Theses for students
The research group investigates how plant communities are structured, maintained, and transformed across spatial and temporal scales under ongoing global change. We focus on the mechanisms that shape plant diversity, community assembly and ecosystem functioning in response to climate and land-use change as well as other human-induced pressures. By combining classical vegetation ecology and biogeography with functional trait approaches and quantitative, data-driven methods, we link plant–environment interactions with processes at early life-cycle stages such as reproduction, regeneration and establishment. This multi-scale perspective allows us to connect contemporary field observations with long-term records of vegetation and traits to better understand and predict biodiversity change.
Research approach and infrastructure
We integrate classical phytosociology, modern vegetation ecology and biogeography with functional trait approaches and quantitative methods. Particular emphasis is placed on linking plant-environment interactions with processes at early life-cycle stages (reproduction, regeneration, and establishment) to improve understanding of vegetation dynamics under global change.
The group manages a functional trait ecology laboratory supporting experimental, field-based, and data-driven research on plant functional traits across organs and life stages. The infrastructure enables trait measurements of vegetative and, in particular, regenerative organs, including pollen, seeds, and seedlings. Available equipment includes facilities for image-based analyses of plant anatomical and morphological structures and for experimental manipulation of environmental conditions (e.g. temperature and moisture). In addition, the group has access to greenhouses with controlled growing conditions and on-campus field sites, enabling experimental and observational studies under semi-controlled and natural conditions. These facilities are complemented by standard field equipment for vegetation surveys and trait sampling, as well as computing resources for statistical analysis and data integration.
Understanding vegetation change through time
A central focus of our work is the analysis of long-term vegetation change. By combining historical datasets (phytosociological archives, historical maps and herbaria) with contemporary resurveys, we quantify shifts in species composition, functional structure, and ecosystem properties. This allows us to disentangle the relative roles of climate change, land-use transformation, and altered disturbance regimes in shaping plant communities.
Functional traits and ecological mechanisms
We use plant functional traits to link species composition with ecosystem processes. Our research examines how traits related to growth, regeneration (e.g. seeds and pollen), stress tolerance, and resource acquisition determine species performance under changing environmental conditions. This mechanistic perspective enables us to move beyond descriptive biodiversity patterns and identify the processes driving community assembly, resilience, and ecosystem functioning.
Regeneration ecology and early life stages
Special emphasis is placed on regenerative traits: gametophyte and flower characteristics, seed dispersal, seed banks, germination strategies, pollen, and seedling performance. Early life stages often determine species persistence and migration potential under global change. By integrating experimental approaches with large-scale comparative analyses, we assess how reproductive and regenerative strategies mediate plant responses to climate and land-use change.
Teaching: Hands-on and evidence-based
Teaching in the group Vegetation Ecology, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics spans plant systematics, plant ecology, vegetation science and biogeography across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and teacher-training programmes. The portfolio includes foundational courses (e.g. plant identification), method-oriented modules (e.g. applied vegetation science and data analysis for natural sciences), and advanced courses addressing ecosystem dynamics and global change (e.g. “Biodiversity” and “Biogeography”).
A strong emphasis is placed on field-based teaching, species identification, and the integration of empirical data with quantitative analysis. Courses combine lectures, practicals, excursions, and project-based formats, enabling students to acquire both conceptual understanding and applied skills relevant to research and practice.
An up-to-date overview of all courses, including detailed module descriptions and current schedules, is available via the official university platform
Join us!
We welcome motivated students and researchers interested in vegetation ecology, functional plant ecology, phytosociology and biodiversity research. We offer a collaborative, friendly and respectful research environment that combines field-based work, experimental approaches and quantitative data analysis. Our group is based in Hannover, a vibrant university city with excellent infrastructure, strong research networks and easy access to diverse landscapes in nothern Germany. The location provides an attractive balance between high academic standards, international connectivity and a high quality of life.
Prospective collaboration partners at all levels are encouraged to contact us early to discuss potential topics and funding options. When getting in touch, please include a brief, personalised description of your research interests, background, and availability. General or template-based inquiries (including AI-generated messages) are unlikely to receive a reply.
-
Funding opportunities
Depending on career stage, several funding routes are available:
Bachelor’s and Master’s students
Theses and internships are typically integrated into ongoing projects. Funding may be available through university programmes, student assistant positions, or mobility schemes (e.g. Erasmus+).Doctoral researchers
Doctoral positions are mainly funded through third-party projects or structured doctoral programmes (open PhD positions can be found here). We also support applications for individual fellowships (DAAD and foundation-based schemes). Some doctoral candidates are funded through government scholarships from their home countries, foreign universities or research councils, or through joint supervision (cotutelle) agreements. Germany is generally receptive to such models, provided that supervision and financing are secured in advance. Tuition fees are usually low or do not apply at public universities.- Open positions at LUH
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): Scholarship database
- German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU): Doctoral scholarships
- German Academic Scholarship Foundation: Doctoral scholarships
- Heinrich Boell Foundation: Scholarships
- Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS): Scholarship and culture
Postdoctoral researchers
Postdoctoral researchers are typically funded through externally funded research projects or individual fellowships. We actively support applications to national and international funding programmes and welcome inquiries from strong candidates interested in developing independent research profiles in Germany.
Key funding routes include:- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships)
EU-funded fellowships supporting international mobility and advanced training. Funding is provided through a full employment contract and places strong emphasis on international experience and career development. Applicants must fulfil the MSCA mobility rule (no long-term residence in Germany prior to application). - DAAD
The DAAD offers several funding schemes for international postdoctoral researchers, supporting short- and long-term research stays. These programmes are particularly relevant for early postdocs and return mobility and are often discipline- or country-specific. - DFG
The DFG supports postdoctoral researchers through individual and project-based programmes, including the Walter Benjamin Programme (early postdocs), Research Grants (Sachbeihilfe) with postdoctoral positions, and the Emmy Noether Programme for advanced postdocs aiming to establish an independent research group.
Visiting researchers
Short-term research stays (from a few weeks to several months) are possible through several funding routes. Common options include DAAD short-term research grants, Erasmus+ short-term mobility (for doctoral candidates, postdocs, and staff), and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation programmes linked to research collaboration. In addition, short-term visits can be arranged through institutional exchange agreements or on a self-funded basis.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Sergey Rosbakh
Phone
Address
Herrenhäuser Str.2, Geb.4112B
30419 Hannover
30419 Hannover
Building
Room
Prof. Dr. Sergey Rosbakh
Phone
