Kasper Thorup

Kasper Thorup is a Professor in Movement Ecology at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, and serves as Section Head of the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate. He is also an Affiliated Scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Radolfzell, Germany, and holds advisory roles at the Copenhagen Bird Ringing Centre and the Natural History Museum of Denmark.

Education

• PhD in Zoology, University of Copenhagen (2004)
• MSc in Biology, University of Copenhagen (2000)

Research Interests

Thorup’s research lies at the intersection of movement ecology, behavioral ecology, ornithology, and conservation. His work focuses on the mechanisms and drivers of bird migration, using advanced tracking technologies such as satellite telemetry, geolocators, and radio transmitters. His lab investigates orientation systems, climate change impacts, and conservation strategies for migratory birds across continents.

His team also explores animal navigation, disease spread via migratory birds, and habitat use across breeding and wintering grounds. Fieldwork has taken him to remote locations including Kamchatka, Angola, Svalbard, and the Ural Mountains.

Scientific Awards

• Corresponding Member, Deutsche Ornithologen-Gesellschaft
• Sapere Aude – Research Leader, Danish Fund for Independent Research
• Fellow, International Ornithologist's Union
• Post-doc Scholarship, Danish Fund for Independent Research
• DTUsat Payload Competition, DTU

Supervision and Teaching

Thorup has supervised 6 postdocs, 9 PhD students, and 19 Master’s students since 2005. He teaches Danish vertebrates (BSc) and Ornithology (MSc) at the University of Copenhagen, and welcomes theoretical and field-based student projects in bird migration, orientation, and conservation.

Labs and Teams

He leads the Bird Migration Lab and is head of the Thorup Group within the Section for Biodiversity at the Globe Institute. His team is closely affiliated with the Copenhagen Bird Ringing Centre and collaborates globally with institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Lund University.