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Anneleen Kool serves as Professor and Head of the Botanical Garden at the University of Oslo's Natural History Museum, driving interdisciplinary research on human-plant relationships through conservation, education, and public outreach initiatives focused on global plant diversity. Her academic qualifications include: MSc in Biology, Wageningen University (2003) MSc in Biology, Uppsala University (2004) PhD in Systematic Botany, Uppsala University (2012) Dr. Kool's research centers on ethnobotany, DNA barcoding, and ancient DNA analysis to investigate millennia of human impact on plant diversity, with special emphasis on Viking-Age trade, medicinal plants, and sustainable foraging practices. She integrates biological data with cultural sources to reconstruct historical plant use patterns across Nordic regions. Her recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate transdisciplinary methodologies combining historical records, archaeology, and molecular techniques. Key trends include Viking-Age plant utilization validation, co-conservation of indigenous knowledge with seed banking, sustainable wild food plant management, and immunomodulatory compound discovery in traditional medicines through text-screening pipelines. Professional recognition includes: Uppsala University’s Excellence in Teaching Award (2007) Dr. Kool leads the EDGE research group and participates in major projects including NORPART, Nordic People and Plants, NorCol, and FOODIMPACT. She teaches BIOS 1150 (Biodiversity), BIOS 2200 (Botanical Diversity), and field courses while engaging public communities through initiatives like the 'People and Plants' project that documents contemporary wild plant use. The Botanical Garden under her leadership functions as a living laboratory for research and education, while the EDGE group advances molecular ethnobotany through international collaborations. Her work bridges academic research with organizations like the Norwegian Mushroom and Useful Plants Association to preserve cultural plant knowledge.

• Ethnobotany
• DNA Barcoding
• Ancient DNA
• +5 more

Jostein Kjærandsen is a Professor at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, affiliated with Tromsø University Museum. His research focuses on insect diversity patterns, taxonomic frameworks, and the functional evolution of organs like genitalia and wings within Diptera, particularly Sciaroidea (fungus gnats). Research Interests : Taxonomy, biosystematics, DNA barcoding, molecular phylogeny, and biodiversity assessment of Diptera, especially Mycetophilidae and Keroplatidae. Students : Supervised PhD candidate Jon Peder Lindemann. Email : jostein.kjarandsen@uit.no Recent Articles highlight integrative taxonomy using DNA barcoding, molecular phylogenies of fungus gnats, and the role of museum collections in species discovery. His work addresses taxonomic impediments for 'dark taxa' while advancing reference libraries for global biodiversity studies.

• Insect diversity patterns
• Taxonomy
• Biosystematics
• +7 more

Dr. Torkild Bakken is an Associate Professor at NTNU University Museum's Department of Natural History, specializing in marine invertebrate biodiversity. As senior curator of marine invertebrates, he oversees zoological collections while researching polychaete worms and sea slugs in Norwegian waters. Research combines traditional taxonomy with molecular methods to study deep-sea ecosystems, species distributions, and evolutionary relationships. Current projects include PolyNor (mapping Norwegian Sea polychaetes) and biodiversity genomics initiatives. Fieldwork encompasses coastal surveys and Arctic deep-sea expeditions. Publications describe new species, analyze phylogenetic relationships, and develop DNA barcoding protocols for marine conservation. Recent work addresses ecological impacts of potential deep-sea mining operations.

• Marine Biodiversity
• Polychaete Systematics
• Nudibranch Taxonomy
• +3 more

Professor Paul Hebert is a leading academic at the University of Guelph, serving as Scientific Director of the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) project. A pioneer in biodiversity science, he earned his PhD in Genetics from the University of Cambridge in the 1970s and is renowned as the 'father of DNA barcoding.' His work focuses on revolutionizing species identification through DNA sequencing, aiming to catalog all multicellular life on Earth. His career has witnessed transformative advancements in molecular biology, from early protein-based studies to modern DNA sequencing technologies. The iBOL project, launched in 2010, has already cataloged half a million species and seeks to create a global bio-surveillance system. Hebert emphasizes the critical need for biodiversity monitoring akin to weather tracking, enabling real-time ecological insights. Despite challenges in securing funding and navigating international regulations on biological materials, Hebert envisions handheld devices enabling instant species identification within a decade. His research bridges technological innovation with ecological conservation, advocating for global collaboration to address biodiversity loss.

