how they are shaped across geological timescales, and how their study is enabled by museum collections of extinct and extant taxa. The program blends lectures, interactive practicals, and field excursions, demonstrating the central role of natural history collections in modern biodiversity research. We show how to translate scientific findings into actionable knowledge for society—through citizen science, public outreach, and engagement with a broad array of stakeholders.

By engaging with researchers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, participants will gain a unique perspective on the interface of evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation. The summer school aims to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists, educators, policy-makers, and conservation managers to meet the complex challenges of sustaining biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.

Hosting University

University of Hohenheim (UHOH)

Venue

Schloss Rosenstein, Rosenstein 14, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany

Date

6 - 24 of July 2026

Participants

20

Previous Knowledge

The course is aimed at students of evolutionary biology or related subjects who have already passed university elementary courses of at least 2 years

Course Content

Foundations of Biodiversity Research:
- The Three Levels of Biodiversity: Intraspecific, interspecific, and ecosystem diversity, and explicit exploration of their interconnections
- Integrating Paleontological and Neontological Approaches
- The Role of Natural History Collections in Biodiversity Science
- The Extended Specimen Concept and Technological Innovation

Ecosystem Diversity:
- Environmental and Climate Changes Across Geological Timescales
- Mass Extinctions, Radiations, and Ecosystems’ Structure Resilience
- Fossilization and Reconstructing Ancient Ecosystems
- Paleo-biomonitoring: Long-term Perspectives from the Fossil Record
- Biodiversity Monitoring as a “Time Machine”: Impacts of Climate and Land Use Change
- Multiple Facets of Biodiversity: Taxonomic, Phylogenetic, and Morphological/Functional Dimensions
- Functional Trait Variation and Ecological Significance
- Community Assembly, Expansion, and Extinction Dynamics
- Biotic Interactions
- Species Decline, Community Shifts, and Ecosystem Services

Excursion: Visit to the Botany Collection; excursion to the Botanical Garden for field ecosystem perspectives
Virtual lecture: Partner university on global ecosystem change

Interspecific Diversity:
- Automated and Genomics-Informed Species Discovery
- Morphological Innovations and Adaptive Radiations
- Environmental Drivers of Macroevolutionary Patterns
- Advances in Morphological Imaging and Analysis
- Functional Trait Variation and Evolutionary Significance
- Lifestyle Transitions and associated Adaptations
- Patterns and Processes of Convergent Evolution
- Linking Morphology, Genomics, and Function

Practical: Morphometric and phylogenetic analysis using the Paleontological Collection
Excursion: Visit to the Stuttgart Zoo, with a thematic focus on interspecific diversity in action
Collections experience: Visit to the Entomology or Insect Monitoring and Paleontology Collections
Practical: Image analysis to quantify traits of interest (laptops needed).

Intraspecific Diversity:
- Adaptation, Speciation, and Hybrid Zones
- Museomics and genetic diversity over time
- Conservation Genetics and Management of Endangered Species

Workshop: Next-generation sequencing for studying speciation (laptops needed)
Virtual lecture: International perspectives on Conservation Genetics

- Transferring Knowledge to Society:
- Science Communication
- Exhibitions and Public Outreach
- Citizen Science in Biodiversity Research

Practical: Writing a press release targeting broader audiences

Structured Reflection and Synthesis:
Final Student Symposium: Groups present a research review or case study on a selected topic from a level of biodiversity
Roundtable: Career pathways outside academia (museums, conservation, communication, policy) and the application of integrative biodiversity knowledge in the context of student’s careers.
Excursions: Thematic visits to the Stuttgart Zoo (interspecific diversity), Botanical Garden (ecosystem diversity), and a Paleontological excavation (ecosystem and macroevolutionary context), reinforcing direct connections to course themes

Intended Learning Outcome (ILO)

After completing the course, the participants should be able to:
- Explain how collections-based research, integrating paleontological and neontological approaches, advances our understanding of biodiversity
change and conservation across time.
- Compare the strengths and limitations of studying biodiversity in living versus fossil taxa, and recognize how technological innovation (e.g.,
genomics, 3D imaging) expands research possibilities.
- Analyze how morphological and genetic diversity drive species diversification, adaptation, and ecosystem change at multiple levels of
biodiversity.
- Apply practical skills in working with natural history collections, including specimen curation, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Communicate the relevance of biodiversity science to societal stakeholders through science communication and public outreach initiatives.
- Collaborate effectively in diverse, international teams to discuss and present on contemporary biodiversity topics and career pathways within
academia, museums, conservation, and policy sectors.

Course Schedule

Asynchronous e-learning phase: 29 June – 3 July, with self-preparation using specialized literature and introductory presentations
On-site course: 6 July – 24 July 2026, at University of Hohenheim and SMNS
For further details, see the course programme (coming soon)

Course Language

English

Course Format / Teaching Methods

Mix of lectures, laboratory experience and excursions

Credits

ECTS Credits and Workload Overview

Type of Assessment and Assessment Criteria

Participation during the course (40%), Written press release (20%), Group presentation in the Student Symposium (40%). 

Cultural Activities / Social Program

To foster a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, the summer school includes a variety of cultural and social activities designed to encourage intercultural exchange, networking, and a deeper appreciation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Planned activities include: Welcome Reception: An informal gathering on the first evening to introduce participants, instructors, and organizers. Guided City Tour of Stuttgart: Explore the historical and modern highlights of Stuttgart, providing context for the region’s cultural landscape. Excursion to the Stuttgart Zoo (Wilhelma): Experience the intersection of biodiversity research and public education in one of Europe's most renowned zoological and botanical gardens. Excursion to a Local Paleontological Excavation Site: An opportunity to experience hands-on fieldwork and local geological history. Group Social Events: Optional activities such as picnics at the Rosenstein park, swimming at the Mineralbad Berg, or pub quiz at the Flora&Fauna. Farewell Dinner: A closing celebration recognizing the achievements and new friendships formed during the course..

Tuition Fees

550 €

Additional Costs

We recommend the participants from abroad to buy a "Deutschland-Ticket" for public transport during the course Travel expenses and food are not included.

Accommodation

Pre-booked furnished flats.  

Health Insurance

Participants are responsible for an adequate health insurance during their participation in the programme.

Visa

If support letters are needed, contact the administrative contact person below.

Application Deadline

10 May 2026

Link to online Application form

https://forms.office.com/e/DJ5EXUL29g  

Contact persons for scientific questions

Prof. Dr. Ricardo Pereira; E-Mail: ricardo.pereira@smns-bw.de 

Contact person for administrative questions

Nathalie Hund; E-Mail: nathalie.hund@ua.uni-hohenheim.de