Trained and worked as a plant ecologist, I have devoted much of my scientific career to plant interactions, particularly on plant roots and how they behave in their dynamic soil environment. I am increasingly interested in how the biodiversity of ecosystems is regulated and sustained. Together with students and colleagues, I am involved in projects developing empirical and statistical tools to understand how the species richness of plant, bird and insect communities is maintained. For almost 8 years, I have served the Institute for Water and Wetland Research of Radboud University as a Research Director. I am interested in applying my knowledge and experience towards the development and management of viable ecological communities. To this aim I am exploring programs with scientists from a variety of different disciplines as well as partnerships with NGO's, institutes, industry and governmental institutions.