Andrew Friend

Andrew Friend is a Researcher at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Department of Geography. His work focuses on terrestrial ecosystem dynamics, particularly the interplay between vegetation, carbon fluxes, and climate systems. He develops process-based computer models to simulate vegetation growth, competition, and carbon cycle responses, while also conducting experimental and field studies in collaboration with institutions like the Sainsbury Laboratory, NIAB, and Forestry England.

Friend’s research integrates plant physiological knowledge with global vegetation modeling. Key interests include source-sink carbon interactions, physiological diversity in ecosystems, and the impact of climate extremes on forest resilience. His models address challenges such as drought, temperature changes, and deforestation, with applications in predicting future carbon balances and informing climate mitigation strategies.

The 15 most recent articles highlight his contributions to understanding Amazon deforestation tipping points, wood formation mechanisms, and fire/disturbance impacts on ecosystems. These works span climate science, forest ecology, and biogeochemical cycles, emphasizing multi-scale approaches from cellular processes to global systems.

Friend collaborates with institutions like Forestry England (Thetford Forest studies), Sainsbury Laboratory, and the C-CLEAR Doctoral Training Partnership. His work bridges computational modeling, experimental validation, and field data to advance terrestrial carbon cycle science.