Welcome to the website of the Terrestrial Ecology Unit, one of the vibrant research consortia within the Department of Biology.
The consortium brings together three complementary labs, each led by a full-time professor: the ECoBird lab (Luc Lens & Frederick Verbruggen), the Spatial Ecology and Evolution lab (Dries Bonte), and the Molecular Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics lab (Nicky Wybouw).
Our competitive research programs focus on evolutionary mechanisms, biotic interactions, population and community dynamics, and life history strategies in terrestrial plants and animals. A wide range of methods are used, including laboratory and field experiments, behavioural observations and computer simulations, and research results are interpreted and implemented in both fundamental (evolutionary ecology) and applied (conservation) settings. To ensure scientific excellence and promote technological innovation, our researchers are actively involved in several national and international research networks. They are also heavily involved in academic teaching, both within the Biology program and beyond.
We invite you to explore our website and please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information. Enjoy your visit!