Public concerns, evidence from research, and increasing scientific knowledge are all driving widespread discussions on air pollution, climate change, and forest health problems. Our research group investigates the combined effects of air pollutants and environmental stressors on plants and forest ecosystems. In order to assess the forest health status and to estimate the forest risk we combine the sciences from plant physiology, forest inventory, and environmental monitoring including meteorology. We draw conclusions and develop quantitative scenarios for stakeholders on a regional and international level.
Based on the Geneva Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (UNECE LRTAP), both, our investigations as well as the collaboration with our partners are based on the broad network for Long-Term Forest Ecosystem Research (LWF) within the framework of ICP-Forests. This network is complemented by intensive research platforms which allow us to answer questions regarding the mechanistic and multi-causal interrelationships between environmental stressors and forest ecosystem responses.
Current main research projects
Assessment of Ozone Flux for Switzerland, Application – Validation – Further Development O3FLUX
Principle Investigator of Model Ecosystem Facility MODOEK
International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring
of Air Pollution Effects on Forests ICP-Forests
Further Development and Implementation of an EU-level Forest Monitoring System FutMon
National representative for the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research Network LTER-Europe
SHANSHUI – 山水 BOTH WAYS when art meets science at the Kunstmuseum Bern; in collaboration with prohelvetia and the ETH board>>> (see movie)
23rd IUFRO World Congress, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 23-28 August 2010.
Session on “Changes in climate and air pollution – new directions in
forest monitoring, research and modeling” >>>