Stephan Glatzel is a Professor at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy , University of Vienna , affiliated with the Department of Geography and Regional Research . He leads multiple active research projects including Austrian Moor Restoration (2024-2033), MOIST (2024-2025), and Biodiversity Conservation in Austrian Peatlands (2022-2026). Key research areas: Peatland Ecology, Methane Cycling, Ecohydrology, Land Use Impacts SDG contributions: Climate Action (SDG13), Life on Land (SDG15) His recent publications focus on: Land use effects on peat degradation (Soil Use and Management, 2025) Asgard archaea in saline sediments (Frontiers in Microbiology, 2025) Ecohydrology of peatlands in Eswatini (Wetlands Ecology and Management, 2025) Research collaborations span Austria and international partners in Eswatini, with a strong emphasis on applied climate science . He actively engages in public outreach through lectures and media appearances, including topics like 'Die unterschätzte Rolle der Moore im Klimawandel' (2022) and 'Langfristige Studien im Schilf' (2019).
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Bano Mehdi-Schulz is an Assistant Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), leading the 'Eco-hydrological and Land Use Modelling' group at the Institute of Hydrology and Water Management. She is a Substitute Member of the Ethics Committee. Her research focuses on ecohydrology, integrating hydrological and agricultural sciences to address water quality impacts from anthropogenic changes and future climate scenarios. Education: B.Sc. in Soil Science, M.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering, and Ph.D. from McGill University's Department of Geography. Awards include the Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (2009) and FWF Elise Richter Fellowship (2019). Her work bridges natural and social sciences, employing models to assess land use change and water resource management. Research Interests: Quantifying impacts of land use and climate change on water quality, ecohydrological modeling uncertainty, sustainable intensification strategies, and nitrate transport dynamics. Her team explores how farming practices and climate interact to influence water systems, with projects like ALUCSI (FWF-funded) and NitroClimAT (ACRP). Grants & Projects: Recent projects include ALUCSI (2019-2023), NitroClimAT (2018-2022), and UnLoadC3 (2014-2017). Current student advisees include researchers studying SWAT model uncertainty, sustainable intensification pathways, and water quality in East African basins. Labs/Teams: Leads the Eco-hydrological and Land Use Modelling group, collaborating with institutions like IIASA and SEC. Research emphasizes model coupling (e.g., SECLAND-SWAT) and satellite data integration for data-scarce regions.
Jeffrey McDonnell is a University Distinguished Professor at the School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, serving since 2012 and Associate Director of the Global Institute for Water Security. Previously, he held the Richardson Chair in Watershed Science at Oregon State University (1999-2012) and professorships at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Utah State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Forest Hydrology from the University of Canterbury in 1989. His research spans Forest hydrology, Ecohydrology, Hydrogeology, Isotope hydrology, and Water resources, focusing on watershed processes and water security through field experiments and modeling. He pioneered the use of stable isotopes to trace water movement in catchments. His major scientific awards include: 2022: Outstanding Achievement Award (New Zealand Hydrological Society) and AAAS Fellowship 2016: International Hydrology Prize (Dooge Medal) 2015: Royal Society of Canada Fellowship and Boussinesq Award Lecture 2009: John Dalton Medal and AGU Fellowship 2006: Penman and Frontier Lectures 1998-2022: Multiple medals from geological/hydrological societies He has mentored 25 MSc students, 22 PhD students, and 36 postdocs while hosting 37 lab visitors. His editorial leadership includes associate editorships at Water Resources Research and Journal of Hydrology. He directs international collaborations through the Global Institute for Water Security and serves on advisory boards for TERENO (Germany) and CIFAR Earth 4D, with recent visiting professorships at University of Valencia and Chinese institutions.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Dr. Veronika Gaube is a prominent researcher at the Institute for Social Ecology (SEC) at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). She coordinates the thematic area 'Land Use and Colonization' and leads multiple EU/nationally funded projects focused on socio-ecological systems, climate change adaptation, and sustainable land use. Specializes in agent-based modeling and integrated socio-ecological research Active in LTSER platforms and eLTER infrastructure development Research Focus: Her work bridges climate change , land use dynamics , and socio-ecological resilience , particularly in alpine regions. Recent projects include modeling agroforestry trade-offs for carbon sequestration and studying farmers' decision-making under extreme weather events. Scientific Contributions: Over 107 publications with a focus on socio-ecological modeling, climate adaptation strategies, and time use sustainability. Key projects include EU-funded initiatives (IRISCC, eLTER ENRICH) and Austrian research on LTSER Eisenwurzen . Elise Richter Grant recipient (FWF, 2012) 2025 coordinator of eLTER's thematic area Mentorship: Supervised 15 theses including master's and doctoral works on topics like "Kupfer, das Gold des biologischen Weinbaues" and "Neue Funktionen landwirtschaftlicher Flächen" . Active in academic service through editorial roles and national biodiversity councils.
