Photo: Valentina ArrosThis talk presents "Buzzing About", a comic about a wild bee searching for a nesting site, developed through a collaboration between the Chair of Urban Productive Ecosystems at the Technical University of Munich and a scientific illustrator. The project combines research and visual storytelling to explore new ways of communicating ecological knowledge. We introduce the comic’s content, highlight pollinator requirements and current challenges, and discuss how we can support them. We also share the creative process and reflect on how art–science collaborations can enhance communication of biodiversity and urban ecology.
This event will be held in English
The event is part of the accompanying programme of the special exhibition "Planetary Health", which will be on display until 30 September 2026.
Experts in Dialogue: Meet the Moderators
Hosts
The talk will be hosted by Valentina Arros, scientific illustrator and visual communicator, and Astrid Neumann and Alexandra Zink, both researchers focusing on pollinator ecology.
Urban Productive Ecosystems (UPE)
The Chair of Urban Productive Ecosystems at the Technical University of Munich conducts interdisciplinary research on the ecological and social dimensions of urban ecosystems, with a focus on urban agriculture and urban green spaces broadly. Their work aims to support biodiversity, sustainable food systems, and climate-resilient urban landscapes.
Valentina Arros
Valentina is a natural science illustrator and visual communicator. Her work focuses on translating complex environmental topics into clear and engaging visual narratives. She combines scientific knowledge with visual methods to support communication, education, and public engagement.
Astrid Neumann
Astrid is a researcher at the Technical University of Munich, focusing on pollinators in urban ecosystems during her PhD at the Chair of Urban Productive Ecosystems. At the Chair of Plant-Insect Interactions, she coordinates the EU Horizon project ProPollSoil, which explores links between pollinators and soil.
Alexandra Zink
Alex is a PhD candidate at the Technical University of Munich in the Chair of Urban Productive Ecosystems and the Chair of Plant-Insect Interactions. Her research explores how urban stressors such as heat shape bee diversity, ecology, and pollination services in urban gardens.