• DNA Barcoding
• Biodiversity Science
• Taxonomy
• +3 more

Kamran Shalchian-Tabrizi is a Professor at the Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, affiliated with the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis. His research focuses on microbial biodiversity, evolution, and the interactions between microorganisms and their environments, with particular emphasis on soil health and sustainable agriculture. His research has evolved from investigating deep evolutionary relationships in protists to applied DNA-based ecology. He has made significant contributions to phylogenetic methods, DNA barcoding, and understanding major evolutionary transitions in life's history, including the origins of animals and plants from unicellular ancestors. His work on cellular organelle evolution, particularly chloroplasts through serial endosymbiosis, has provided insights into complex cellular structures. Shalchian-Tabrizi has developed advanced methods for high-resolution analysis of microbial communities using metagenomics, single-cell genomics, and transcriptomics. His current research focuses on soil health in agricultural systems, especially fruit production (apples, cherries, plums), where he leads several interdisciplinary projects including SICKSOIL and SOILHEALTH. These projects combine DNA sequencing with bioinformatics to address soil sickness and improve soil microbiota. He is also engaged in the innovative art-science collaboration 'Three Cells and Clay' with photographer Per Maning and architect Kristoffer Øyen, exploring the biological and symbolic relationship between humans and soil. This project represents his commitment to interdisciplinary approaches that bridge scientific understanding with artistic expression. Shalchian-Tabrizi actively collaborates with farmers, agricultural advisors, and public institutions, ensuring his research addresses real-world challenges in sustainable food production. His work demonstrates how scientific rigor combined with cross-sector collaboration can advance sustainable agricultural practices through microbiological insights.

• Microbial Biodiversity
• Evolutionary Biology
• Soil Health
• +7 more

Mads Reinholdt Jensen is an Associate Professor at the Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø. He is affiliated with the Research Group for Genetics and conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of molecular biology, ecology, and computational science. His work focuses on advancing environmental DNA (eDNA) methodologies for biodiversity assessment across diverse ecosystems. His research program centers on biodiversity, environmental DNA metabarcoding, population genetics, genomics, ichthyology, and polar biology. He investigates cryptobenthic fish communities in coral reefs, Arctic marine vertebrates along Greenland's coast, and terrestrial arthropod dynamics in rewilding contexts. His work emphasizes methodological rigor in eDNA applications, particularly regarding biological replication, spatial scaling, and integration with traditional field surveys. He actively explores polar biology questions through genomic lenses, leveraging UiT's Arctic research strengths. Analysis of his 2021-2024 publications reveals a dominant focus on eDNA metabarcoding for global biodiversity monitoring, with significant contributions to marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem studies. Key trends include developing eDNA frameworks for climate change impact assessment, refining spatial-temporal monitoring protocols, and establishing methodological standards for marine benthic monitoring. His Cell publication demonstrates leadership in envisioning global eDNA monitoring systems. Dr. Jensen teaches FSK-2053 (Data science and bioinformatics for fisheries and aquaculture), training students in computational approaches for biological data analysis. While specific grant details are not provided, his extensive international collaborations indicate active research funding. He mentors students in bioinformatics and eDNA analysis, fostering next-generation scientists in molecular ecology. He operates within the Research Group for Genetics at the Norwegian College of Fishery Science (laboratory C302), which specializes in applying genetic techniques to fisheries science and marine conservation. This team engages in field collections, laboratory genomics, and computational analysis to address critical questions in biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem management.

• biodiversity
• environmental DNA
• population genetics
• +5 more

Nataliya Budaeva is an Associate Professor at the Department of Natural History within the University Museum of Bergen , Norway. She specializes in marine annelid taxonomy, systematics, and phylogeny, particularly focusing on deep-sea fauna and biogeography. Her research spans polychaete evolution, biogeographic patterns, and the role of natural history collections in biodiversity studies. Recent work includes collaborative projects on Cirratulidae, Orbiniidae, and Onuphidae taxonomy. Research Trends : Nataliya's publications highlight advancements in molecular phylogenetics (e.g., Onuphidae phylogeny using 16S/18S rDNA), discovery of new species (Cirratulidae, Lumbrineridae), and ecological studies in Arctic and Pacific deep-sea environments. Projects : Active in initiatives like MAnDAriN (Marine Annelid Diversity in Arctic Norway), funded by the Research Council of Norway and Species Data Bank.

• Marine Annelids
• Taxonomy
• Systematics
• +3 more

Frode Ødegaard is an Associate Professor at the Department of Natural History, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). His work focuses on biodiversity, taxonomy, and conservation of insects, particularly beetles, wasps, and true bugs. He leads national insect monitoring programs and collaborates internationally on species discovery and conservation strategies. Key research interests include: taxonomy of Coleoptera/Hymenoptera, invasive species management, pollinator conservation, and ecological impact assessments. He co-authored books like *Humler i Norge* (Bumblebees of Norway) and *Maur i Norge* (Ants of Norway), and contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications and reports. Notable projects include national monitoring of bees, hoverflies, and ants, as well as red-list assessments and discovery of new species in China and Norway. His work bridges taxonomy, ecology, and applied conservation, addressing biodiversity threats in Nordic and global ecosystems. Publications span 20+ years, with recent focus on DNA barcoding, climate change impacts, and species distribution modeling. He collaborates with institutions like Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), universities, and international networks.

