Alfredo Altobelli is a researcher at the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, specializing in environmental biology and remote sensing applications. He actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects focused on ecological monitoring and climate change impacts. Affiliation: University of Trieste , Department of Life Sciences Research Interests: Environmental biology, remote sensing, plant ecophysiology, biodiversity monitoring, and climate change effects on terrestrial ecosystems His work combines field measurements with satellite/drone-based remote sensing techniques to assess vegetation functional diversity and water stress patterns. Key projects include: Ecomosaico del Carso – Kraški ekomozaik (2021-2023) Monitoring of agro-forestry systems in Friuli-Venezia Giulia Drought impact studies on urban and natural tree populations Publications highlight his expertise in: Integrating spectral diversity with functional traits analysis Hydraulic safety-efficiency trade-offs in plant communities Post-storm vegetation recovery monitoring
Jean-Eudes Beuret is a Lecturer at Institut Agro Rennes-Angers since 2008, with a focus on Environmental Resource Management , Non-market Coordination , and Peacebuilding in Conflict Zones . He leads the Rural Development research and teaching unit and coordinates programs like the International Master in Rural Development and Integrated Coastal Zone Management . PhD in Rural Economics (ENSAR-SPDR, 1998) Habilitation to Direct Research (University of Versailles Saint Quentin, 2008) His research spans non-market coordination mechanisms in environmental governance, comparative analysis of consultation processes in OECD and UNESCO projects, and post-conflict institutional rebuilding in the Great Lakes region. Recent work focuses on biosphere reserve governance , participatory policy evaluation , and conflict mediation in coastal zones . He has contributed to frameworks like the Logical Framework Approach for development projects and RELIEF audit methodology for consultation processes. Beuret has advised PhD students on topics like public resource governance in Brazil , policy determinants of aquaculture innovation , and environmental mediation in coastal zones . His collaborations include UNESCO, OECD, and local organizations in Burundi, Congo, and Ecuador.
Kari E. Dunfield is a Professor and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Environmental Microbiology of Agro-ecosystems (2012-2023) at the School of Environmental Sciences of the University of Guelph. She investigates microbial communities and processes in soils that influence global ecological systems, with a focus on climate change, soil conservation, human pathogens, antimicrobial resistance genes, and food security. Education : BSc in Biological Sciences (University of Calgary, 1995), MSc in Plant Agriculture (University of Guelph, 1999), PhD in Soil Science (University of Saskatchewan, 2002) Research Interests center on the intersection of microbiology, ecology, and soil science. Her work examines how human activities alter soil microbial communities and impact ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and contaminant remediation. She emphasizes public education about soil health through initiatives like Soils@Guelph . Scientific Awards : Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Environmental Microbiology of Agro-ecosystems Advising & Leadership : Dr. Dunfield mentors graduate students, fostering their growth from early-stage researchers to professional colleagues. She serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Microbiology and will hold the incoming Vice-President role at the Canadian Society of Microbiology. She is also the North American Representative for the UN-FAO Global Soil Partnership (Pillar 1).
Prof. Dr. Marcel van der Heijden is Professor of Plant-Microbe Interactions at Utrecht University (Faculty of Science, Department of Environmental Biology) and heads the “Plant-Soil Interactions” research group at Agroscope, the Institute for Sustainability Sciences in Zurich, Switzerland, where he is employed full-time. He is also Guest Professor at the University of Zurich. Research Focus Plant–microbe interactions, with emphasis on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Soil ecology and biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning Agro-ecosystem sustainability and climate-change resilience Microbiome engineering for sustainable agriculture Across >100 publications since 2010, his work integrates molecular, ecological and agronomic approaches to understand how soil microbial communities influence plant nutrition, productivity and ecosystem services. Recent studies reveal how microbial diversity and asynchrony stabilise ecosystem processes, how root exudates recruit beneficial microbes, and how farming practices shape soil microbiomes with consequences for greenhouse-gas emissions and nutrient cycling. Scientific Awards & Recognition While specific named awards are not listed in the provided text, Prof. van der Heijden’s extensive publication record in high-impact journals ( Nature Communications, Science, PNAS, New Phytologist, Trends in Ecology & Evolution ) and frequent invitations to speak at international symposia underscore his leading role in the field. Supervision & Funding Supervises numerous PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers across Utrecht University, Agroscope and the University of Zurich. Leads multiple national and international projects on sustainable soil management, microbial inoculation and ecosystem services. Laboratories & Teams He directs the Plant-Soil Interactions group at Agroscope (Zurich) and is affiliated with the Centre for Soil Ecology at Utrecht University, providing state-of-the-art facilities for microbiome genomics, plant phenotyping and greenhouse/field experimentation.
