During the iDiv Summer School 2026, we want to give young scientists insights into different collections and how they can be utilised for ecological research. Participants will gather data using living collections of the botanical gardens in Leipzig and Jena, and the Herbarium Haussknecht (JE) in Jena. They will collect information such as the origin of the plants or specimens, measure functional traits and assess phenological stages. This approach will enable comparisons between species from all over the world, covering large taxonomic scales. The students will then analyse the data they have collected themselves, together with existing data, and present their findings.