Christian Smit

Christian Smit is a Professor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen, where he leads the Smit group - Experimental Conservation Ecology. His research focuses on species interactions and their consequences for ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and spatial organization of natural communities.

His educational background includes BKO certification, and he has received the prestigious NWO Rubicon Fellowship in 2006. Smit's work contributes significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental conservation and sustainability.

• Specializes in large-scale field studies in ecosystems where large herbivores play important roles
• Investigates facilitation (positive species interactions) and how these are shaped by biotic and abiotic factors
• Studies how predators (wolves, feral cats) and humans affect prey behavior through 'ecology of fear' concepts
• Works on conservation applications including rewilding initiatives

His recent research output spans ecological interactions in diverse ecosystems including salt marshes, grasslands, forests, and floodplains. Smit's publications demonstrate strong focus on understanding how human interventions and natural processes shape biodiversity patterns, with particular attention to conservation applications. His work connects fundamental ecological concepts with practical conservation strategies.

• NWO Rubicon Fellowship (2006)
• Extensive media presence with 73 press/media mentions on ecological topics
• Regular contributor to public discourse on biodiversity conservation

Professor Smit supervises numerous MSc students on research projects related to ecology and conservation, with over 50 students listed from 2010-2023. He currently coordinates major research initiatives including CurveBend-NL (2025-2032) and TRICMA² (2024-2028), focusing on collective action for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of coastal ecosystems. His laboratory work connects field observations with conservation practice through experimental approaches in multiple ecosystem types.