Population Biology

In the Population Biology Group, we explore the evolution of ageing and the impact of climate change on populations, spanning both animals and plants. Our approach includes field observations, database construction and analysis, and modeling techniques such as structured population models and Bayesian statistics. Our research is dedicated to understanding population dynamics, mortality, and fertility trends to inform conservation efforts and tackle ecological and evolutionary challenges.

Sound Communication and Behaviour

The Sound Communication and Behaviour Group studies vocal communication at the interface of behavioural neuroscience, biomechanics, robotics and physiology. We use an integrative, high-tech experimental approach including laboratory, modeling, robotics and field studies in a comparative setting across a wide range of animals, including songbirds, frogs, bats and whales. We have a strong emphasis on and excellence in physics, computation, signal analysis and method development and innovation.

Nordcee

Since 2005, at Nordcee we study how microorganisms interact with their environment. Our particular focus is on how microbes influence the biogeochemical cycling of elements even in the deepest places on Earth - the abyssal plains and the hadal trenches. We also explore how life and Earth co-evolved over billions of years and how microbial life gave rise to O2, creating beneficial conditions for the emergence of complex lifeforms, like us. Additionally, we study how microbes in the Anthropocene act as sinks or sources of various greenhouse gases; and we devise geo-and bio-engineered strategies to harness microbial metabolisms for sustainable technologies of the future.

Ecology

Research in the ecology group focuses on the natural cycle of C, N and P and pressing human impacts such as eutrophication and climate change on aquatic ecosystems. We combine this knowledge with the ecology of flora and fauna to provide a unique set of nature-based solutions and restoration projects. We investigate freshwater and marine ecosystems spanning a wide range of topics including soil and sediment bio-geochemistry, restoration of lakes, streams, wetlands, coastal habitats (saltmarshes, seagrass, blue mussels, stone reefs), and coastal areas as well as pelagic food-webs, benthic fauna- and fish ecology. We develop applications on the sustainable use of P in waste-water systems, harvesting of marine natural products and blue growth. Our climate adaptation projects encompass environmental sound solutions to rain-water basins and coastal managed realignment.

Ecotoxicology

In the Ecotoxicology research group we mainly focus on the harmful effects of chemicals on a range of different organisms in the nature. We work on endocrine disrupting chemicals, pesticides, medicaments in the environment and heavy metals. We carry out controlled dose-response studies in the laboratory as well as study effects in the nature on different model organisms such as mussels, snails, fish, amphibians, invertebrates and mammals. Additionally, we are involved in the issue regarding the global spreading of invasive species via ship’s ballast water. We are working on advancing methods for improving organism viability assessment after treatment of ballast water.

CPop - Biology

CPop-Biology is a fundamental part of The Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics (CPop) where we contribute to the research areas of Biodemography, Method development for ageing research and Database development. Our research focuses on understanding the dynamics of animal and plant populations, and the consequences of these dynamics for conservation and management. We also focus on understanding the evolution of life histories and sex differences in the demographic trajectories of mortality and fertility across the tree of life. CPop-Biology's work is inherently interdisciplinary with ongoing collaborations across departments and faculties at SDU and further afield.

Sound and Behaviour

The research area Sound and Behaviour explores the relationship between an animal's behavior and the function of its sensory organs and related pieces of nervous system. Of particular interest are biosonar and the physiological mechanisms behind hearing and sound production in a variety of different animal groups including mammals, birds, frogs and insects.

Nordcee

Since 2005, at Nordcee we study how microorganisms interact with their environment. Our particular focus is on how microbes influence the biogeochemical cycling of elements even in the deepest places on Earth - the abyssal plains and the hadal trenches. We also explore how life and Earth co-evolved over billions of years and how microbial life gave rise to O2, creating beneficial conditions for the emergence of complex lifeforms, like us. Additionally, we study how microbes in the Anthropocene act as sinks or sources of various greenhouse gases; and we devise geo-and bio-engineered strategies to harness microbial metabolisms for sustainable technologies of the future.

Ecophysiology

Within the research area ecophysiology we investigate how animals adapt to change in environmental conditions. Aquatic environments show large variations in physical and chemical parameters (e.g. temperature, oxygen availability, salinity), which can be either periodic or of a more permanent nature. Our research involves various aquatic model organisms (especially fish) in investigations of how environmental changes cause acute disturbances in animal physiology, which triggers compensatory responses that allow physiological adaption to the changing environment. Ecotoxicology.

Ecology

Life in the ocean and fresh waters are studied within Ecology. The research spans from bacteria to animals and plants and covers both the individual organism's anatomy and physiology and its ecological role in aquatic nutrient and energy cycles. A detailed understanding of the function and productivity of the ecosystem is developed along with an indication of its vulnerability to man-made and natural changes. A special focus on microbial ecology grounds an investigation of early life on earth.

Ecotoxicology

In the Ecotoxicology research group we mainly focus on the harmful effects of chemicals on a range of different organisms in the nature. We work on endocrine disrupting chemicals, pesticides, medicaments in the environment and heavy metals. We carry out controlled dose-response studies in the laboratory as well as study effects in the nature on different model organisms such as mussels, snails, fish, amphibians, invertebrates and mammals. Additionally, we are involved in the issue regarding the global spreading of invasive species via ship’s ballast water. We are working on advancing methods for improving organism viability assessment after treatment of ballast water.