Vegetation Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation/ Conservation Biology and Fundamentals of Natural Sciences
NEWS:
30.04.2016 A new study published in Journal of Ecology shows how tree species richness and mycorrhizal type can alter the dynamics of leaf litter fall and thereby positively influence nutrient cycles in forests; co-authored by Andreas Fichtner.
30.04.2026 Leaf strategies vary across species, but also across individuals from the same species and even within the same tree crown. Read our new blog post about our recent study on leaf variability along forest diversity gradients
24.04.2026 A new global study in Global Ecology and Biogeography shows that mountain roads create distinct soil thermal microclimates – warmer highs, colder lows, and increased frost risk – highlighting their overlooked role in shaping mountain ecosystems and species distributions; co-authored by Sylvia Haider.
22.04.2026 New blog post covering recent publication on biotic homogenization in mountains
24.03.2026 A new publication in Landscape Ecology shows: the enhancement of deadwood quantity and diversity increases the diversity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among forest patches – and thereby highlights an overlooked, invisible dimension of habitat heterogeneity; co-authored by Pia Bradler und 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, Vegetation Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation research group
Prof. Dr. Andreas Fichtner, Conservation Biology and Fundamentals of Natural Sciences research group