Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson

Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson is a Professor of Conservation Biology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Nature Management, where she is affiliated with the Section for Ecology and Nature Management. Her work integrates research, education, and science communication, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity, forest ecology, and the critical roles of insects and fungi in ecosystem functioning.

Her research focuses on how human activities impact forest biodiversity and the ecosystem services forests provide. She is particularly passionate about 'anonymous biodiversity'—often overlooked species such as insects and fungi—which play essential roles in decomposition, pollination, and food webs. She is actively involved in key research projects including EcoForest, BioDivAbove, Kart over naturskog, Nasjonal insektovervåking, and Nasjonal eikeovervåking.

Her publications span peer-reviewed research and influential books, including Skogen (2023), Insekter i Norge (2021), and På naturens skuldre (2020), all reflecting interdisciplinary themes in ecology, conservation, and public engagement. Her work consistently emphasizes the interdependence between humans and nature, advocating for greater awareness and sustainable practices.

Anne has received widespread recognition for her science communication, including the Naturviterprisen (2024), Akademikerprisen (2023), the Research Council of Norway’s Communication Prize (2020), and the Bonnevie Prize (2018). In 2023, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. She frequently gives lectures, writes chronicles in Klassekampen, and delivers TEDx talks, making complex ecological concepts accessible to broad audiences.

• Honorary Doctorate from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (2023)
• Naturviterprisen (2024)
• Akademikerprisen (2023)
• Research Council of Norway’s Communication Prize (2020)
• Bonnevie Prize (2018)

She mentors students and contributes to public discourse through media appearances, book publications, and policy-relevant writing. Her research is supported by national and international collaborations, and she plays a key role in national insect and forest monitoring programs. Anne leads or participates in interdisciplinary teams focusing on biodiversity assessment, conservation planning, and science outreach. Her future work will likely continue to bridge scientific research and public understanding, emphasizing the urgency of biodiversity conservation in the face of environmental crises.