Holger Kreft

Holger Kreft is a Full Professor (W3) and Head of the Department of Biodiversity, Macroecology & Biogeography at Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany. His academic journey includes positions as Associate Professor (W2), Assistant Professor (W1), and postdoctoral fellowships at institutions like Yale University, University of Bonn, and University of California San Diego.

• Education: Doctoral degree in biology (2007, summa cum laude, University of Bonn), Diploma in Biology (2002, major botany, minors zoology and geography)

Kreft's research focuses on biogeography and macroecology, examining spatial and temporal patterns of biodiversity across taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic dimensions. He combines field studies, experiments, and ecoinformatics in tropical regions like Mexico, Panama, Madagascar, and Indonesia.

His team contributes to global databases such as GIFT, GloNAF, EpiList, TRY, and sPlots, advancing understanding of global plant diversity gradients, island biogeography, and land-use impacts on tropical biodiversity.

Scientific Awards & Fellowships:

• 2024: Member of the Academia Europaea
• 2015: Wissenschaftspreis Niedersachsen
• 2009: Wilhelm-Pfeffer-Prize for Best Paper
• 2008-2009: Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship
• 2008: Postdoctoral Fellowship from German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (declined)
• 2006: Merian Award
• 2003: Alwyn Gentry Award
• 1998-2002: Scholarship Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst
• 2004-2006: PhD Scholarship Studienstiftung