Research

Research in the Department of Aquatic Ecology is not restricted to any specific type of aquatic organism, process or ecosystem. We study the broadest possible range of organisms and other biological entities, from viruses and bacteria to invertebrates and vertebrates.

Strong emphasis is placed on freshwaters such as lakes, streams, rivers and ground water. Theory and test models on conceptually central topics in ecology, evolution and environmental sciences are developed and empirically tested in both lab and field experiments. A wide range of methods and approaches are used to discern patterns in communities and ecosystems and to determine process rates and factors controlling them.

As an example we use molecular genetic markers to understand the genetic structure of populations and their evolutionary history and combine the genetic data with ecological data to understand the local processes that affect evolutionary dynamics. We also survey the wild, carrying out long-term programs and field-campaigns to collect comprehensive data on the responses to changing environments.

Our overall goals are to advance ecological, evolutionary and environmental sciences, and to use the acquired tools and concepts to address pressing problems that emerge from the multiple facets of rapid environmental change.