Dr. Dennis Otieno Ochuodho is an Associate Professor of Plant Ecology at the Department of Biology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Kenya, and holds concurrent roles as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics, Student Affairs, and Research) and Chair of the Advisory Board for the World Bank-funded Center of Excellence at JOOUST. He is also affiliated with the Department of Geosciences at Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Germany, as an Associate (PD) since 2023, and serves on the International Science Program’s Global Ecosystem Restoration and Carbon Neutrality (Global-ERCaN) Programme. His academic journey includes roles as a Privat Dozent (PD) at the University of Bayreuth and Senior Academic Advisor at the South China Botanical Garden. Education: PhD in Plant Ecology from Maseno University (2004), MSc from the University of Bayreuth (1998), and BSc from the University of Nairobi (1994). His research focuses on ecophysiology, community ecology, and ecosystem processes in savannas, agro-ecosystems, and forests, with emphasis on climate change impacts, biodiversity conservation, and water-carbon dynamics. He leads projects funded by the EU Horizon, DFG, NSFC, and GIZ, including initiatives on African grassland functional diversity, agricultural resilience, and carbon neutrality. Research highlights include multi-dimensional risk analysis in rural Africa, transpiration mechanisms in hyper-arid environments, and ecosystem responses to climate extremes. Awards include the KAAD-MSC Fellowship and Chinese Academy of Sciences Fellowship. He advises on global initiatives like the TERRA and MAINSTREAM programs and coordinates VLIR-funded institutional collaborations.
Henrik Vejre is a Professor of Landscape Management at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. With over 20 years of research experience, he specializes in multifunctional cultural landscapes, particularly in the urban fringe of Copenhagen. His work integrates agricultural production, biodiversity, housing, and recreation to promote sustainable land use. His educational qualifications include: PhD in System ecological effects of Nitrogen Fertilization of Norway spruce (1996), Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University Master of Agricultural Sciences (Cand. Agro.) with specialization in soil science (1988), Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University Professor Vejre's research focuses on managing multiple landscape functions simultaneously for sustainability. Key areas include urban fringe planning, ecosystem services, and the green spaces of greater Copenhagen. He investigates how to balance agricultural production, wildlife habitats, water provisioning, and recreational values in densely populated regions. His recent publications (2023-2025) emphasize climate-adaptive urban planning, ecosystem services assessment, and the health benefits of nature in cities. Notable works address municipal strategies for climate neutrality, uncertainties in decision support, and the impact of urban heat on well-being. Much of this research is applied in the Copenhagen context. No major scientific awards were listed in the provided information. Information on doctoral students and specific research grants was not detailed in the available text. However, his collaborative projects, such as the Pilotprojekt Ribe Å systemet (2021-2022), indicate active engagement in interdisciplinary research networks. He participates in international collaborations, as evidenced by co-authorship on ecosystem services literature reviews and urban health studies. His work often involves partnerships with municipal authorities and researchers across Europe.
Steven Declerck is a Professor in the Department of Biology at KU Leuven's Faculty of Science, affiliated with the Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation research unit. He serves as an invited member of the Faculty of Science Council and teaches 'Introduction to Ecology and Evolution' (G0L65A), bridging theoretical frameworks with applied conservation. His research spans freshwater ecology, evolutionary adaptation, and biodiversity conservation, with emphasis on microevolutionary responses to environmental stressors like salinization. He investigates zooplankton dynamics, ecological stoichiometry, and sustainable land-use transitions through experimental and field-based approaches, integrating physiological, community, and ecosystem perspectives. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a cohesive focus on microevolutionary priming in freshwater systems, development of integrative frameworks like SEED (linking stoichiometry with eco-evolution), and application of agro-ecological theory via living labs for sustainable agriculture. Key trends include experimental validation of adaptation mechanisms, cross-system comparisons of stress tolerance, and translational ecology for environmental management. Information regarding student advising, research grants, and scientific awards is not provided in the source material. He operates within KU Leuven's Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation unit, contributing to collaborative research on freshwater ecosystem resilience and sustainable transitions through interdisciplinary teams focused on experimental ecology and conservation applications.
