Thomas Kichey

Thomas Kichey is a Senior Lecturer HDR at the University of Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), specializing in ecophysiology and plant physiology within the EDYSAN research unit (UMR 7058). His work focuses on invasive plant species and their ecological impacts under global change, with significant contributions to understanding foliar functional traits in invasion biology. He holds key administrative roles including Head of the Agroecology course in the Master's program in Agronomy, Environment, Territories, Landscape, Forest (AETPF), and serves as International Relations Correspondent for EDYSAN at CNRS.

Education:

• Doctor of Cell Biology

Research Focus: Dr. Kichey's research centers on invasive alien species, particularly examining how foliar functional traits drive invasion success in exotic plants. His work spans plant physiology, ecophysiology, and global change biology, with emphasis on leaf economics spectrum dynamics and physiological adaptations in invasive species like Rhododendron ponticum and Acer pseudoplatanus. Recent projects integrate agrivoltaics and crop physiology, demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation.

Publication Trends: Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on invasive plant mechanisms (75% of articles), with growing emphasis on renewable energy-agriculture interfaces (2023-2025). His work combines field ecology with molecular physiology, predominantly published in high-impact ecology and agronomy journals. Key recurring themes include leaf trait plasticity, invasion impacts on forest ecosystems, and physiological responses to environmental stressors.

Advising and Grants: Dr. Kichey has supervised five doctoral theses on topics ranging from forest regeneration to agrivoltaics, securing funding from diverse sources including ADEME, Campus France (PHC Polonium/Ulysses), NSF, and regional councils. Current projects include Displex (2023-2024) on soil functionality impacts and SPECTRIMOINE (2023-2024) on spectral analysis of toxic heritage.

Research Infrastructure: As facilitator of EDYSAN's "Functional ecology of forest neo-ecosystems" axis, he leads collaborative work across French Atlantic forests. His international network spans Syracuse University (USA), Lebanese and Tunisian institutions, and European conservation bodies like Conservatoire du littoral, enabling cross-continental studies on invasion dynamics.