Andreas Riedl is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Geography and Regional Research, University of Vienna, where he serves as Head of the Hyperglobe Research Group and Vice-Director of Studies for Geography. His work bridges cartographic heritage with cutting-edge geospatial technology, focusing on spherical display systems for global data visualization. His educational background includes a Doctorate in Geography/Cartography from the University of Vienna (1987-1992) and an Industrial Engineering degree from HTL-Hollabrunn (1979-1985). Career milestones include research at Simon Fraser University (1995-1996) and software development at ITC Enschede (1996). Riedl's research centers on Hyperglobes —interactive 1.2-meter spherical displays that visualize weather patterns, continental drift, and climate change through dual 4K projection. His group operates these systems for public education, serving schools and museums with free demonstrations of geophysical phenomena, flora/fauna distributions, and extraterrestrial topics. Complementing this, he advances GIS applications in urban planning, 3D visualization, and multimedia geocommunication. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dual research trajectories: (1) Environmental hydrology studies quantifying dew/fog water inputs in grasslands using isotope tracing and micro-lysimeters, and (2) Media studies examining migration coverage, journalistic roles, and gender representation in news. Both strands emphasize data visualization's role in public understanding of complex systems. As an educator, Riedl supervises Master's theses on GIS implementation, 3D city modeling, and geovisualization. His students explore topics including e-charging infrastructure planning, infographic-style maps, and AR navigation systems, reflecting his commitment to applied spatial analysis. The Hyperglobe Research Group provides critical infrastructure for these projects through its spherical display technology and public engagement initiatives.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Stefan Schmutz is a full Professor at the Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Management within the Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He served as Institute Director during 2010-2018 and 2023, and Deputy Director from 2019-2022, maintaining active research leadership. His work addresses critical river management challenges at the intersection of energy production and ecological conservation. Education: Schmutz completed his PhD ("promotion") in 1995 followed by habilitation in 1997. Earlier career milestones include visiting professorships at Oregon State University (2005), Polytechnical University of Virginia (2002), and Cornell University (2000), establishing his international expertise in aquatic systems. Research Interests: His primary focus is on hydrobiological impacts of hydropeaking (rapid flow fluctuations from hydropower) on fish populations, particularly cyprinid species and endangered sturgeon. Key areas include larval stranding mechanisms , ecological flow requirements (e-flows), and sustainable river management . He develops decision support systems for hydropower mitigation and conducts historical reconstructions of river ecosystems to inform restoration. His work bridges field studies, experimental modeling, and policy implementation across European river basins. Publication Trends: Analysis of his 15 most recent articles reveals persistent emphasis on hydropeaking frequency effects on cyprinid larvae stranding, sustainable hydropower frameworks, and European river restoration challenges. He frequently collaborates on EU projects (LIFE, AQUACROSS) and publishes in high-impact journals like Environmental Management and Ecohydrology. Recent work combines experimental larval stranding studies global dam impact reviews species-specific conservation (Huchen/Danube salmon) policy analysis for the Nature Restoration Law Austrian freshwater biodiversity crisis documentation interdisciplinary doctoral program development to address energy-conservation conflicts. Scientific Awards: No specific awards, fellowships, or medals are documented in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Schmutz has supervised university theses though student names aren't listed. He leads or participates in extensive grant-funded projects totaling 82 at BOKU, secured from major sources including European Union (LIFE Boat, Hydropower For You, SHUI-ChE) Austrian Science Fund (FWF) national ministries international organizations (Mekong River Commission) His projects directly address fish stranding, sturgeon conservation, and hydropower mitigation with field applications across Austria, Europe, and the Lower Mekong. Labs and Teams: Based at BOKU's Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Management, Schmutz collaborates with hydrology, climate science, and engineering teams. His experimental work utilizes river flumes and monitoring sites along the Danube/Mur rivers, while the FWF Doctoral Program "Industrialisierte Flusslandschaften" represents his interdisciplinary academic leadership. Current projects like LIFE Boat involve transnational networks with European environmental agencies.