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Dr. David Walmsley

David Walmsley
21335 Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, C13.104
Fon +49.4131.677-2083, david.walmsley@leuphana.de
Teacher for Special Tasks, Institute of Ecology

Vita

  • since March 2014: Research Fellow, Institute of Ecology, Leuphana University Lüneburg;
  • 2011-2014: Operative Management EU Project: "Innovation Incubator - Platform for Sustainable Biofuel Production for the Aviation Industry - Competence Tandem Biokerosene" and Research Fellow, Institute of Ecology, Leuphana University Lüneburg;
  • 2010-2011: Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Eco-Innovation Research Group within the Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland; SFI Project "Biodiversity and species interaction - theory and application to multifunctional ecosystems".
  • 2006-2010: PhD Student (Eco-Physiology, Functional Ecology), University College Dublin, Ireland (EPA ERTDI Doctoral Research Scholarship): "Quantifying Dissolved Carbon and Nitrogen Losses from Soil Subjected to Different Land-Use and Management Practices".
  • 2003-2005: Head of Research and Development, Weissheimer Malz K.G., Andernach, Germany
  • 1998-2003: Student of Biology (Diplom-Biologe equivalent to MSc) at the J.W.-Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Thesis: "Influence of sequence regions of the mRNA from rye leaf-catalase on the expression of a reportergene".
  • 1997-1998: German Civil Service as a Carer for Mentally Challenged Children, Hofheim, Germany
  • since March 2014: Research Fellow, Institute of Ecology, Leuphana University Lüneburg;
  • 2011-2014: Operative Management EU Project: "Innovation Incubator - Platform for Sustainable Biofuel Production for the Aviation Industry - Competence Tandem Biokerosene" and Research Fellow, Institute of Ecology, Leuphana University Lüneburg;
  • 2010-2011: Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Eco-Innovation Research Group within the Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland; SFI Project "Biodiversity and species interaction - theory and application to multifunctional ecosystems".
  • 2006-2010: PhD Student (Eco-Physiology, Functional Ecology), University College Dublin, Ireland (EPA ERTDI Doctoral Research Scholarship): "Quantifying Dissolved Carbon and Nitrogen Losses from Soil Subjected to Different Land-Use and Management Practices".
  • 2003-2005: Head of Research and Development, Weissheimer Malz K.G., Andernach, Germany
  • 1998-2003: Student of Biology (Diplom-Biologe equivalent to MSc) at the J.W.-Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Thesis: "Influence of sequence regions of the mRNA from rye leaf-catalase on the expression of a reportergene".
  • 1997-1998: German Civil Service as a Carer for Mentally Challenged Children, Hofheim, Germany
  • since March 2023: Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Ecology, Leuphana University Lüneburg

  • September 2016 - January 2023: Coordinator of the Research project “ÖkoKult”, Institute of Ecology, Leuphana University Lüneburg

  •  since March 2014: Research Fellow, Institute of Ecology, Leuphana University Lüneburg

  •  2011-2014: Operative Management EU Project: "Innovation Incubator - Platform for Sustainable Biofuel Production for the Aviation Industry - Competence Tandem Biokerosene" and Research Fellow, Institute of Ecology, Leuphana University Lüneburg

  • 2010-2011: Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Eco-Innovation Research Group within the Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland; SFI Project "Biodiversity and species interaction - theory and application to multifunctional ecosystems"

  • 2006-2010: PhD Student (Eco-Physiology, Functional Ecology), University College Dublin, Ireland (EPA ERTDI Doctoral Research Scholarship): "Quantifying Dissolved Carbon and Nitrogen Losses from Soil Subjected to Different Land-Use and Management Practices"

  • 2003-2005: Head of Research and Development, Weissheimer Malz K.G., Andernach, Germany

  • 1998-2003: Student of Biology (Diplom-Biologe equivalent to MSc) at the J.W.-Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Thesis: "Influence of sequence regions of the mRNA from rye leaf-catalase on the expression of a reportergene"

