Matty Berg

Matty Berg is a Full Professor in the Department of Ecology & Evolution at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), Faculty of Science. His research focuses on community ecology, soil fauna, and ecosystem dynamics, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and life on land. Ancillary roles include Medewerker at RijksUniversiteit Groningen, Gastmedewerker at Natuurhistorisch Museum Naturalis, and Adviseur for European Invertebrate Survey-Nederland and Land van Ons since 2013–2021.

Academic Qualification: PhD in Community Ecology, specializing in Soil Fauna and Natural Ecosystem Dynamics. Key research interests include litter decomposition, trophic interactions, and ecological engineering. His work bridges theory and application, addressing topics like pesticide impacts on invertebrates and regenerative agricultural practices.

Recent research highlights include studies on woodpecker-mediated decomposition feedbacks, lipid metabolism in springtails under pesticide exposure, and mitigating invasive species effects in mixed forests. Over 250 peer-reviewed publications and 62 datasets reflect his contributions to ecological data sharing, including studies on soil food webs and trait diversity methodologies.

Berg teaches courses such as Biogeochemical Cycles in System Earth and advises the International Master of Biodiversity Ecology and Evolution program. His datasets, available via Zenodo and Dryad, cover topics like functional diversity metrics, litter decomposition gradients, and Collembola biodiversity in Arctic plots.