SystemLink
RESEARCH TRAINING GROUP 2360GRADUIERTENKOLLEG 2360
SystemLink
Is a research training group with an innovative qualification plan for young researchers who investigates bottom-up and top-down interactions in terrestrial ecosystems propagating from aquatic environments as a result of their exposure to anthropogenic stress.
WHY?
The impact of matter input from terrestrial sources on aquatic systems is well known. The reverse process has received less attention.
We hypothesize that invasive species and micropollutant exposure cause top-down and bottom-up mediated responses in terrestrial ecosystems.
HOW?
PhD students in SystemLink either conduct experiments in unique aquatic terrestrial mesocosm facilities combined with laboratory and field research, or develop and apply process-based environmental models.
WHAT?
SystemLink thrives to increase the knowledge on effect translation across ecosystem boundaries by integrating biogeochemical fluxes and biological subsidies.
HIGHLIGHTS
09. March 2026
The sampling within the large joint SystemLink field study started. The 3rd cohort doctoral researchers started to equip the 100 sites between France and Poland with sampling devices. After an extremely demanding preparation phase the field work and regular sampling has now started and will certainly keep everyone busy until summer 2026.
24. January 2026
From 22 to 24 January 2026, we conducted the 1st scientific workshop for the doctoral researchers of the third cohort. The plans for the individual PhD projects were presented and discussed and we planned in detail the joint field study.
28. November 2025
SystemLink PhD candidate Franziska Middendorf successfully defended her doctoral thesis. We congratulate her on this great success.
Franziska completed her dissertation on the topic “Community patterns and prey consumption of arthropod predators at the aquatic-terrestrial interface.”
Insights into our work
GALLERY
Introduction SystemLink