  • 1997-1998: German Civil Service as a Carer for Mentally Challenged Children, Hofheim, Germany

 

For more information please visit:

www.leuphana.de/en/university/staff-members/david-walmsley.html

Research Interests

ecosystem functioning and services

carbon and nitrogen cycling

greenhouse gas emissions

biodiversity

bioenergy crops

Projects

  1. Securing the Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity of Extensively Managed Cultural Landscapes (Ökokult): - Subproject 1: Ecosystem Functioning and Services of Cultural Landscapes
    Vicky Temperton (Project manager, academic) , Werner Härdtle (Project manager, academic) , Thorsten Aßmann (Project manager, academic) , David Walmsley (Coordination) , Andreas Schuldt (Project staff)

    Project: Research

  2. Platform for Sustainable Aviation Fuels
    Stefan Schaltegger (Project manager, academic) , David Walmsley (Project staff) , Roger Burritt (Project manager, academic) , Alexandra-Maria Klein (Project manager, academic) , Katharina Averdunk (Coordination) , Kamini Kusum Barua (Project staff) , Janna Henrike Groeneveld (Project staff) , Elisabeth Hüsing (Project staff) , Martin Kügemann (Project staff) , Florian Lüdeke-Freund (Project staff) , Christine Moser (Project staff) , Nepomuk Wahl (Project staff) , Jan Wreesmann (Project staff) , Robert Bailis (Project staff)

    Project: Research

Publications

Journal contributions

  1. How to promote spider diversity of heathlands: impact of management intensity
    Vicky Temperton (Author) , David Walmsley (Author) , Werner Härdtle (Author) , Dragan Matevski (Author) , Jelena Daniels (Author) , Esteve Boutaud (Author) , 01.04.2025 , in: Biodiversity and Conservation, 34 , p. 1057-1070 , 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  2. Competitive interactions shape plant responses to nitrogen fertilization and drought: evidence from a microcosm experiment with Lilium bulbiferum L. and Secale cereale L.
    Julia Lütke Schwienhorst (Author) , Corinna Pyrlik (Author) , Anna Tomberge (Author) , Andreas Fichtner (Author) , David Walmsley (Author) , Goddert von Oheimb (Author) , Werner Härdtle (Author) , 01.04.2022 , in: Plant Ecology, 223, 4 , p. 437-451 , 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Correction to: Provenance- and life-history stage-specific responses of the dwarf shrub Calluna vulgaris to elevated vapour pressure deficit (Plant Ecology, (2020), 221, 12, (1219-1232), 10.1007/s11258-020-01076-3)
    David Walmsley (Author) , Andreas Fichtner (Author) , Heinz Coners (Author) , Christoph Leuschner (Author) , Werner Härdtle (Author) , Karin Ibe (Author) , 01.01.2022 , in: Plant Ecology, 223, 1 , p. 113-113 , 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsOther (editorial matter etc.)Research

  4. Ensuring the Long-Term Provision of Heathland Ecosystem Services—The Importance of a Functional Perspective in Management Decision Frameworks
    David Walmsley (Author) , Isabel Alonso (Author) , Vicky Temperton (Author) , Werner Härdtle (Author) , Benjamin M. Delory (Author) , 20.12.2021 , in: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9 , 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Provenance- and life-history stage-specific responses of the dwarf shrub Calluna vulgaris to elevated vapour pressure deficit
    David Walmsley (Author) , Andreas Fichtner (Author) , Heinz Coners (Author) , Christoph Leuschner (Author) , Werner Härdtle (Author) , Karin Ibe (Author) , 01.12.2020 , in: Plant Ecology, 221, 12 , p. 1219-1232 , 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Contributions to collected editions/anthologies

  1. Ecological impact of Camelia sativa and Thlaspi arvense cultivation in a summer double cropping system in Northern Germany
    David Walmsley (Author) , Alexandra-Maria Klein (Author) , 01.01.2013 2013 ed. , p. 26-27 , 1 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/anthologiesPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Press / Media

