Ralph Temmink

Dr. Ralph Temmink is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Sciences at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University. He also serves as a guest researcher at Radboud University. His work focuses on ecological research with practical applications in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land use.

Areas of Expertise:

• Ecological Fieldwork
• Wetland Ecology
• Nature Conservation and Restoration
• Landscape Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Water Quality Ecology
• Aquatic Ecology

Dr. Temmink's research focuses on ecosystem restoration and sustainable peatland use. He investigates how ecosystems dominated by habitat modifiers function at a fundamental level and applies this knowledge to restore these ecosystems using novel approaches. His work also addresses the reduction of negative effects of peatland drainage, such as high nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions, through rewetting techniques that help restore internal feedbacks while allowing economic gains through paludiculture and Sphagnum farming. His research employs correlative field research and laboratory and field experiments at various scales, including landscape-level studies.

Research Themes:

• Future Deltas
• Sustainable Ocean
• Water, Climate and Future Deltas

Scientific Awards:

• Agnites Vrolik Prize (June 9, 2023)

Dr. Temmink has developed expertise in ecological fieldwork and statistical analysis using the R programming language. His research has resulted in numerous publications and media appearances, with 54 research outputs and 47 media mentions according to his Scopus profile. He contributes to research projects focused on creating sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, particularly in wetland and peatland ecosystems.

As part of the Spatial Ecology and Global Change research group, Dr. Temmink collaborates on projects that address global environmental changes and their impacts on ecosystem functioning. His work bridges fundamental ecological understanding with practical applications for ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management practices.