Inaugural Lecture by Prof. Dr. Michael Staab

TITLE: “BIODIVERSITY, ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING AND SPECIES INTERACTION NETWORKS”

Abstract: All species are not occurring in isolation but are embedded within a complex web of abiotic and biotic interactions. Drawing from my past research on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and species interactions, I will illustrate why biodiversity matters for ecosystems and how the relationship between biodiversity and functions can be mediated by interactions. The lecture will in part also be a personal journey through different fields of ecology, with an outlook on current and future research directions.

Prof. Dr. Michael Staab has been Professor of Animal Ecology and Trophic Interactions at Leuphana University of Lüneburg since March 2025. His research group studies the ecology of terrestrial invertebrates (particularly insects), with a focus on the effects of changing ecosystems on species communities, interactions between species, and the ecosystem processes that depend on species and interactions. The research conducted by the chair is quantitative and integrates a broad range of methods.

Title: Biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and species interaction networks
Time: Wednesday, May 6 2026, 14.15-15.00 p.m.
Location: Lecture Hall 5 (HS 5)