  1. Grüner Fliegen
    1 time cited

    Press/Media: Press/Media

  2. Klima-Orakel: Wieso helfen Bäume dem Klima?
    1 time cited

    Press/Media: Press/Media

  3. Sind Bäume wirklich gut fürs Klima?
    1 time cited

    Press/Media: Press/Media

Courses

An advanced knowledge of site characteristics and biogeochemical processes is an important prerequisite to meeting the many challenges that can occur when trying to restore or protect natural systems. This course aims to deepen an understanding of (terrestrial) ecosystem processes from a biogeochemical point of view. Due to the central role of soil in biogeochemical cycles, and thus ecosystem restoration, the course will have a strong focus on basic soil science but also consider (interactive) processes between soils, plants and other components of terrestrial ecosystems. Lab and field exercises will complement lectures and seminars and will impart knowledge on soil analyses and understanding the biogeochemical processes that are a main driver of ecosystem function both locally and at larger scales. During the course we will also discuss human impacts on processes and biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial ecosystems and how to consider this aspect when devising nature-based solutions towards a more sustainable future.
Next appointment:
Tuesday, 2026-10-13 at 14:15
Andreas Fichtner, David Walmsley
Dieses Modul befasst sich mit Fragen des angewandten Naturschutzes in Zeiten des Globalen Wandels. An konkreten Beispielen in Natur- und Kulturlandschaften (z.B. Natura 2000 Habitate) werden naturschutzfachliche Daten erhoben, ausgewertet und gemeinsam diskutiert. Aspekte des Biotop- und Artenschutzes, der angewandten Landschaftsplanung und eines nachhaltigen Naturschutzmanagements werden unter Einbindung von externen Experten aus der Praxis erörtert.
Next appointment:
Monday, 2026-10-12 at 10:15
Die Übung „Baupläne und Organisationsformen“ dient der vertiefenden Beschäftigung mit den Inhalten der Vorlesung „Allgemeine Biologie – organismische Aspekte“; beide Veranstaltungen zusammen bilden das gleichnamige Modul. In der Übung lernen Sie darüber hinaus erste wichtige biologische Arbeitsmethoden (Mikroskopieren, Zeichnen, Präparieren) kennen. Der Kurs vermittelt eine Übersicht über gängige Baupläne und Organisationsformen bei Pflanzen und Tieren. Im ersten Teil des Kurses lernen Sie den zellulären Aufbau und die Struktur von Einzellern bis zu höheren Pflanzen kennen. Hierbei lernen Sie die Technik des Mikroskopierens. Wie Form und Funktion auch bei Tieren zusammenhängen, wird im zweiten Teil des Kurses behandelt. Beim Sezieren widmen wir uns je einem Vertreter der Anneliden und Salmoniden. Durch genaues Hinsehen und präzises Zeichen lernen Sie die wichtigsten Elemente und Strukturen der Präparate genauestens kennen.
Next appointment:
Thursday, 2026-10-15 at 12:15
Die Übung „Baupläne und Organisationsformen“ dient der vertiefenden Beschäftigung mit den Inhalten der Vorlesung „Allgemeine Biologie – organismische Aspekte“; beide Veranstaltungen zusammen bilden das gleichnamige Modul. In der Übung lernen Sie darüber hinaus erste wichtige biologische Arbeitsmethoden (Mikroskopieren, Zeichnen, Präparieren) kennen. Der Kurs vermittelt eine Übersicht über gängige Baupläne und Organisationsformen bei Pflanzen und Tieren. Im ersten Teil des Kurses lernen Sie den zellulären Aufbau und die Struktur von Einzellern bis zu höheren Pflanzen kennen. Hierbei lernen Sie die Technik des Mikroskopierens. Wie Form und Funktion auch bei Tieren zusammenhängen, wird im zweiten Teil des Kurses behandelt. Beim Sezieren widmen wir uns je einem Vertreter der Anneliden und Salmoniden. Durch genaues Hinsehen und präzises Zeichen lernen Sie die wichtigsten Elemente und Strukturen der Präparate genauestens kennen.
Next appointment:
Thursday, 2026-10-15 at 14:15
Andreas Fichtner, Julian Lunow, Maria Sekar Proborukmi, Svenja Schloß, Brigitte Urban, David Walmsley
Exercises are held biweekly with 4 hours per session. There are a total of 6 dates covering the following topics:

