Felix de Tombeur

Felix de Tombeur is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Western Australia. His research focuses on plant-soil interactions, silicon dynamics, and ecosystem development, with a particular emphasis on nutrient-poor habitats and biomineralization processes. He contributes to the UN SDGs related to sustainable ecosystems and climate action through studies on plant defense mechanisms and soil-plant feedbacks.

His work involves analyzing silicon’s role in plant morphology, defense strategies, and ecological resilience. Notable projects include the AusTraits database—a comprehensive plant trait resource for Australian flora—and investigations into how environmental factors like nitrogen deposition and temperature influence silicification patterns. Collaborations span global institutions, addressing topics like phosphorus acquisition in nutrient-poor soils and silicon’s role in agricultural sustainability.

Dr. de Tombeur’s research outputs often highlight trade-offs between growth, defense, and resource allocation in plants. He has contributed to over 29 peer-reviewed articles and 10 datasets, with his work cited across ecological, agricultural, and biogeochemical studies. His findings emphasize the interconnectedness of plant traits, soil properties, and environmental pressures, shaping our understanding of terrestrial ecosystem dynamics.