Matthias Kropf

Matthias Kropf is a Privatdozent (equivalent to Senior Lecturer) at the Institute of Integrative Nature Conservation Research, Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity, at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His research spans multiple disciplines within botany and conservation biology, with particular expertise in phylogeography, steppe grassland ecology, orchid biology, and invasive species management. He maintains an active research program with numerous ongoing projects and collaborations across Europe.

His educational background includes completing his dissertation in Botany (1998-2002), a post-doc at Mainz University's Institute of Special Botany (2002-2003), and habilitation in Special Botany (2008-2010). This strong foundation in plant systematics and ecology has informed his diverse research program.

Kropf's primary research interests focus on the phylogeography of Central European steppe plants, particularly studying genetic diversity patterns across geographic ranges. His work on orchid pollination biology, especially color polymorphism in species like Dactylorhiza sambucina, has provided valuable insights into reproductive strategies. He also investigates invasive species like Ambrosia, cave crickets (Orthoptera), and beaver population genetics, often combining molecular techniques with traditional ecological field studies.

An analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent interdisciplinary approach that bridges molecular biology, ecology, and conservation science. His work frequently examines how historical biogeography influences current genetic diversity patterns, with practical applications for conservation management. The publications demonstrate strong collaborations across European institutions and address both fundamental scientific questions and applied conservation challenges.

Scientific Awards:

• Multiple Scientific Awards from the Vienna Environmental Protection Department for Master's theses he supervised (2010, 2016, 2018, 2019)
• Young Investigator Prizes for Kristina Plenk at the 14th Eurasian Grassland Conference (2017)
• Early-career Scholarship for Species and Habitat Protection from Rhineland-Palatinate (1995)

Kropf has supervised numerous Master's students whose research has been recognized with prestigious awards. His grant portfolio includes multiple projects funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), the City of Vienna, and various federal agencies. Current projects include genetic diversity assessment of steppe plants, DNA barcoding of cave crickets, urban biodiversity studies on public transport areas, and long-term monitoring of orchid populations in Vienna's Lobau National Park. His work often involves interdisciplinary teams combining expertise in botany, entomology, and molecular genetics.

He is actively involved in several research networks and teams, including the Lobau National Park conservation initiatives, the European Grassland Conference network, and collaborative projects studying the Pannonian steppe ecosystem. His work with the ABOL (Austrian Barcode of Life) initiative demonstrates his commitment to integrating cutting-edge molecular techniques into biodiversity conservation.