- Sociological and institutional aspects of agriculture and food systems in the context of sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Research for development (R4D)
- Dealing with complex socio-ecological phenomena within the sector and conceptualizing them as transdisciplinary systems in order to induce innovation and change. Capacity building (institutional, human)
- Rural development and agriculture project and program management (planning, implementation and evaluation). Coaching of scientific and managerial staff within R4D programs
- Management of complex programs, including value chain improvements and integration of organic produce of small-scale farmers into global organic markets
- Analyzing and influencing multi-dimensional sub-national systems and programs related to agriculture, food systems and rural development
- Design of innovative institutional solutions, including aspects of technology, economics and socio-politics. Interface of research, extension, policy, farmer behavior and ecology
- Action-research in mountains context and sustainable mountain development
- Water for food and water for people
- Interface of organic agriculture and other forms of sustainable farming (agro-ecology, low-input; integrated, traditional). Scientific comparison research
- Agro-sociological aspects of agriculture and sustainable rural development (SARD). Application of systems theory.