Aude Couty is an Associate Professor at the University of Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), affiliated with the EDYSAN research unit (UMR 7058 CNRS-UPJV). She teaches across all academic levels from bachelor's to master's degrees in Life and Earth Sciences (SVT), focusing on entomology, chemical ecology, and sustainable pest management in agroecosystems through multitrophic interaction studies. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Life and Health Sciences, University of Tours Agricultural Engineer, INA-PG Dr. Couty's research centers on ecological intensification of production systems (60%) and functional ecology of forest neo-ecosystems (40%). She investigates plant-insect-pathogen interactions using ethological, physiological, and field methodologies. Her work addresses sustainable pest control through chemical ecology, tritrophic relationships, and biological control mechanisms, with emphasis on aphids, Drosophila suzukii, and their natural enemies. Analysis of her 10 most recent publications (2015-2021) reveals consistent focus on aphid-parasitoid dynamics and Drosophila suzukii ecology. Key trends include virus-mediated effects on vector behavior, innovative biological control strategies (companion planting, trap crops), and environmental impacts on multitrophic systems. Her work bridges fundamental entomology with practical agricultural applications. Scientific awards: None listed in provided information. Dr. Couty has co-directed three doctoral theses on aphid parasitoids, multi-trophic agro-ecosystem interactions, and Drosophila suzukii environmental determinants. She secures substantial research funding through major collaborative projects: DROTHERMAL (ANR, €506k, 2020-2024): Thermal ecology of Drosophila suzukii PROVERBIO (INTERREG, €1.14M, 2019-2020): Orchard biological control VIRAPHIPLANT (ANR, €2.32M, 2014-2018): Plant-virus-aphid crosstalk DS² (CASDAR, €589k, 2018-2020): Sustainable Drosophila suzukii management As scientific animation delegate for EDYSAN since 2018, she coordinates research activities within this CNRS-UPJV unit focused on anthropized ecosystems. Her collaborative network spans INRA, European universities, and agricultural institutions, driving cross-border research in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem dynamics.
Wendy Monk is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Management at the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton. Her research focuses on environmental flows, aquatic ecosystems, climate change impacts, and river management. She has contributed to studies on river temperature dynamics, sediment stress effects on invertebrates, and the implementation of environmental flow frameworks in Canada and globally. Her work integrates molecular techniques like DNA metabarcoding with traditional ecological methods to assess ecosystem health. Monk has collaborated on projects such as the Mactaquac Aquatic Ecosystem Study, addressing hydrological and climatological baselines for deltaic ecosystems. Her research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to conservation and policy development. Her studies span diverse ecosystems, including cold-region deltas like the Peace-Athabasca Delta and Atlantic coast rivers. Key themes include biodiversity monitoring, restoration ecology, and the effects of human activities on aquatic environments. Monk’s publications highlight innovative methods for assessing ecosystem responses to environmental change, with a focus on practical applications for resource management and climate adaptation strategies.
Dr. Athen Ma is a Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London's School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. Their research focuses on complex networks, ecological systems, and interdisciplinary applications of network science. Key areas include ecosystem responses to global environmental change, ecological network resilience, and drought impacts on food webs. Teaching responsibilities include modules on Digital Circuit Design and Network Science, emphasizing probability, simulation, and reliability theory. Affiliations: Centre for Human-Centred Computing, Faculty of Science and Engineering Grants: £840,297 NERC Pushing the Frontiers Grant (2024–2027), EU SUNSET (£337,527) Research highlights include Nature Ecology & Evolution and Nature Climate Change publications on agro-ecosystem resilience and drought-induced food web rewiring. Current projects investigate sub-network structures in ecological systems under climate stress. Collaborations involve institutions like the University of Essex and the Macao Polytechnic Institute. Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Advising includes PhD students Lachlan Burton and Jorge Eduardo Castro Cruces, focusing on machine learning applications in ecological networks. The lab actively engages in interdisciplinary research, blending computational methods with ecological data to address global challenges.
Dr. Nina Welti is a Senior Research Scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) with over 20 years of professional experience spanning diverse ecosystems from urban streams to subtropical mangroves. She currently serves as Trade and Market Access Work Package Lead and Co-lead of Ag2050 Living Labs for the Ag2050 initiative. Her research integrates environmental biogeochemistry, isotope geochemistry, and sustainable agricultural practices to develop transparent traceability solutions. Dr. Welti's work focuses on creating evidence-based assurance tools that connect biogeochemical cycling dynamics with soil health and sustainable land management practices, empowering both consumers and producers to understand the sustainability impacts of their choices. Guided by responsible innovation principles, she champions open innovation models for equitable agricultural futures. Her ADHD-influenced non-linear thinking approach enables her to connect seemingly unrelated concepts for creative problem-solving in complex agricultural systems. Environmental biogeochemistry (410501) Isotope geochemistry (370303) Food safety, traceability, certification and authenticity (300605) Agro-ecosystem function and prediction (300402) Dr. Welti's research bridges scientific principles with practical agricultural applications, developing verification systems that enhance market access while promoting sustainable practices across agricultural value chains.
