AnaEE Technology Centre Foresight workshop: Using ecotrons in ecosystem research and integrating them in multi-site ecological experiments

Ecotrons are advanced experimental platforms for studying ecosystem processes under highly controlled climate conditions – including potential future climate scenarios and extreme weather events that cannot technically be simulated under open-air conditions. AnaEE aims to promote integrative studies that combine the strengths of the high control and greater range of potential simulations in Ecotrons with the more natural conditions and climate/ecosystem variability in open-air platforms. Such integrative approaches will increase the overall confidence in and applicability of the results obtained. The aims of the first AnaEE technology foresight workshop are therefore to 1) learn about and explore the range of possible usages of ecotrons in experimental ecosystem research, 2) discuss the best ways to integrate ecotrons and open-air platforms in coordinated studies, 3) generate potential technical and scientific collaborative ideas, and 4) identify future pertinent calls.