Steven Declerck

Steven Declerck is a Professor in the Department of Biology at KU Leuven's Faculty of Science, affiliated with the Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation research unit. He serves as an invited member of the Faculty of Science Council and teaches 'Introduction to Ecology and Evolution' (G0L65A), bridging theoretical frameworks with applied conservation.

His research spans freshwater ecology, evolutionary adaptation, and biodiversity conservation, with emphasis on microevolutionary responses to environmental stressors like salinization. He investigates zooplankton dynamics, ecological stoichiometry, and sustainable land-use transitions through experimental and field-based approaches, integrating physiological, community, and ecosystem perspectives.

Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a cohesive focus on microevolutionary priming in freshwater systems, development of integrative frameworks like SEED (linking stoichiometry with eco-evolution), and application of agro-ecological theory via living labs for sustainable agriculture. Key trends include experimental validation of adaptation mechanisms, cross-system comparisons of stress tolerance, and translational ecology for environmental management.

Information regarding student advising, research grants, and scientific awards is not provided in the source material.

He operates within KU Leuven's Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation unit, contributing to collaborative research on freshwater ecosystem resilience and sustainable transitions through interdisciplinary teams focused on experimental ecology and conservation applications.