Department of Environment

About ForNaLab

ForNaLab is committed to the study of the global biodiversity crisis, its drivers and its solutions. We generate fundamental knowledge, identify key levers for change and actively initiate and communicate transformative actions. 

We are a team with about 40 staff members and are headed by Prof Kris Verheyen, Prof Lander Baeten, Prof Pieter De Frenne and Prof Jan Mertens. 

Our research group is part of the department of Environment, and member of the Natural Capital research theme of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University, Belgium.  

ForNaLab’s research mission 

ForNaLab studies the complex relationships among ecological processes, composition and structure within forest, grassland, agricultural, and urban ecosystems. We aim to address topical management and policy issues, and seek to answer the following key research questions: 

  • How are biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and ecosystem services interconnected? 

  • How are global environmental changes impacting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning? 

  • How can we leverage these insights to develop nature-based solutions for societal challenges in close collaboration with practitioners and other stakeholders? 

Our main research themes are: 

Biodiversity – ecosystem functioning:  

We study the effects of tree species diversity on the associated diversity of, e.g., the herb layer and soil-dwelling arthropods, and ecosystem services such as tree growth and nutrient cycling. We aim to (1) provide hands-on advice to forest managers on which tree species or tree species combinations maximize forest ecosystem performance and functioning in various environmental contexts and (2) inform policy makers about the role of biodiversity conservation in forests.

Impacts of global changes:

 An ever-increasing mixture of anthropogenic stresses is acting on ecosystems worldwide. Land-use change, fragmentation, elevated atmospheric deposition, and climate change are key threats for the biodiversity and functioning of temperate forests. By studying the effects of these global changes on the trees, herb layer, and belowground soil biota of temperate forests across the globe, we help policymakers and forest managers to develop urgently needed adaptation strategies. 

Ecological restoration: 

Worldwide, biodiversity is deteriorating due to severe ecosystem fragmentation and high environmental pressure. The EU realizes that conservation of habitats and biodiversity is important for the maintenance of ecosystem functions and the provision of ecosystem services. EU member states are urged to take measures for maintaining and restoring natural habitats and need to stipulate conservation targets for different habitat types and species. In Flanders, at least 25.000 ha of new natural habitat must be created to meet these targets, largely on agricultural land, which poses a significant challenge. We are building a knowledge center of expertise on the topic of ecosystem restoration, from a fundamental and a practical point of view. Our research directly supports the education of ecosystem managers and university students. 

Management for multiple ecosystem services: 

Ecosystems provide a multitude of services to society. Traditionally, ecosystems have been managed to optimize the provisioning services such as wood production, but the importance of the regulating (e.g. carbon sequestration, flood control) and cultural ecosystem services (e.g. recreation) is increasingly recognized. We aim to develop management strategies that optimize a multitude of services. 

 

ForNaLab’s vision 

  1. ForNaLab is committed to studying, tackling and educating about the global biodiversity crisis. We generate fundamental knowledge, identify the key levers for change, and actively initiate and communicate transformative actions. By working at ForNaLab, you actively support this mission.  

  1. We commit to highquality education for students in the bachelor and master of bioscience engineering and bioscience engineering technology. We provide engaging, evidencebased teaching on forest and nature topics, inspiring students to develop strong knowledge, critical thinking, and respect for ecosystems.  

  1. We foster continuous personal and professional growth. We provide an academic environment that encourages learning, skill development, and mutual knowledge exchange.  

  1. We embrace open communication and constructive feedback. Transparency, clear mutual expectations and respectful dialogue are essential to how we work. We create an environment where ideas can be shared freely, and feedback is given thoughtfully and constructively.  

  1. We build a supportive and connected community. Collaboration and mutual support are core to our culture. We encourage teamwork, foster strong connections, and create an environment where asking for help is seen as a strength.  

  1. We recognize that a PhD is a structured training program. Doctoral research is viewed as an educational trajectory aligned with the quality framework for PhD training at Ghent University. We ensure that all PhD candidates receive guidance, resources, and opportunities to develop both academically as well as professionally towards independent researchers.  

  1. We value broad engagement beyond research. We actively contribute to services, education, science dissemination, field campaigns of other projects, and the overall functioning of the lab  

  1. We promote a safe and sustainable workplace. We commit to making responsible, sustainable choices for people and planet, in every aspect of our work environment, with the aim of minimizing our environmental impact and contributing positively to society.   

  1. We actively support the wellbeing of all team members. We foster a balanced, respectful, and inclusive work culture. We acknowledge that periods of high workload and stress can arise, and we commit to recognizing this openly and supporting   one another through it.  

  1. We commit to integrity. Every member of ForNaLab adheres to the highest standards of honesty, ethics, and scientific rigor in all activities. We actively teach these standards to our students.