Thomas Hovestadt

PD Dr. Thomas Hovestadt is a faculty member at the University of Würzburg where he has led the Theoretical Evolutionary Ecology Group (TEE) since 2015. His research focuses on evolutionary ecology with emphasis on dispersal evolution, life history strategies, and host-parasite systems. Based at the university's Biocenter, he maintains active collaborations across European institutions including the University of Ghent where he served as Guest Professor from 2013-2015.

His academic credentials include:

• Diploma in Biology from University of Tübingen (1987)
• PhD in Biology from University of Würzburg (1997)
• Habilitation at University of Würzburg (2006)

Hovestadt's research program investigates how organisms evolve movement rules and resource allocation strategies in fragmented landscapes. His work integrates theoretical modeling with empirical data to examine evolutionary dynamics in spatially structured populations, particularly focusing on dispersal polymorphisms, foraging optimization, and the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances like light pollution and habitat fragmentation. Statistical approaches underpin his analysis of niche evolution and population viability.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals consistent focus on dispersal ecology across diverse taxa including insects and moths. Key themes include landscape heterogeneity effects on biodiversity, anthropogenic impacts (light pollution, climate change), and theoretical modeling of metapopulation dynamics. His work frequently employs simulation approaches and field-based validation, with growing emphasis on conservation applications for fragmented ecosystems.

No scientific awards are documented in the available information.

As head of the TEE group, Hovestadt oversees research mentoring and project coordination. His current funding includes SFB 1047: Insect timing, DFG HO2051/3, and the MacMan collaborative project, indicating sustained support from the German Research Foundation for theoretical ecology research.

The Theoretical Evolutionary Ecology Group operates from the University of Würzburg's Biocenter, maintaining connections to Field Station Fabrikschleichach and UFZ Leipzig. The group specializes in developing analytical frameworks for evolutionary processes in spatially complex environments, with particular expertise in movement ecology and population dynamics modeling.