LUMEN – Adapting to light: mosquito behaviour, human exposure and vector control in a changing climate

Inter- and transdisciplinary collaborative project; Subproject 3 UE: Under the Light, Behind the Net: Understanding and Explaining Human Behaviour
Environmental changes such as climate change, urbanisation and artificial night-time lighting are altering the habitats and activity patterns of mosquitoes in Europe. This increases the risk of pathogen transmission, even in regions where these diseases were previously non-endemic. The LUMEN collaborative project is investigating these developments from an interdisciplinary perspective, combining molecular biology, ecology and psychology to lay new foundations for evidence-based prevention strategies within the One Health framework.

Duration
07/2026 - 06/2029

Funding
Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR) :
360 000 Euro

Project management

Prof. Dr. Cornelia Betsch

Professor of Health Communication (Faculty of Philosophy)

+49 361 737-1631

cornelia.betsch@uni-erfurt.de

Team

Dr. Mattis Geiger

Dr. phil. Lars Korn

Subproject 3 investigates the role of human behaviour in human–mosquito interactions. To date, there is a lack of systematic data on how people react to changes in mosquito activity in their everyday lives and which factors influence the risk of being bitten. The aim is to develop a scientifically sound tool for recording knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in relation to mosquitoes, and to establish a web-based infrastructure for collecting real-life data as part of a citizen science study in Germany. The data obtained will make a key contribution to the interdisciplinary modelling of exposure risks and to the development of targeted prevention and communication strategies.

Please also read our news article“New One Health Platform project investigates rising risks posed by mosquitoes”dated 7 July 2026.