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Martin Tschikof is a researcher at the Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management within the Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He currently coordinates the strategic cooperation between BOKU and the Environment Agency Austria (2024), with prior roles including Research Associate at BOKU (2018), WasserCluster Lunz (2018-2019), and guest researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Germany (2022). His doctoral dissertation (2020-2024) examined floodplain restoration impacts on water purification and multifunctionality in the Danube River Basin. His academic qualifications include: MSc. in Limnology and Wetland Management (2016-2018) from the joint program of BOKU University, IHE Delft, and Egerton University BSc. in Biology (Ecology) (2012-2016) from the University of Vienna Tschikof specializes in floodplain and restoration ecology , biogeochemistry , and ecosystem services multifunctionality , with fieldwork spanning Austria, Germany, and Danube Basin countries. His research integrates hydrological modeling, nutrient cycling analysis (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus retention), and socio-ecological frameworks to evaluate wetland management outcomes. Recent work emphasizes quantifying restoration trade-offs between regulating services (water purification) and cultural services (recreation, biodiversity) using basin-scale assessments. Publication trends (2020-2025) reveal consistent focus on floodplain multifunctionality indicators, denitrification modeling, and EU project applications (Restore4Life, DANUBE4all). Key themes include proxy-based assessment tools for restoration decision-making, socio-ecohydrological system evolution, and transnational prioritization of conservation areas using ecosystem service trade-off analysis. His scientific recognition includes: Reinhard Liepolt-Prize for Danube Research (2024) from the Austrian Committee of the International Association for Danube Research While no formal students or grants are documented, Tschikof has delivered 23 international lectures since 2019 across Austria (8), Germany (7), and six other nations, often as keynote speaker for Danube restoration initiatives. He actively contributes to EU Horizon projects, particularly Restore4Life's citizen science component for wetland assessment. He operates within BOKU's Hydrobiology Institute alongside WasserCluster Lunz and Leibniz IGB collaborators, focusing on the Danube River Basin. Current efforts prioritize upscaling floodplain restoration metrics through EU-funded consortia and developing practical tools for water quality management agencies.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Gregor Laaha is an Associate Professor at the Department of Statistics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. As Director of the Institute of Statistics, he leads research in environmental statistics, with a focus on hydrological modeling, drought analysis, and geostatistical methods. His work spans spatiotemporal low-flow estimation, urban groundwater quality, and the impacts of climate change on streamflow dynamics. Faculty: Institute of Statistics Research areas: Environmental Statistics, Hydrology, Geostatistics, Climate Change Impacts His recent publications emphasize statistical learning, topkriging, and process heterogeneity in environmental modeling. Key projects include ROBIN (Reference Observatory of Basins for international hydrological climate change detection) and the determination of low-water characteristics like Q95 for Burgenland receiving waters. His 2024 work on interdisciplinary river research (Doctoral School HR21) highlights socio-ecohydrological perspectives. His awards include the Tison Award from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences. His research integrates geostatistical and multivariate approaches to address challenges in hydrological drought management, urban heat islands, and water resource sustainability.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Wolfram Graf is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He has been a central figure in freshwater ecological research since the 1990s, leading numerous national and international projects focused on river ecosystems, biodiversity assessment, and environmental monitoring. His work is deeply embedded in policy-relevant science, contributing to the EU Water Framework Directive and national conservation efforts. His educational background includes a doctoral degree (1997) and postdoctoral qualification (Habilitation) in Hydrobiology (2013). His research spans a wide array of topics in freshwater science, with a strong emphasis on macrozoobenthos , bioindication , taxonomic studies of aquatic insects (especially Trichoptera and Plecoptera), and the ecological impacts of hydropeaking . He also pioneers the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) and citizen science in monitoring and conservation, as seen in projects like 'AmphiBiom' for the European green toad. