UAntwerp - ECOSPHERE

Our research group combines the strengths of the available expertise in fundamental and applied research in aquatic ecology and in aquatic and terrestrial ecotoxicology and ecophysiology. Our research group aims to underpin environmental management decisions with fundamental knowledge at different levels of organisation, from cell to ecosystem. It combines laboratory experiments, field investigations, and mathematical modeling and goes beyond the impact studies toward solution-based research (mitigation and nature-based solutions). Within this framework, we focus on the interactions between organisms and physicochemical factors on all levels of biological organisation. Our main research themes are 1) Integrated water management; 2) Water and soil risk assessments; 3) Macro- and micronutrients for healthy ecosystems; 4) Bioavailability and accumulation of macro- and microcontaminants; and 5) Physiological and molecular mechanisms of stress and toxicity of macro- and microcontaminants. Our group consists of professors, research managers, technical staff, and researchers (e.g. post-doctorates and Ph.D. candidates) who combine chemical, molecular, physiological and ecological expertise to understand the propagation of stress effects across levels of structural and functional organization. This unique combination of know-how and approaches has allowed us to lead and participate in a range of national and international projects, and also to provide critical advice to regulators and industry to improve environmental management and regulations. Our research group aims to be the best answer to society’s battle for a healthy and safe environment.