Department of Biogeography, Paleoecology and Nature Conservation

Research Profile

The mission of the Department of Biogeography, Palaeoecology and Nature Conservation at the University of Lodz is to conduct cutting-edge research on the processes shaping spatial and temporal variation in the plants. We investigate how plants respond to changing environmental conditions, both across entire species ranges and through local adaptation. Our research examines the effects of contemporary climate change on vegetation and reconstructs environmental changes over the last several thousand years. Drawing on this expertise, we model the potential distribution of future biodiversity refugia.

We use the predictive power of biogeographical and experimental research to assess plant responses to environmental stress in a rapidly changing world. Our work integrates modern approaches from biology and geographical sciences, including GIS, remote sensing, spatial pattern analysis, algorithms, ecological niche and species distribution modelling, palaeoecological methods, and molecular biology.

We seek nature-based solutions to mitigate adverse environmental change . By addressing current scientific challenges arising from the impacts of human development, we aim to support the conservation and restoration of key processes in populations and ecosystems, and to develop effective strategies for biodiversity protection.

We also study environmental awareness among local communities. Our research explores the social acceptance of environmental projects and monitors public perception of actions related to nature conservation and climate protection.

Specific Research Areas

Refugia, range modelling and ecological niches: The role of refugia and relict populations in shaping spatial patterns of biodiversity. Mountain species occurring in lowland areas. The characteristics of refugial habitats and their capacity to buffer adverse environmental change.

Plant variability, evolution and local adaptation: Polyploidisation as a mechanism shaping plant variability and adaptation. The molecular basis of local adaptation. Genetic differentiation among populations. The role of epigenetic modifications in plant responses to environmental stress.

Palaeoecology: The effects of climate change, human activity, including deforestation, fire and pollution, on the development of lake, peatland and forest vegetation across different biogeographical zones. The development of wetland vegetation in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, as well as in European mountain ecosystems. Reconstruction of the ranges and habitat requirements of Sphagnum mosses. The development of river valleys in the Central European Lowlands and loess areas.

Remote sensing: Detection and mapping of invasive alien species using airborne remote sensing. Application of thermal data in environmental analyses. Use of remote sensing for urban tree inventories. Monitoring of Natura 2000 habitats using hyperspectral and airborne laser scanning data.

Nature conservation: Implementation of biodiversity strategies. Scientific foundations for achieving conservation objectives in nature reserves, landscape parks, Natura 2000 sites and national parks. Strategies for strengthening populations of endangered plant species through in situ and ex situ conservation.

Environmental awareness in society: Urban natural capital in the perception of city residents. Local community attitudes towards the preservation of natural values. Functioning and management of protected areas and other nature conservation forms at local and regional levels.