We use various data-driven methods and computer models at different spatial and temporal scales to assess land use changes and their environmental impacts in the past, present and future. This includes data and modeling methods to quantify land use changes and their impacts on the climate system, food security and nature.

• One of our main focuses is on mapping and evaluating the spatial and temporal dynamics of land use change. By combining several freely available data sources (remote sensing, model reconstructions and land use statistics), we have developed the HIstoric Land Dynamics Assessment + (HILDA+). HILDA+ provides a global map set that shows the annual changes in land use/land cover and management since 1960 until today at a spatial resolution of 1 km. Mapping the dynamics allows us to better understand the land management strategies of countries and regions (e.g. the EU), for example the interplay of land use expansion and intensification, which allows us to derive recommendations for decision-makers.

• We also focus on how global crop production strategies can be optimized to maximize food production and limit environmental degradation. For example, we are investigating how the efficiency of fertilizer use by the world's leading crop producers can be increased to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of such intensive forms of land use.

• Further, we are investigating the role that food technologies (greenhouses, vertical farming, gene editing, plant-based meat) can play in future global food security, as these technologies have the potential to save land for production and material inputs (e.g. fertilizers or pesticides) while increasing yields. We are developing tools for assessing global technical feasibility, efficiency and scalability of these technologies using a modified version of HILDA+ and developing food technology scenarios to assess the global potential of these technologies and their contribution to future food security.