VUB establishes Global Change Biology

Brussels and other cities as a living lab of ecological change and evolutionary adaptation. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel has a new research specialisation in biology. As of today, researcher Thomas Merckx will start the group 'Global Change Biology' within the biology department. The researchers will study, among other things, urban evolutionary ecology. This includes the various aspects of environmental change caused by urbanisation and their effect, genetic or otherwise, on fauna and flora. The effects of urbanisation will be studied globally, but also locally, in Brussels. Merckx: "The intention is to use Brussels too as a 'living lab'. Since Brussels is a big city, one can expect numerous ecological changes and evolutionary adaptations," says Merckx. "We will also use the city for educational purposes. I'll venture into the city with students so that they can discover it as a unique biotope." Battle against urban heat islands. The group's ambition goes even further. They want to translate their research results into practical advice for urban planners. For example, Merckx and his team want to mitigate the urban-heat-island effect and urban biodiversity loss: "Natural solutions are usually more effective than high-tech technology because they simultaneously offer various ecosystem services. Trees, for example, provide a cooling effect, purify the air and are essential links within numerous biological processes. Urban ponds too are able to reduce ambient temperatures, while providing an entire ecosystem at the same time. However, it is crucial to take measures that result in the desired effect. Which tree species are best planted in a particular spot?