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on freshwater biodiversity , taxonomy of aquatic insects , and anthropogenic impacts on river systems . He investigates species distributions, community composition in headwater streams, and the effectiveness of ecological restoration. His work integrates molecular methods, field ecology, and interdisciplinary approaches, often in collaboration with European and global partners. Scientific Awards: Neptun Wasserpreis (2021) – Awarded to his PhD student Geda Kebede Oncho, recognizing Graf's supervision in water research. Liepolt-Preis (1997) – Awarded by the Austrian National Committee of the International Danube Research Commission (ÖNIAD). Wolfram Graf is actively involved in advising and grant-funded research. He leads the working group 'Rheophylax' and has been the principal investigator on numerous projects funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), European Commission, Austrian Federal Ministries, and private institutions. His grants focus on innovative monitoring (eDNA), river restoration, biodiversity assessment, and socio-ecohydrological systems. He has supervised multiple theses and continues to mentor the next generation of freshwater scientists. He is a key member of the 'Rheophylax' working group, which focuses on the ecology and conservation of riverine systems. His collaborative network spans institutes within BOKU and across Europe, contributing to large-scale initiatives like AQUACROSS and the HR21 Doctoral School, which promote integrative, interdisciplinary research on human-impacted river systems.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Alexander Auhser is a researcher at the Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, part of the Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He is actively engaged in interdisciplinary research focused on river ecosystems, hydropeaking impacts, and ecological monitoring, contributing to both national and European research initiatives. University: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) School: Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity Department: Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management Email: alexander.auhser@boku.ac.at Alexander Auhser's research centers on aquatic ecology, particularly the impacts of hydropeaking on benthic invertebrates and riverine ecosystems. His work integrates ecological monitoring with policy development, aiming to support sustainable water and energy management. He contributes to the development of assessment tools such as the hydropeaking index and ecological guidelines for mitigating surge loads in rivers. His research spans field studies, technical reporting, and interdisciplinary collaboration across hydrology, ecology, and environmental policy. The recent publications and reports reflect a strong trend toward applied environmental science, with a focus on hydropeaking impact assessment , ecological monitoring of wetlands and rivers , and the development of policy-relevant tools and guidelines . His work emphasizes biomonitoring using benthic invertebrates, long-term ecological data collection, and interdisciplinary approaches to socio-ecohydrological challenges. Alexander Auhser has not received any publicly listed scientific awards or honors in the provided information. He is actively involved in multiple research projects, including those funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), European Commission, and Austrian federal ministries. These projects address climate and nature conservation goals, hydropeaking mitigation, and ecological assessment in alpine rivers. While he collaborates with senior researchers and contributes to doctoral research agendas, there is no current evidence of him supervising theses or leading independent grant proposals as a principal investigator. Alexander Auhser is part of research teams working on projects such as River Sounds (RiSo) , ÖkoResch , and SuREmMa+ , which involve field monitoring, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. These teams include experts from BOKU and external institutions, focusing on integrated approaches to river ecosystem management and conservation.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Gabriele Weigelhofer is an Associate Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) and Head of the BIGER Research Group at WasserCluster Lunz . Her work focuses on Aquatic Ecology , Biogeochemical Cycles , and Science Education , with a strong emphasis on Restoration Ecology and Participatory Environmental Research . Research Themes : Biogeochemistry of riverine landscapes, surface-groundwater interactions, nutrient cycling, microbial ecology, and climate change impacts on stream ecosystems. Projects : Leads multi-year initiatives like IRL: Impacts of Bioenergy Crops on Streams (2024–2028) and Restore4Life (2023–2027), focusing on wetland restoration and floodplain multifunctionality. Awards : 2021 BOKU Sustainability Award in Education for Sustainable Development. Education & Outreach : Coordinates interdisciplinary networks for science education in Lower Austria and contributes to citizen science projects like the Austrian Citizen Science Conference. Recent Publications : Recent work explores nutrient retention in drought-affected streams, DOM dynamics in subtropical rivers, and the role of woodchips in bioreactors for nutrient mitigation. She actively collaborates with institutions like the International Association for Danube Research (IAD) , European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) , and European Geosciences Union (EGU) , delivering keynotes and lectures on aquatic sustainability. Her research integrates field experiments, laboratory studies, and modeling to address water quality and ecosystem restoration under climate change.