Mona Chor Bjørn

Mona Chor Bjørn serves as an Associate Professor in Forest and Landscape Ecology at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in urban ecological management, with significant collaborations across public and private sectors. She maintains an active research profile with 53 research outputs, 40 professional activities, and 19 media appearances highlighting her impactful work in urban biodiversity.

Her educational background includes a PhD degree in Applied Ecology from the University of Copenhagen (2009-2015) and University Paedagogy training (2018-2019).

Dr. Bjørn's research centers on Plant- and Plant Community Ecology with emphasis on grassland diversification and restoration. She investigates how native species and their habitat specialization support biodiversity, particularly through Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) as steppingstone habitats in cities. Her work addresses critical challenges in halting biodiversity loss and mitigating urbanization effects through nature-based solutions. Current projects include Branching Out, Regenerative Landscapes, and research on floating vegetated islands for biodiversity support and phytoremediation.

Her publication record shows consistent focus on urban ecology applications, with recent work examining climate effects on plant-insect interactions, long-term grassland restoration outcomes, and innovative approaches to integrating native species into urban infrastructure. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between ecology, urban planning, and climate adaptation.

• Årets IGN underviser 2020 (2021)
• A-course teaching Award - Planting Design (BSc) (2020, 2022, 2024)
• A-course teaching Award - Biodiversity in Urban Nature (MSc) (2020-2023)

As Principal Investigator, she has secured numerous competitive grants including from MUDP, VUDP, GBHF, and the Velux Foundations. Her teaching spans multiple programs including Biology, Landscape Architecture, and Natural Resources at both BSc and MSc levels, with course responsibilities in Biodiversity in Urban Nature, Nature Management, and Planting Design. She actively supervises thesis projects and coordinates course development.

Her work connects academic research with practical urban management through projects like Tree Bodyguards and EcoOrchard, demonstrating how ecological principles can be implemented in real-world settings to support native flora and fauna while addressing climate adaptation needs.