1. introduction to ecological experimentation, sampling and analysis of biotic parameters.
2. measurement and significance of physical environmental factors using the example of atmospheric pressure and the solubility of oxygen as a function of temperature.
3. basic operations in the chemical laboratory and introduction to experimental work
4. introductory experiments on soil ecology
Part 1: Importance of soil acidity and soil colors - determination of pH and color of soil horizons
Part 2: Significance of soil types - Granulometric analysis and field method.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2026-10-28 at 10:15
Andreas Fichtner, Julian Lunow, Maria Sekar Proborukmi, Svenja Schloß, Brigitte Urban, David Walmsley
Exercises are held biweekly with 4 hours per session. There are a total of 6 dates covering the following topics:

1. introduction to ecological experimentation, sampling and analysis of biotic parameters.
2. measurement and significance of physical environmental factors using the example of atmospheric pressure and the solubility of oxygen as a function of temperature.
3. basic operations in the chemical laboratory and introduction to experimental work
4. introductory experiments on soil ecology
Part 1: Importance of soil acidity and soil colors - determination of pH and color of soil horizons
Part 2: Significance of soil types - Granulometric analysis and field method.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2026-10-28 at 10:15
Andreas Fichtner, Julian Lunow, Maria Sekar Proborukmi, Svenja Schloß, Brigitte Urban, David Walmsley
Exercises are held biweekly with 4 hours per session. There are a total of 6 dates covering the following topics:

1. introduction to ecological experimentation, sampling and analysis of biotic parameters.
2. measurement and significance of physical environmental factors using the example of atmospheric pressure and the solubility of oxygen as a function of temperature.
3. basic operations in the chemical laboratory and introduction to experimental work
4. introductory experiments on soil ecology
Part 1: Importance of soil acidity and soil colors - determination of pH and color of soil horizons
Part 2: Significance of soil types - Granulometric analysis and field method.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2026-10-28 at 10:15
Andreas Fichtner, Julian Lunow, Maria Sekar Proborukmi, Svenja Schloß, Brigitte Urban, David Walmsley
Exercises are held biweekly with 4 hours per session. There are a total of 6 dates covering the following topics:

1. introduction to ecological experimentation, sampling and analysis of biotic parameters.
2. measurement and significance of physical environmental factors using the example of atmospheric pressure and the solubility of oxygen as a function of temperature.
3. basic operations in the chemical laboratory and introduction to experimental work
4. introductory experiments on soil ecology
Part 1: Importance of soil acidity and soil colors - determination of pH and color of soil horizons
Part 2: Significance of soil types - Granulometric analysis and field method.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2026-10-28 at 10:15
Andreas Fichtner, Julian Lunow, Maria Sekar Proborukmi, Svenja Schloß, Brigitte Urban, David Walmsley
This group is for students majoring in Environmental Science.

Exercises are held biweekly with 4 hours per session. There are a total of 6 dates covering the following topics:

1. introduction to ecological experimentation, sampling and analysis of biotic parameters.
2. measurement and significance of physical environmental factors using the example of atmospheric pressure and the solubility of oxygen as a function of temperature.
3. basic operations in the chemical laboratory and introduction to experimental work
4. introductory experiments on soil ecology
Part 1: Importance of soil acidity and soil colors - determination of pH and color of soil horizons
Part 2: Significance of soil types - Granulometric analysis and field method.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2026-10-21 at 10:15
Andreas Fichtner, Julian Lunow, Maria Sekar Proborukmi, Svenja Schloß, Brigitte Urban, David Walmsley
This group is for students majoring in Environmental Science.