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Thomas Hein is a Full Professor and Head of the Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. He holds a PhD in Limnology from the University of Vienna (2000) and an MSc (1993). Since 2010, he has held tenure-track positions culminating in his full professorship in 2017. Hein leads the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Meta Ecosystem Dynamics in Riverine Landscapes and coordinates doctoral studies at BOKU. His research focuses on river and wetland ecology, aquatic biodiversity, biogeochemical cycling (especially carbon and nutrient dynamics), and socio-ecohydrological systems. Key investigations include floodplain connectivity impacts, greenhouse gas emissions from aquatic systems, and restoration ecology in large river networks like the Danube. Research spans theoretical frameworks and applied conservation strategies. Hein's publications demonstrate consistent focus on river-floodplain interactions, with recent work emphasizing: (1) Meta-ecosystem dynamics in river networks, (2) Climate change impacts on aquatic biogeochemistry, (3) Advanced eDNA applications in biodiversity assessment, and (4) Nature-based solutions for water quality management. His articles frequently integrate hydrological, ecological and social dimensions. Fulbright Foreign Scholarship (2017) Wissenschaftspreis des Landes Nö (2007) Theodor Koerner Award (2003) He directs doctoral research through the Christian Doppler Laboratory and DocSchool HR21, focusing on river meta-ecosystems. His institute collaborates internationally on major projects including DANUBIUS-RI and manages field sites across the Danube basin. Current work emphasizes integrating connectivity science into practical river restoration frameworks.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Dr. Andrea Funk is a researcher at the Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management within the Department for Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her work focuses on river-floodplain systems, connectivity science, and ecological restoration in dynamic riverine landscapes. Key Research Areas: Aquatic ecology, network-based connectivity analysis, eDNA metabarcoding for biodiversity assessment, floodplain restoration, and ecosystem service evaluation. Projects: She leads and participates in initiatives like DANuSediment, MERLIN, and INNORIO, addressing sustainable sediment management, river network dynamics, and freshwater restoration scaling. Scientific Contributions: Andrea Funk's publications emphasize connectivity-driven ecosystem functioning, fish metacommunity responses to fragmentation, and network modeling of floodplain habitats. Her work bridges ecological theory with practical river management frameworks. Advising: She supervises students like Peter Bader (amphibian metacommunities) and Sonia Recinos (network-based restoration analysis), integrating advanced molecular and computational methods.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Silke-Silvia Michelitsch is a researcher at the Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She holds a Diploma in Engineering and an MBA in General Management. Her work focuses on sustainable aquatic ecosystem management, with emphasis on fish ecology, river restoration, and aquaculture innovation. Research Interests Michelitsch's research spans: Fish community dynamics in urban and modified waterways Circular economy approaches in aquaculture (e.g., fish waste valorization) Migratory fish conservation in the Danube Basin Aquaponic systems for nutrient recovery Socioeconomic dimensions of small-scale fisheries in East Africa Publication Focus Her recent publications demonstrate strong thematic coherence around freshwater ecosystem resilience. Key trends include: 1) Applied solutions for river connectivity restoration, 2) Sustainable aquaculture practices emphasizing waste reduction, 3) Socio-ecological approaches to fisheries management, particularly in developing contexts, and 4) Advanced monitoring techniques for fish populations in anthropogenic habitats. Projects & Advising Michelitsch leads significant initiatives like DANUBIUS Austria (2023-2027) and BOKU-DCNA (2023-2027), focusing on research infrastructure for aquatic ecosystems. She has supervised 28+ graduate theses on topics ranging from stress physiology in fish to aquaponic system optimization. Her projects consistently bridge ecological research and practical conservation applications. Knowledge Transfer She actively contributes to policy reports (e.g., MERLIN deliverables) and public communication about biodiversity conservation in freshwater ecosystems, demonstrating commitment to science-policy interfaces.
Iris-Anna Hödl is a researcher affiliated with the Centre for Teacher Education and the Center for Science Education Research (AECCs). Her academic credentials include Mag. Dr., indicating both Master's and Doctoral degrees, likely from a European (possibly Austrian or German) institution given the naming convention. Her research focuses on biofilm dynamics in aquatic environments , particularly examining how hydrologic variability, light conditions, and flow characteristics affect microbial communities in stream ecosystems. Using methodologies including flume experiments and microcosm studies, she investigates the complex relationships between physical environmental factors and biological responses in biofilm communities. Dr. Hödl's work demonstrates interdisciplinary expertise spanning environmental microbiology, hydrology, and aquatic ecology. Her research has been published in respected journals including Environmental Microbiology , Ecohydrology , and PLoS ONE , with significant citation metrics indicating impact in her field. She has presented her research at academic conferences, including talks on bacterial community composition in variable-flow environments and carbohydrate monomer uptake at ecosystem scales, demonstrating active engagement with the scientific community.