Edgar Turner is a Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge's Department of Zoology, specializing in biodiversity conservation in human-dominated landscapes. His work spans the UK and Southeast Asia, focusing on insects and ecosystem processes. Key Affiliations: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Sinar Mas Agro Resources & Technology Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, IPB University Bogor, Wild Asia. Research Interests: Turner investigates climate change adaptation strategies in UK nature reserves and sustainable oil palm management in tropical regions. Projects include artificial butterfly banks to manipulate microclimates and restoring river margins in existing plantations. Large-scale field experiments assessing management impacts on biodiversity Public engagement through the Museum of Zoology's collections Focus on insects, particularly butterflies and arthropods in agroecosystems Recent Publications highlight oil palm cultivation effects on arthropods, climate change mitigation in tropical forests, and thermoregulatory strategies in insects. His work bridges tropical agriculture sustainability and UK grassland conservation.
Nadia MICHEL is a Researcher at the University of Lorraine (France), focusing on biodiversity-crop-landscape interactions through multi-scale approaches. Her work integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with ecological modeling to address agricultural sustainability. Key Research Themes: Biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services assessment, pollinator ecology, agroecosystem sustainability, and GIS applications. Notable Projects: Development of integrated sustainability indicators, functional diversity analysis in grasslands, and collaborative studies like DEPHY-Abeille (bee-friendly farming systems). Recent publications highlight her expertise in landscape-scale biodiversity modeling, pollination services, and oilseed rape impacts on wild bees. While no formal awards are mentioned, her extensive collaborative work and methodological contributions underscore her professional impact.
Grace Hoysted is an Assistant Professor in Biology at Maynooth University, affiliated with the Human Health Institute and the Sustainable Ecosystems Group (SEG). Her expertise spans plant ecology, soil biodiversity, and mycorrhizal fungi interactions. She holds adjunct roles at University College Dublin and has prior experience as a postdoctoral researcher and senior technical officer. Grace’s research focuses on plant-insect-soil pathogen interactions, mycorrhizal physiology, and agro-ecosystem dynamics. Education: BSc Botany, National University of Ireland, Galway MSc Plant Science & Plant Biotechnology, University of Leeds PhD Plant Science, University of Leeds Research Interests: Plant-mycorrhizal interactions, particularly Mucoromycotina fungi Soil microbiome dynamics and tripartite interactions Climate change impacts on root function and nutrient exchange Ecological and evolutionary aspects of symbiosis Professional Roles: Associate Editor, Functional Ecology Reviewer for PNAS , New Phytologist , and others Member of Irish Soil Biodiversity Research Network and British Ecological Society Chair of Maynooth University’s Curriculum Review Committee Teaching: BI102: Biological Function & Diversity BI204: Evolutionary Biology BI303: Ecology BI352: Scientific Writing (Module Coordinator) BI425/426: Fungal Ecology and Science Communication Grace leads a research project, A microbiome toolkit to optimise the holobiont of commercially important crops , and actively mentors students through PhD scholarships like the IRC Postgraduate Programme.
Tolulope Mafa-Attoye is a Researcher at the University of Guelph, based in Alexander Hall. Their work focuses on plant-soil-microbe interactions, below-ground ecology, and agricultural land use impacts. They use advanced molecular tools like quantitative real-time PCR and high-throughput sequencing to study greenhouse gas emissions and microbial community dynamics. Research interests include understanding how plant root traits, land use practices, and biodiversity influence soil microbial communities and ecosystem functions. Projects emphasize riparian agroecosystems and agroforestry systems, linking below-ground processes to above-ground biodiversity. Publications span topics from bacterial community resilience in rehabilitated riparian zones to methane cycling microbiomes during environmental hot moments. Their work integrates field experiments with bioinformatics to address climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture challenges. Advisory relationship:曾 mentored by Dr. Kari Dunfield. No awards explicitly listed, but active in collaborative research networks. Office location and contact details are publicly accessible.
