Foundations of Living Lab Research: Collaboration and Design in Forest Ecosystems in Ecuador

This graduate field course, held in Ecuador’s diverse ecosystems, is part of the Forest Ecosystems Living Lab Initia­tive (FELLI) by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). FELLI is a network of research forests operated by a number of universities in the Asia Pacific. FELLI aims to use cutting-edge research infrastructure in unique forest ecosys­tems to explore questions related to ecosystem health and human wellbeing. Also, it aims to increase collaboration and knowledge exchange between its partner universities.

The course invites graduate students, early-career researchers and high-caliber final-year undergraduate students from HKUST and member universities of APRU to critically explore how to design and implement ethical, equitable, and impactful research in the environmental and social sciences. Through an immersive and comparative learning experience, students will develop research questions and study designs that bridge ecological and social dimensions while engaging responsibly with local communities and collaborators.

Students will travel through three distinct Ecuadorian ecosystems:

• Amazon Region
  • Tiputini Research Station
• Cloud Forest
  • Tandayapa Cloud Forest Station
  • Yunguilla Community
  • Reserva Intillacta
• Highlands and Páramo Ecosystems
  • Cotopaxi National Park
  • Aglomerados Cotopaxi Pine Plantations
  • Hacienda El Porvenir

This immersive program combines field visits in Ecuador’s Amazon, cloud forests, and highland páramo ecosystems with collaborative research and policy engagement. Participants will gain practical skills in ecological monitoring, community-based research, and foster comparative FELLI ecosystems. The program is APRU Certificate awarded. You are welcome to refer to the program flyer for further details.

Key Details

Dates:      June 5 – 28, 2027 (inclusive of arrival and departure)

Location:  Ecuador (Quito and forest stations in the country)  

Quota:     15 participants  

Fee:         USD 5,000 (includes accommodation, meals, domestic transportation between cities, lectures and site visits)  

*Please check whether you need a visa to enter Ecuador here or the website of the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate to your country.

Why Join?

• Develop interdisciplinary research questions bridging ecological and social sciences.  
• Gain hands-on experience in diverse ecosystems.  
• Build international networks across APRU universities.  
• Contribute to sustainable forest management and conservation.  

Take Action

Please express your interest by completing the application form. A letter of reference from an academic referee (a professor, academic advisor, supervisor, or other academic professional who can comment on your academic background, experience, and suitability for the course) should be provided. The organizing team will review all submissions and contact shortlisted candidates. The organizing team will review all submissions and contact shortlisted candidates. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A non-refundable deposit of USD 1,500 is due by December 1, 2026.

For more details, please visit APRU FELLI Research-Intensive Field Course 2027.