Stef Bokhorst

Dr. Stef Bokhorst is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems Ecology at the Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His research focuses on understanding climate change impacts on polar and arctic ecosystems, biodiversity dynamics, and invasive species. He is actively involved in projects such as ANT-MICI (minimizing Antarctic tourism impacts) and the Antarctic Biota Count (ABC). Bokhorst teaches courses including Benthic Ecosystems, Ecologie, and Environments Through Time.

His research interests span climate change adaptation, plant community responses to environmental shifts, and soil ecology. Collaborations include studies on lichen defense strategies, Arctic extreme events, and peatland CO2 flux dynamics. He has contributed to over 69 peer-reviewed publications and datasets on topics like litter decomposition and Antarctic biodiversity.

• Key Projects: Antarctic tourism impacts (ANT-MICI), Functional trait-based biodiversity assessments (ABC).
• Grants: NWO-funded projects (e.g., NWO/86614102/NNPP).
• Labs/Teams: Collaborates with global networks on polar and Arctic research initiatives.