About
Andreas Rigling is an Adjunct Professor and group leader at ETH Zurich's Department of Environmental Systems Science, specializing in forest ecology and climate change impacts. He has held leadership roles at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, coordinating interdisciplinary projects like MOUNTLAND. His research focuses on forest dynamics under climate change, integrating natural and social sciences. Rigling has extensive fieldwork experience in Europe and Siberia, leading international expeditions since 1993. He holds a PhD from the University of Basel and postgraduate training in applied statistics. Awards include the td-Award for transdisciplinary research and honorary professorship at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Teaching includes courses on tree growth, mountain forest ecology, and dendroecology at ETH Zurich and the University of Bern.
Education:
- PhD, University of Basel, 1996-2000: "Wood anatomical characteristics as indicators of biotic and abiotic stress factors"
- Postgraduate diploma in applied statistics, ETH Zurich, 1998-1999
- Forest Sciences, ETH Zurich, 1987-1993
Research Interests: Climate change impacts on forests, tree mortality mechanisms, interdisciplinary research methodologies, mountain ecosystems, and legacy effects of past disturbances. His work bridges natural sciences with socio-economic policy, emphasizing holistic approaches to environmental challenges.
Publications: Recent work explores drought impacts on tree physiology, soil carbon dynamics post-disturbance, and transdisciplinary forest management strategies. Key themes include carbon allocation under stress, legacy effects of extreme events, and forest resilience mechanisms.
Awards:
- 2020: Scientific Image Competition Distinction (SNSF)
- 2013: td-Award (Swiss Academies)
- 2011: Honorary Professor, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- 1993: ETH Medal for outstanding thesis
Grants/Advising: Led major projects like MOUNTLAND (CCES-funded) and coordinated international initiatives. Active in advisory roles for institutions such as the Forest Research Institute FVA (Germany) and Waldwissen.net.
Labs/Teams: Leads the Forest Growth and Global Change group at ETH, collaborating with WSL and international partners on projects like MainWood (wood utilization in construction).
