'Tropical forest succession: drivers, mechanisms, and implications for restoration'

The world harbours a tremendous diversity of plant species. I am fascinated how these species differ in their characteristics (traits), and how these traits shape species performance, distribution, community assembly and ecosystem services. Such an understanding is needed if we want to design sustainable multifunctional landscapes that benefit both nature and society. For the past 30 years I have worked in tropical forests on three continents, collaborating closely with my PhD students and colleagues from all over the world. My current research focuses on  secondary forest succession and how these insights can be used for tropical forest restoration to green up the world. I am one of the coordinators of the 2ndFOR research network on secondary forest succession which brings together researchers and data across the tropics, and as an ERC Advanced Grant Laureate, I work on the Biodiversity and recovery of forests in tropical landscapes.

ERC Project - Biodiversity and Recovery of Forest in Tropical Landscapes (PANTROP)