• Biodiversity Conservation
• Entomology
• Taxonomy
• +4 more

Hugo de Boer is a Professor and Research Director at the Department of Research and Collections, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo. He serves as Head of the Department of Research and Collections, Head of Delegation of GBIF Norway, and Chair of the Panel on CITES at the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). He is also the Steering Committee Leader of ForBio - Research School in Biosystematics and Principal Investigator of the REA:Life convergence environment focusing on rediscovery of medicinal plant usage in the "Age of Exploration". His research centers on plant identification using molecular barcoding , with applications in biodiversity conservation, monitoring trade in plant genetic resources for pharmaceutical manufacturing, horticulture, and tropical timber industries. His group develops genomic approaches for DNA barcoding using full chloroplast genomes and target-enrichment methods for degraded materials like herbarium collections and processed plant products. This work addresses the challenges in plant barcoding, particularly the absence of a single suitable identification marker and the need for clear definition of intraspecific versus interspecific genetic variation. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong emphasis on environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for biodiversity assessment across diverse ecosystems. His work spans aquatic communities in Oslofjord, forest types assessment through soil eDNA, and conservation of endangered species including sturgeons, crocodilians, and tortoises. This research directly supports public policy implementation including the Convention on Biological Diversity and Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing. As an academic supervisor, de Boer has guided numerous PhD students working on diverse topics related to DNA barcoding, ethnobotany, and conservation biology. His research group is part of the Evolution, eDNA, Genomics and Ethnobotany (EDGE) research group at the Natural History Museum, which brings together expertise in evolutionary biology, environmental DNA analysis, genomics, and ethnobotanical studies.

• Plant DNA barcoding
• Molecular identification
• Biodiversity conservation
• +7 more

Frode Ødegaard is an Associate Professor at NTNU's Department of Natural History, specializing in biodiversity and conservation biology of insects. His work spans Norway and international contexts, with a focus on hymenopterans (wasps, ants, bees) and their ecological roles. He authored books like Humler i Norge (Ants in Norway) and Maur i Norge (Ants in Norway), and contributes to national insect monitoring programs through NINA (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research). Key research interests include ant symbionts, parasitic Hymenoptera, and species distribution in Norway. He collaborates extensively on projects like Insektovervåking , tracking pollinators and threatened species. His publications emphasize taxonomic revisions, new species descriptions, and conservation assessments. Notable contributions include documenting new species in Norway (e.g., Xorides indicatorius ), studying bumblebee ecology, and evaluating invasive species impacts. He also leads field surveys and produces popular science materials to enhance public understanding of entomology.

• Biodiversity Conservation
• Entomology
• Insect Taxonomy
• +3 more

Torbjørn Ekrem is Professor at NTNU's Department of Natural History and curator of Diptera collections. His research integrates taxonomy, phylogenetics, and DNA barcoding to study chironomid midges, water mites, and tardigrades. He chairs the Norwegian Barcode of Life network and coordinates EU biodiversity genomics initiatives. Research spans evolutionary biology, biogeography, and molecular systematics with focus on developing DNA-based biodiversity monitoring tools. Recent work examines arthropod diversity patterns across latitudes and ecosystem-specific invertebrate communities. Teaching includes biosystematics, biogeography, and molecular techniques. Current projects investigate tardigrade diversity in Norwegian forests and marine metabarcoding applications. Authored over 100 publications advancing invertebrate systematics and biodiversity assessment methodologies.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Systematics
• Biogeography
• +3 more

Hannah Rose Babel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth Science at the University of Bergen, Norway, with office location at Allégaten 41, room 3A10d - 3102, and contactable via hannah.babel@uib.no. Her research focuses on Earth's largest biome—the deep subsurface biosphere—with emphasis on microbial processes in oceanic crust. Dr. Babel's work centers on geomicrobiology and deep biosphere dynamics , specifically investigating microbial colonization of fresh basalt glass in upper oceanic crust. Using subsurface observatories (SSOs) deployed at Surtsey volcano—a mid-ocean ridge analogue—she employs SEM microscopy and 16S rRNA meta-barcoding to study pioneer microbial communities. Her research reveals that fluid chemistry dominates over mineral substrate in shaping initial colonization patterns, challenging assumptions about mineral-driven microbial distribution in hydrothermally active zones. Her 2022-2024 publications demonstrate consistent focus on extreme-environment microbiology, spanning DNA/RNA stability at cryogenic temperatures, Arctic hydrothermal sulfate reduction, and basalt colonization mechanisms. These works highlight interdisciplinary integration of geochemistry, microbiology, and ocean crust studies to map life's limits in Earth's subseafloor. Supported by Research Council of Norway funding (project 288349), Dr. Babel actively disseminates findings through conferences including NORBIS and Microenergy Workshop. She collaborates extensively with international teams on deep biosphere projects, particularly through subsurface observatory deployments. Affiliated with the Geochemistry & Geobiology research group and Center for Deep Sea Research, she contributes to Bergen's leadership in marine geoscience through field-based investigations of microbial-rock interactions in nascent oceanic crust.

