Vegetation Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation/ Conservation Biology and Fundamentals of Natural Sciences
NEWS:
12.08.2026 On Monday, 24th August 2026 at 2 pm, our guest researcher Dr. Mengcheng Duan will give a presentation in C14.102a with the title "Cell wall traits shape leaf drought tolerance: Evidence across regional and global scales”.
15.07.2026 A new study published in Journal of Applied Ecology shows effects of enhanced forest structure on diversity of understorey plant communities; co-authored by Pia Bradler, Werner Härdtle and Andreas Fichtner.
29.06.2026 New blog post introducing the DIVERSA project and research on how forest management influences trees’ resistance to heat and drought in Lower Saxony.
24.06.2026 A new study published in Journal of Ecology shows that the ecological effects of roe deer on temperate forest understories depend on canopy structure; co-authored by Pia Bradler and Andreas Fichtner.
Welcome to the website of the Professorship for Vegetation Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation at Leuphana University of Lüneburg.
As part of the School of Sustainability, our research is deeply rooted in the university's commitment to addressing urgent environmental challenges and fostering sustainable development.
The professorship is structured into two research groups, each focusing on different aspects of vegetation ecology. Both groups work closely together, with biodiversity as a central, unifying theme. We integrate fundamental research with applied approaches to better understand the causes and consequences of biodiversity change for ecosystem processes.
Using field studies, experiments, and modern analytical methods, we investigate the links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, aiming to provide a solid scientific basis for effective strategies in sustainable land use.
The Vegetation Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation research group conducts fundamental research on plant functional traits to gain deeper insights into the functional importance of biodiversity in regulating ecological processes. We investigate how traits such as leaf morphology or nutrient acquisition strategies vary along environmental gradients, and how species diversity and identity shape ecosystem functioning and services, including carbon sequestration and habitat provision.
A key focus is on model regions with pronounced environmental gradients, such as mountain ecosystems. Studying these regions allows us to analyse plant community composition and biodiversity patterns at a global scale, and to better understand how these communities respond to climate warming, human-induced disturbances, and the introduction of non-native species.
The Conservation Biology and Fundamentals of Natural Sciences research group integrates fundamental research with applied conservation. Our work focuses on plants, plant communities, and their protection. Botany and the practical teaching of species identification are central to our activities, with the aim of advancing biodiversity conservation.
We investigate how environmental changes shape ecological processes and plant community composition and diversity, and how this knowledge can serve as a foundation for sustainable conservation strategies. In particular, we focus on forest ecosystems, exploring both core ecological processes and applied conservation strategies.
Through our teaching activities, we aim to inspire and empower students by fostering their knowledge and critical thinking skills to drive positive change. Our courses provide a comprehensive understanding of ecological processes and strategies for biodiversity conservation, as well as their significance for sustainable land use and the delivery of ecosystem services. Fundamental scientific concepts are also integrated, helping students to better understand processes in nature and landscapes.
Head
Prof. Dr. Sylvia Haider, AG Vegetationsökologie und Biodiversitätsforschung
Prof. Dr. Andreas Fichtner, AG Naturschutzbiologie und Naturwissenschaftliche Grundlagen