Protecting biodiversity
in a changing world
Research
Microclimate ecology
Microclimate conditions are key to understanding how organisms respond to warming, yet they are frequently neglected in ecological research. We aim to unravel the drivers and impact of microclimate conditions on species range dynamics.
Ecoinformatics
We combine big data with state-of-the-art modelling techniques (machine learning, SDM, SEM, ...) to extract patterns and answer ecological questions on large spatial scales.
Global change effects
We aim to improve our understanding of the effects of global change on biodiversity and the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. We focus on climate change and invasive species, as these are identified as two of the most important anthropogenic drivers of biodiversity loss.
Field work
We collect new primary ecological data in natural and anthropogenic systems; species composition, vegetation structure, ecosystem functions, plant functional traits, etc.
Biodiversity conservation
Nature conservation is stuck in the detrimental paradigm of preventing community changes under changing conditions. We aim at developing global change-robust solutions for the biodiversity crisis, one of the biggest challenges in the Anthropocene.
Drones
We fly drones to characterise how ecosystems are responding to rapid environmental change. Drones provide a unique opportunity for acquiring low-cost, high-resolution imagery at a regional scale.
Lab members
Koenraad Van Meerbeek
Associate Professor
Atefe Choopani
Postdoc
Alexander Van Hout
PhD student
Astrid Van den Bossche
PhD student
Christophe Metsu
PhD student
Jonas Simons
PhD student
Lore Hostens
PhD student
Marie Noels
PhD student
Marijke Geuskens
PhD student
Reinout Vandenabeele
PhD student
Senne Spreij
PhD student
Ward Fonteyn
PhD student
Willem Goossens
PhD student
Xiaqu Zhou
PhD student
Evelien Van Cutsem
Master student
Hanne Deboutte
Master student
Janne Vloeberghs
Master student
Lotte Jordens
Master student
Merel Eylenbosch
Master student
Pieter Smet
Master student
Quinten Van Elsacker
Master student
Wannes De Craemer
Master student
Research projects
CoolTree
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INFORMA
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FutureNature
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FuelFusion
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Micromics
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MicroChange
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FireRisk
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EcoGraph
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Recent publications
