Research
We are passionate about understanding how and why animals behave and function the way they do—both in pristine environments and in those shaped by human activity. Much of our work is conducted with live animals under controlled laboratory conditions, complemented by approaches that incorporate ecological realism (e.g., mesocosms, field studies) and economic realism (e.g., animal production systems). We work across a broad range of (mostly aquatic) species, allowing us to explore biological processes across different levels of complexity and in diverse environmental settings.
Our key research themes:
Behaving under pressure: how animals respond to a changing world
We study how animals adjust their behaviour in response to environmental change—whether caused by chemical pollution, plastics, artificial light at night, or other stressors. We aim to understand both the causes and consequences of these changes, linking individual responses to population- and ecosystem-level outcomes. This work helps refine ecological theory and supports more effective environmental regulation.
Time is of the essence: rhythms, timing, and life stages
Nature is dynamic, and biological timing shapes virtually everything. We investigate how animals’ responses to environmental change vary with time—be it time of day, season, or life stage—and how disruptions to natural biological rhythms affect both organisms and the ecosystems they inhabit.
The company they keep: species interactions under stress
Animals live in networks of interactions—with partners, competitors, parasites, predators, and prey. We explore how environmental change reshapes these interactions, including symbioses like those between jellyfish and dinoflagellates or between hydra and green algae. These relationships could amplify or buffer the effects of stressors—an area that is still mostly unknown terrain.
Life in fleeting waters: the ecology of temporary aquatic habitats
We investigate how organisms interact with each other and their environment in surface waters, with a special focus on temporary ponds—biodiversity hotspots that are often overlooked. Our research centres on the ecology and evolution of annual killifish and large branchiopods in (south)east Africa. These dynamic habitats offer unique opportunities to study ecological questions and inform conservation and sustainable management.
What’s in the water? Ecotoxicology of emerging pollutants
Ecosystems today face increasing chemical pressure—from pharmaceutical residues to pesticides and microplastics. We assess how these pollutants affect animal health and behaviour, often at low concentrations and in complex mixtures. Our work focuses not just on the effects themselves, but also on how best to study them—bridging the gap between lab-based ecotoxicology and ecological realism to support safer chemical management.
Smarter systems: sustainability and welfare in aquaculture
We apply ecological and behavioural knowledge to improve the sustainability of aquatic animal production. This means reducing environmental impact, enhancing animal welfare, and developing evidence-based husbandry practices. Working closely with pilot-scale facilities, we aim to translate fundamental research into practical solutions for greener aquaculture.
Better science for better outcomes: meta-research and open practices
We reflect on how science is conducted, shared, and rewarded. Our work in meta-science focuses on increasing rigour, transparency, and inclusivity in ecological and ecotoxicological research. From preregistration and open data to fair authorship practices, we champion a research culture that is not only excellent but also equitable and trustworthy.