Organisational unit profile

We work on species interactions and consequences for the dynamics and spatial organization of plant communities. We are particularly interested in facilitation, i.e. positive interactions between species, and how these interactions are shaped by the interplay of various (a)biotic factors. We typically use large-scale field studies in ecosystems where (large) herbivores play an important role, such as temperate savannas or wood pastures, semi-arid steppes, temperate lowland forests, salt marshes, and riverine floodplains. We aim to contribute to the advancement of fundamental ecological concepts with relevance for conservation.