• Geomicrobiology
• Deep Biosphere
• Microbial Ecology
• +3 more

Lars Erik Johannessen serves as Chief Engineer at the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, within the Department of Technical and Scientific Conservation. Holding a Dr. scient. degree from the University of Oslo (2005) and a Cand. scient. from the University of Bergen (2000), he has established himself as a key figure in museum collection management and biodiversity research. His educational background includes doctoral research on "Effects of social rearing environment on song learning, paternity patterns and paternal investment" and master's work on terrestrial snail distribution in mixed oak forests. His research interests span Collections Management, DNA Banking, Ornithology, Zoology, Evolutionary Biology, and Sexual Selection, with a particular focus on sperm competition and behavioral ecology in birds. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on museum collections management, avian reproductive biology, and evolutionary studies. His work frequently examines sperm morphology across bird species, investigates Arctic specimen collections, and contributes to genomic studies of various species. The research demonstrates strong collaborative patterns with colleagues at the University of Oslo and international institutions. Johannessen's professional contributions include managing the NHM's DNA Bank, Bird Collection, and Mammal Collection, administering the Corema collection database, and serving on NHM's ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing) team. His work intersects museum science with cutting-edge genetic research, particularly in the context of the Nagoya Protocol. His laboratory and team work primarily involves the Evolutionary Gender Research – SERG group and previously contributed to the 'Things' knowledge of the Nordics' project. His technical engineering expertise supports advanced collection management systems and specimen preservation techniques that enable high-quality genetic research.

• Collections
• Collection management
• DNA bank
• +14 more

Lauri Paasivirta is a researcher affiliated with the study on creating a comprehensive reference library of DNA barcodes for Finnish arthropods. His work focuses on molecular identification techniques and biodiversity analysis. Research Interests His research spans genetics, molecular biology, and taxonomy, emphasizing arthropod biodiversity in Finland. The study aimed to develop a new identification tool for insects and spiders using molecular characters. Collaboration Co-author of the peer-reviewed article (2021) with a multidisciplinary team including Tomas Roslin, Panu Somervuo, and Paul D. N. Hebert. Contributed to establishing a national reference database for arthropod identification.

• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Entomology
• +3 more

Jan Terje Lifjeld is a Professor of ornithology at the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, where he is a member of the Evolutionary Gender Research group (SERG) and responsible for the museum's bird collection. His academic journey began with a Cand. degree in 1983, followed by a Dr. Philos. in 1988, establishing his foundation in evolutionary biology. Dr. Lifjeld's research focuses on evolutionary ecology and systematics, with particular emphasis on sperm competition and reproductive systems in birds, the evolution of sperm cells, and DNA barcoding of species. His work bridges field observations with laboratory analyses to understand how sexual selection drives morphological and genetic changes in avian reproductive traits. His recent publications demonstrate continued productivity in these areas, with numerous papers in high-impact journals examining sperm morphology, genetic compatibility, and speciation mechanisms. His research output shows consistent trends toward understanding the relationship between sperm morphology and evolutionary processes, with increasing incorporation of molecular techniques like DNA barcoding and advanced genetic analyses. The breadth of his work spans from fundamental studies of sperm ultrastructure to broader evolutionary questions about speciation and adaptation in birds. Professor of ornithology at University of Oslo Responsible for the museum's bird collection Member of Evolutionary Gender Research (SERG) Active researcher with publications from 2013-2025 Specializes in avian reproductive evolution Dr. Lifjeld teaches and supervises master's and doctoral students in evolutionary biology, providing mentorship in both theoretical and methodological aspects of evolutionary research. His supervision likely involves projects related to avian reproduction, sperm evolution, and molecular ecology, giving students hands-on experience with both field and laboratory techniques. Based at the Natural History Museum's Zoological Museum in Robert Collett's House, Dr. Lifjeld has access to extensive bird collections that support his research on morphological and genetic variation across bird species. His work with the museum's collections contributes to both fundamental evolutionary research and taxonomic documentation efforts.

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Ornithology
• Sperm Competition
• +5 more