Norbert Hölzel

Norbert Hölzel is a Professor of Ecosystem Research at the Institute of Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, Germany, a position he has held since 2007. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to vegetation ecology, landscape ecology, and ecological restoration.

Prof. Hölzel received his Diplom in Physical Geography from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in 1990, followed by his Doctorate in Geobotany from the same institution in 1995. He completed his Habilitation with venia legendi for vegetation ecology and landscape ecology at Justus Liebig University Giessen in 2004. Prior to his current position, he served as a Research Assistant and Research Associate at Justus Liebig University Giessen from 1996 to 2004.

Prof. Hölzel's research focuses on Grassland Ecology, particularly the renaturation and sustainable use of species-rich grasslands, and Floodplain Ecology, examining nutrient gradients, flooding dynamics, and river valley species. His work in Restoration Ecology has led to the development of innovative techniques for habitat and species restoration. He also investigates Seed Ecology, including phenology, seed banks, and germination ecology, as well as the Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species, studying habitat requirements and population dynamics. More recently, his research has expanded to examine the Effects of Global Change on landscapes and ecosystems, with specific studies on land use change and landscape dynamics in West Siberia and Kazakhstan.

Prof. Hölzel's recent publications reveal a strong focus on global dryland ecosystems, grassland restoration, and the impacts of land use change. His work spans multiple continents, with significant research in Eurasian steppes, European peatlands, and Arctic tundra regions. There's a clear trend toward large-scale, collaborative research addressing pressing environmental challenges such as climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and sustainable land management practices. His research integrates field ecology with advanced analytical methods, including remote sensing and environmental DNA analysis.

• Honorary Doctorate from Tyumen University, Russia (April 2017)
• Editor's Award 'Paper of the Year' from Applied Vegetation Science for the article 'Restoration of a species-rich flood-meadow by topsoil removal and diaspore transfer with plant material' by Hölzel & Otte (2003)

Prof. Hölzel has supervised numerous diploma, master's, bachelor's, and doctoral theses throughout his career. He serves in leadership roles within his department, including as Deputy Managing Director of the Institute for Landscape Ecology since 2008 and Chairman of the Commission for Research and Young Scientists since 2009. His research has attracted significant funding for large-scale collaborative projects across Europe and beyond.

Prof. Hölzel leads the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research Group at the University of Münster, which conducts field research across diverse ecosystems from European grasslands to Siberian steppes. The group maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with institutions in Russia, Kazakhstan, and across Europe, facilitating comparative studies of ecosystem dynamics under changing environmental conditions.