Exercises are held biweekly with 4 hours per session. There are a total of 6 dates covering the following topics:

1. introduction to ecological experimentation, sampling and analysis of biotic parameters.
2. measurement and significance of physical environmental factors using the example of atmospheric pressure and the solubility of oxygen as a function of temperature.
3. basic operations in the chemical laboratory and introduction to experimental work
4. introductory experiments on soil ecology
Part 1: Importance of soil acidity and soil colors - determination of pH and color of soil horizons
Part 2: Significance of soil types - Granulometric analysis and field method.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2026-10-21 at 10:15
Andreas Fichtner, Julian Lunow, Maria Sekar Proborukmi, Svenja Schloß, Brigitte Urban, David Walmsley
Exercises are held biweekly with 4 hours per session. There are a total of 6 dates covering the following topics:

1. introduction to ecological experimentation, sampling and analysis of biotic parameters.
2. measurement and significance of physical environmental factors using the example of atmospheric pressure and the solubility of oxygen as a function of temperature.
3. basic operations in the chemical laboratory and introduction to experimental work
4. introductory experiments on soil ecology
Part 1: Importance of soil acidity and soil colors - determination of pH and color of soil horizons
Part 2: Significance of soil types - Granulometric analysis and field method.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2026-10-21 at 10:15
Der Flyer zu dieser Vorlesungsreihe wird im Materialordner zum Herunterladen zur Verfüfung stehen, sobald er erschienen ist.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2026-10-14 at 18:00
Room: C HS 5
An advanced knowledge of site characteristics and biogeochemical processes is an important prerequisite to meeting the many challenges that can occur when trying to restore or protect natural systems. This course aims to deepen an understanding of (terrestrial) ecosystem processes from a biogeochemical point of view. Due to the central role of soil in biogeochemical cycles, and thus ecosystem restoration, the course will, in particular, highlight (interactive) processes between soils, plants and other components of terrestrial ecosystems. Lab and field exercises will complement lectures and seminars and will impart knowledge on current methods aiming at an analysis of soil ecological processes including an introduction to experimental approaches addressing an assessment of human impacts on processes and biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial ecosystems.
Next appointment:
Monday, 2027-02-01 at 09:00
An advanced knowledge of site characteristics and biogeochemical processes is an important prerequisite to meeting the many challenges that can occur when trying to restore or protect natural systems. This course aims to deepen an understanding of (terrestrial) ecosystem processes from a biogeochemical point of view. Due to the central role of soil in biogeochemical cycles, and thus ecosystem restoration, the course will, in particular, highlight (interactive) processes between soils, plants and other components of terrestrial ecosystems. Lab and field exercises will complement lectures and seminars and will impart knowledge on current methods aiming at an analysis of soil ecological processes including an introduction to experimental approaches addressing an assessment of human impacts on processes and biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial ecosystems.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2027-02-03 at 09:00
Kennenlernen bodenkundlicher Profilaufnahmetechnik und Profilbeschreibung im Gelände an einer Toposequenz im Lüneburger Umland. Bestimmung von Bodeneigenschaften und Ableitung des Bodentyps und seiner Nutzungsoptionen.
Next appointment:
Friday, 2026-10-16 at 10:15
Im Rahmen des Tutoriums der dazugehörigen Übung „Baupläne und Organisationsformen“ sollen die Studierenden bei der Teilnahme dieser unterstützt und begleitet werden. Während der Tutoriums-Sitzungen sollen die Übungen vor- und nachbesprochen sowie Vorlesungsinhalte, mit denen der Übung in Verbindung gebracht werden. Daneben soll das Tutorium zudem als Orientierungspunkt im ersten Semester an der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg fungieren.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2026-10-21 at 14:15