New milestone: University of Münster and LWL Museum intensify research!

New milestone: University of Münster and LWL Museum intensify research!

The Department of Geosciences at the University of Münster and the LWL Museum of Natural History are deepening their long-standing collaboration in the areas of astronomy, paleontology and ecology. A central event in this context was the awarding of an honorary professorship to Dr. Jan Ole Kriegs, the director of the LWL Museum. The certificate was presented to him by the dean of the Department of Geosciences, Prof. Dr. Edzer Pebesma, presented. This honor reflects Kriegs' significant contribution to research and teaching, particularly to ecology and biodiversity at the Institute of Landscape Ecology.

Dr. Kriegs was not only involved in teaching, but also supervised over 20 theses on the faunistics and ecology of vertebrates. His research focus is on the ecology of mammals and biodiversity research. In addition, he has also done work in the areas of ornithology, evolutionary genetics and molecular biology. According to Prof. Dr. Sascha Buchholz, the managing director of the Institute for Landscape Ecology, says Kriegs' commitment significantly enriches the research and teaching offerings.

Strengthening cooperation

A significant result of this closer cooperation is the establishment of an outdoor laboratory for the rewetting of the Lünten Forest. In addition, joint events are also held in the areas of paleontology as well as planetary science and astrophysics. The founding of the Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research and Applied Ecology (CIBRA) illustrates the synergies between the university and the museum, with CIBRA functioning as an interdisciplinary network in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Münster. Partners in this project include the umbrella association of German avifaunists and the LWL Museum of Natural History.

The Animal Ecology working group, which is based at the University of Münster, investigates, among other things, spatial and temporal changes in biodiversity. The focus is on different groups of species and their adaptations to global change. This research also analyzes novel habitats such as cities, as well as stressors such as light and noise pollution or biological invasions. The aim is to create the basis for evidence-based species protection and to develop strategies to deal with the current biodiversity crisis.

Function in species protection

Another focus of the Animal Ecology Working Group is cooperation with various stakeholders in the area of ​​species and nature conservation as well as on planning issues. This also includes aspects of sustainable urban planning. By implementing biodiversity monitoring and long-term observations, well-founded knowledge is to be gained that can play a decisive role in practical species protection.

The close cooperation between the geosciences and the LWL Museum of Natural History ensures that both educational and research approaches in biology and ecology create synergies that go far beyond practical teaching. Developments in this area are not only of academic interest but also have far-reaching implications for conservation and environmental planning.