Gertrud Lohaus

Prof. Dr. Gertrud Lohaus is a botanist and Professor for Molecular Plant Research/Plant Biochemistry at the University of Wuppertal, affiliated with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on plant ecology, invasive species, and climate change impacts on plant distribution.

• Studied neophytes (post-1492 introduced plants) and their ecological effects in Germany.
• Investigates nitrogen-fixing plants like Robinia and their role in forest resilience.
• Advocates for balanced management of invasive species rather than eradication.
• Created an Uniarboretum to study drought-resistant 'future trees' from Asia and North America.
• Highlighted phototoxic effects of giant hogweed and challenges in controlling invasive species.
• Collaborates with environmental agencies and conservation groups on plant biodiversity.

Lohaus has worked at the University of Göttingen (1995-2004) and held a substitute professorship for tree physiology before joining Wuppertal in 2009.