Thomas Rosswall

Thomas Rosswall is a Professor of Water and Environmental Studies at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), a position he has held since 2000. He previously served as Rector (President) of SLU from 1994 to 2000 and held leadership roles including Executive Director of the International Council for Science (ICSU), Director of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), and Chair of multiple international organizations such as CCAFS and Mistra Urban Futures. He earned an MSc in Microbiology from Uppsala University and has been a prominent figure in microbial ecology and global environmental science.

• Educations: MSc in Microbiology, University of Uppsala

His research focuses on microbial ecology, biogeochemical cycling, and ecosystem studies, particularly in tundra, forest, and agricultural systems. He has published over 100 papers and edited 12 books, linking microcosm studies to global-scale modeling. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to ecological and social systems, fostering collaboration between Northern and Southern scientists.

• Awards: 12+ national and international honors, including Fellowships from Academia Europaea, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and TWAS

Rosswall’s administrative contributions include promoting global scientific collaboration through ICSU, IGBP, and IFS. He currently serves on the UN Committee on World Food Security’s HLPE Steering Committee and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences’ International Affairs Committee.