Frank M. Hilker

Frank M. Hilker is a full Professor of Applied Systems Science at the University of Osnabrück, jointly appointed at the Institute for Environmental Systems Research and the Institute of Mathematics. Since 2014 he has led a research group focused on mathematical ecology, epidemiology and coupled human-environment systems.

Education

• 2005 – Dr. rer. nat. (Applied Systems Science), University of Osnabrück, Dissertation: Spatiotemporal patterns in models of biological invasion and epidemic spread
• 2002 – Dipl.-Systemwissenschaftler (MSc equivalent), University of Osnabrück

Research Interests

His research integrates dynamical-systems theory with ecology and epidemiology to understand complex population processes such as biological invasions, disease spread, Allee effects, regime shifts, and human-environment feedbacks. Spatial and game-theoretic aspects are central themes.

Methodological expertise covers ordinary & partial differential equations, difference equations, agent-based modelling, optimal control, and early-warning indicators for critical transitions.

Research Output & Impact

Across 100+ peer-reviewed publications he has advanced theory on pathogen-mediated invasions, harvesting-induced hydra effects, spatial rescue and synchrony, and the interplay between social norms and ecological dynamics. Recent work addresses regime-shift prediction and sustainable management of renewable resources.

Scientific Awards

• Rollie Lamberson Research Award 2022
• Bellman Prize 2017
• Lord Robert May Prize 2012
• Alberta Ingenuity & Killam Postdoctoral Fellowships
• JSPS Fellowship 2004

Student Supervision & Grants

Hilker currently supervises numerous doctoral and master’s students (names highlighted in bold in his publication list) and leads externally funded projects on spatiotemporal population dynamics in rivers and data-science early-warning methods for regime shifts.

Editorial & Service Roles

He serves on the editorial boards of Mathematics and Computers in Simulation, Ecological Complexity and previously Journal of Biological Dynamics. He is a regular organiser and keynote speaker at major international conferences such as ECMTB, MPDEE and SMB.