Jan Fleckenstein

Jan Fleckenstein is a Professor of Hydrologic Modeling at the University of Bayreuth and the Head of the Department of Hydrogeology at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany. His research focuses on groundwater-surface water interactions, hydrological modeling, and ecohydrological processes, with a particular emphasis on microplastic transport, nutrient dynamics, and climate impacts.

Education: Ph.D. in Hydrologic Sciences (University of California, Davis, 2004), M.Sc. in Hydrology (UC Davis, 1999), Diplom (M.Sc.) in Geosciences (Free University of Berlin, 1997). Professional roles include leadership in the Helmholtz International Research School TRACER and involvement in cross-cutting projects like the CRC 1357 (Microplastics) and CAMPOS (Carbon and Microbial Processes in Soils).

Research interests include coupled groundwater-surface water systems, heat as a tracer, and biogeochemical processes at ecohydrological interfaces. Recent work addresses microplastic fate in aquatic systems, nitrogen retention under drought, and large-scale hydrological modeling using StorAge Selection Functions. Fleckenstein's studies span field measurements, numerical modeling, and interdisciplinary collaborations, contributing to global water resource sustainability and environmental policy.