Curtis Lubbe: Going Belowground in Central European Meadows

In our latest post, Curtis Lubbe – a researcher at the Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences – discusses the fascinating subterranean world of roots, the diversity of plant forms and species in meadows, and what the future in this field may bring. Profile I am completely fascinated by the variety of subterranean plant organs and their traits, especially those involved in … Continue reading Curtis Lubbe: Going Belowground in Central European Meadows

Clara Castellano—Understanding the Impact of Rural Abandonment on Ecological Processes in Mediterranean Ecosystems

In this blog post, Clara Castellano—from the Department of Agrarian and Environmental Science at the University of Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain—discusses working on the ARBIO Project in the Middle Ebro River Valley, the joys of fieldwork, and what the future holds. Profile I’m interested in ecology in general, and specifically in nature conservation and ecological restoration. Throughout my scientific career, I have studied ecosystem services (i.e., … Continue reading Clara Castellano—Understanding the Impact of Rural Abandonment on Ecological Processes in Mediterranean Ecosystems

Pablo Castro Sánchez-Bermejo, Henriette Christel, Michael Köhler, Julia Imola Piko, Lena Sachsenmaier: TreeDì—Understanding tree diversity effects on Chinese subtropical forests

In this new post, the group – PhD students at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Germany – discuss their experiences working on the BEF-China experiment, the joys of fieldwork, and what the future holds for them. Profile We are a group of PhD students—at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Germany—interested in diverse facets of Biodiversity-Ecosystem-Functioning (BEF) research … Continue reading Pablo Castro Sánchez-Bermejo, Henriette Christel, Michael Köhler, Julia Imola Piko, Lena Sachsenmaier: TreeDì—Understanding tree diversity effects on Chinese subtropical forests

Nate Anderson: My unexpected path to academia

In our latest post, Nate Anderson—a researcher at the University of Western Australia—discusses the healing and regenerative benefits of time spent in nature, working in majestic Red Tingle forests, and the dangerous aspects of fieldwork in his study site. Profile I have followed a roundabout path to research. In 2008, my best friend committed suicide. I didn’t know how to process my grief or come … Continue reading Nate Anderson: My unexpected path to academia

Ikegwu Chukwudi Michael: The journey of a conservation biologist

In this new post, Ikegwu Chukwudi Michael—from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Indonesia—discusses seeking opportunities to implement the theories concerning biological principles and practices, and working to develop fundamental skills and progress towards delivering best outcomes. Ikegwu wishes to become an active part of biological research involving biodiversity, conservation, and ecology. Profile My love and passion for life led me to study Biology … Continue reading Ikegwu Chukwudi Michael: The journey of a conservation biologist

Julia Koricheva: Exploring the hidden links—tree diversity effects in Finnish boreal forests

In our new post, Julia Koricheva—a researcher at Royal Holloway University of London, UK—discusses her interest in effects of plant diversity on ecosystem functioning. Having worked extensively on long-term forest diversity experiments in Finland, Julia is particularly interested in the biodiversity and functionality of boreal forest ecosystems. She also works on the evolution and ecology of plant-herbivore interactions, including mechanisms of plant defense.  As more … Continue reading Julia Koricheva: Exploring the hidden links—tree diversity effects in Finnish boreal forests

Ana Porto: Brazil isn’t just trees—working in grasslands in a country conventionally seen as a big forest

In this blogpost, Ana Porto—from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil—describes their interest in grasslands restoration ecology. Ana is particularly interested in grassland restoration techniques using hay and direct seeding. Ana is also interested in the community vegetation of this ecosystem, mainly following its development after endogenous and exogenous disturbances (e.g. grazing, fire, afforestation, and biological invasions). Profile I arrived at this topic … Continue reading Ana Porto: Brazil isn’t just trees—working in grasslands in a country conventionally seen as a big forest

Monica McCard: Exploring Lionfish Ecology—A Research Expedition in Honduras

In this new post, Monica McCard, from Liverpool John Moore University, discusses working on many different non-native aquatic species, with a particular focus on the feeding impacts of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans). For over three decades, lionfish have emerged as one of the most devastating invasive aquatic species in history. Throughout the Western Atlantic, these venomous fish have wreaked havoc on reefs and disrupted ecosystems, … Continue reading Monica McCard: Exploring Lionfish Ecology—A Research Expedition in Honduras

Postcards From The Field: Contribute to our new blog series!

It’s deep into summertime for those north of the equator. With many ecologists taking to the field, Functional Ecology are excited to announce a new blog series titled: Postcards From The Field. The aim of this blog series is to provide visibility to both researcher and field site. We want to hear all about what you love about your field site, the problems that the … Continue reading Postcards From The Field: Contribute to our new blog series!