Research groups

Planktonic organisms play central roles in aquatic ecosystems as main primary producers and by ensuring energy transfer to higher trophic levels. Our research group studies how phytoplankton and zooplankton communities respond to environmental gradients and anthropogenic stressors, and how changes in their composition and interactions affect aquatic food webs and ecosystem functioning. We combine field studies, microcosm and mesocosm experiments, and taxonomic and functional ecological approaches to better understand the mechanisms underlying community and ecosystem-level responses to global change stressors, including heatwaves, salinization, drought, and invasive species. We are also generally interested in the ecology and conservation of small standing waters, such as ponds, pools, and shallow lakes. These vulnerable habitats support high biodiversity, act as excellent model systems for ecological research, and are increasingly important for understanding and mitigating the effects of global change. We aim to contribute to a better understanding of their ecology and functioning, and to support their evidence-based conservation and restoration.