Tjisse van der Heide

Professor Tjisse van der Heide is a Senior Research Leader at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and holds a professorship in Coastal Ecology at the University of Groningen since 2018. His work focuses on ecological interactions in soft-sediment coastal ecosystems, particularly the role of ecosystem engineers like seagrasses, mussels, and dune-building plants in shaping coastal landscapes and providing ecosystem services.

• Key Research Areas: Ecosystem restoration, coastal squeeze, biogeochemistry, and feedbacks between organisms and their environment.
• Awards:
  • NWO Vidi-Award (2018)
  • NWO VICI Grant (2024)
  • NWO Open Technology Programme Grant (2025)
• Students: PhD candidates Sterre Witte, Clea van de Ven, and Carlijn Lammers.
• Projects: Waddenmozaïek, BIOPRIME (biodegradable restoration structures), and Sedway (coastal sediment dynamics).

His research explores how habitat-modifying species mitigate coastal flooding, enhance carbon sequestration, and support biodiversity. Recent work includes analyzing global coastal squeeze impacts and developing innovative restoration techniques using temporary biodegradable structures. Publications highlight the ecological and societal importance of soft-sediment coasts, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches bridging marine biology, hydrodynamics, and environmental management.