Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank is a Professor of Zoology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), within the Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity. Appointed in 2005, he maintains an active research profile with documented contributions through 2024. His work bridges academic research and practical conservation policy implementation across European agricultural landscapes.

Educational background:

• Graduation: University of Vienna, 1990
• Doctorate: University of Bern, 1994
• Habilitation: University of Bern, 2000
• Professorship: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, 2005

Frank specializes in animal ecology within agroecosystems, with core expertise in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. His research examines plant-animal interactions through empirical field studies, focusing on how landscape structure and land-use intensity affect insect communities. He investigates predatory arthropod roles in pest control and the ecological consequences of grassland abandonment in Alpine regions, emphasizing practical applications for sustainable agriculture and conservation policy.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2024) reveals three dominant research trajectories: grassland restoration through REGRASS projects demonstrating insect diversity benefits from native strips; Vjosa river conservation highlighting habitat succession for specialized arthropods; and BINATS monitoring identifying drivers behind insect decline in farmlands. His work consistently integrates multi-year field data with landscape-scale policy evaluations.

Scientific awards: No personal awards documented in the source material.

Frank has successfully supervised multiple graduate students, with six receiving institutional awards: Manuela Bürgler (ÖEG Prize, 2023), Raja Imran Hussain (Vienna Anniversary Fund, 2020), Janet Wissuwa (Anton Kurir Foundation, 2015), and Master's students Ronnie Walcher (2015), Martin Bramböck (2014), and Corinna Eggenreich (2013). His research is conducted through projects including REGRASS, VjoSusDev, and Healthy Alps, though specific grant details aren't provided.

With 86 documented talks across eight countries (dominated by Austria and Germany), Frank maintains extensive collaboration networks through BOKU institutes and international ecological societies. His team focuses on terrestrial arthropod conservation in dynamic landscapes, frequently publishing on grassland strip efficacy and riverine ecosystem protection.