Thomas Lilley

Thomas Lilley is a Senior Curator and Academy Research Fellow at the University of Helsinki's Zoology Unit, with an Adjunct Professorship at the University of Turku. He leads the Helsinki One Health (HOH) doctoral programme and directs multiple projects addressing bat ecology, fungal diseases, and conservation biology.

• Education: PhD in Ecology (University of Turku, 2012)

His research focuses on boreal bats' ecological adaptations to extreme environments, including hibernation physiology, antifungal responses, and zoonotic pathogen dynamics. He explores how climatic gradients, anthropogenic structures, and subterranean ecosystems influence bat behavior and survival.

Recent publications highlight his work on white-nose syndrome, genomic responses to pathogens, and conservation strategies for subterranean and boreal habitats. Key trends include interdisciplinary approaches integrating ecology, genetics, and public health.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Marie Sklodowska Curie Research Fellow (2016–2018)

Lilley supervises doctoral and master’s students, including Mariia Matlova and Alexandra Streicher, and manages projects like Vanamo Lilley Lobnik and Evolutionary consequences of a bat fungal disease, funded by private foundations and the Finnish Research Council. His work emphasizes collaboration across Europe and the integration of citizen science for biodiversity monitoring.