Research

Last changed: 09 August 2023

Landscape with forest, fields, lake and city. Aerial view.

Researchers at the Department of Ecology drill deep down into ecological issues without losing contact with major social questions. We study species – both those that are threatened and those that are a problem for humans. How they interact with each other and their surroundings and the significance of changes, for example a warmer climate. Our knowledge is needed for the sustainable agriculture and forestry of the future.

We conduct world-class research in applied terrestrial ecology that has clear societal relevance. This is ensured through interdisciplinary collaborations and increasing involvement of stakeholders in our research. In addition, we make important contributions to the development of ecological theory and practice.

Our research extends over the breadth of ecology, from genes and populations to ecosystem processes and services, and we disseminate knowledge to be used for effective environmental protection, nature conservation and sustainable forest and agricultural management. We have excellent taxonomic knowledge of insects and soil animals, which in combination with our competence in molecular biological methods and modeling is a prerequisite for the study of individuals, populations and communities in space and time.

Our research is needed. The increasing pressure on biological natural resources constitutes a global challenge. Sustainable forestry and agriculture requires in-depth insight into the ecology of species and how ecosystems work. In the Department of Ecology, we generate and disseminate knowledge to be used for effective nature conservation, wildlife management and plant protection, and sustainable forestry and agriculture. Our activities have a strong international character, both through scientific collaboration and through our offering of courses at both first and third-cycle level beyond Sweden’s borders and with a global focus.

Our main research areas

Population and conservation ecology

Evaluation and development of conservation strategies and wildlife management at local to continental scales, in collaboration with farmers and other stakeholders
Dynamics and long-term viability of populations, including also invasive species, in relation to land use and climate change.
Conservation strategies and wildlife management at local to continental spatial scales.

Community and landscape ecology

Diversity patterns in agricultural landscapes and soils.
Predator-prey and insect-plant interactions that result in ecosystem services such as biological control of pests and pollination.
How heterogeneity and the structure of agricultural landscapes affect biodiversity and species interactions on larger spatial scales.
Trophic interactions.
How heterogeneity and structure of forest landscapes affect biodiversity and species interactions.

Ecosystem ecology

Abiotic and biotic factors that affect the activity of organisms that drive ecosystem processes such as carbon and nutrient cycling and energy exchange in the soil-plant-atmosphere system.
Linking plant traits, ecosystem engineers and food webs to ecosystem function.
Effects of forestry on nutrient cycling and carbon dynamics

Honey bee health

Our research on honeybee management and pathogens is unique. We have national responsibility for the diagnosis of bee diseases.
Read more about our Honey Bee Health Research