The Departments of Organic Crop Production and Agroecosystem Research in the Tropics and Subtropics (Prof. Dr. Andreas Bürkert), Animal Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics (Prof. Dr. Eva Schlecht) and Grassland Science and Renewable Resources (Prof. Dr. Michael Wachendorf) as well as the faculty of the Department of Organic Agricultural Sciences at the University of Kassel bid a sad farewell to Ms. Claudia Thieme-Fricke, who passed away on December 15, 2025 after a long illness - tragically shortly before her retirement.

Ms. Thieme-Fricke had been working at the University of Kassel in Witzenhausen in the laboratory and greenhouse area since 01.08.1980 and thus for over 45 years. She supported countless interns, students and scientists in collecting data in the laboratory and in the field, often in an international context. Her high level of expertise, great technical competence and exemplary commitment will remain unforgotten. Her input has contributed significantly to the successful completion of many academic theses.

In Ms Thieme-Fricke, we have lost a personality who was always reliable, motivating and straightforward and was recognized and highly valued for this far beyond her circle of colleagues.

Our sympathies go out to her family and all her loved ones.

OPATS (Andreas Bürkert)

AHTS (Eva Schlecht)

GNR (Michael Wachendorf)

Team of the Tropical Greenhouse