Freshwater Ecosystem Health
Prof. Dr. Sonja C. Jähnig
At the UDE, I aim to develop research into ecosystem health (‘Freshwater Ecosystem Health’) and to closely interlink three areas: the dynamics of changes in biodiversity, the contributions of aquatic ecosystems to human well-being, and the cultural and health dimensions of biodiversity.
For example, I will investigate where restoration can be particularly effective and what role the interfaces between water bodies and land play. Another focus will be on large freshwater species and non-native species. At the same time, I would like to systematically reassess the cultural significance of freshwater species and ecosystems.
At the UDE and within the RC One Health Ruhr at the Ruhr University Alliance, I am able to bring together expertise from aquatic ecology, microbiology, ecotoxicology and neuroscience for this purpose. I also plan to collaborate with the social sciences, for example on perceptions of biodiversity and the societal acceptance of restoration.
The working group’s website is under construction; in the meantime, please visit the existing page on the IGB website for further information about my research.