Society for

Tropical Ecology [gtö]

#ECTE2026

Keynote Speakers

​Dr. Bea MaasUniversity of Vienna            Prof. Rob MarchantUniversity of York

​Interview: Dr. Bea MaasWhat are you currently working on – and what fascinates you personally about your research topic?I currently lead and co-lead research projects that investigate how biodiversity and ecosystem services respond to land-use change and conservation efforts, particularly in tropical and Mediterranean agroecosystems. What fascinates me is the dynamic interplay between ecological processes and human activities - and how science can support sustainable solutions that work for both nature and people. I am especially inspired by interdisciplinary collaborations and science communication efforts that help translate ecological knowledge into real-world impact.What contribution do you think the conference can make to international research?The European Conference of Tropical Ecology offers a vital platform for interdisciplinary exchange and inclusive dialogue across continents. It connects researchers working in tropical regions with European institutions, encourages early-career engagement, and fosters collaborations that are urgently needed to address the biodiversity and climate crises. Conferences like this play a key role in building strong, diverse scientific communities and sharing innovative, locally grounded research at a global scale.What advice would you give to young researchers or students interested in tropical ecology?Stay curious, open-minded, and persistent. Tropical ecology is both incredibly rewarding and often challenging - it requires intercultural sensitivity, ethical awareness, and a commitment to long-term learning. I encourage young researchers to build supportive networks, engage with local communities, and communicate their work beyond academia. Above all, follow your fascination and remember that every contribution matters.   Interview: Prof. Rob MarchantWhat are you currently working on - and what fascinates you personally about your research topic?There are a number of themes I am working on around the East African Mountains. Mountains globally are under pressure from a perfect storm of changing climates, growing populations, biodiversity threats and agricultural transformations; challenges that increasingly impact not just mountain communities, but also the surrounding lowlands that rely on highlands for the provision of resources, most obviously water. But such changes have global impacts too, since mountains are often hotspots of biodiversity and act as carbon sinks. The multiple services provided by ecosystems are referred to as Nature's Contribution to People and encapsulated within the Nature's Future Framework. However, there is little appreciation of how mountain socio ecological systems have evolved and how people's interaction with nature has changed and what the drivers of this change have been. We recognize that human systems and ecosystems are now so interlinked that they must be understood as social-ecological systems; in our case mountain socio ecological systems. Focussed on contrasting East African mountain settings, we are combining state-of-the-art modelling and valuation assessments to co-produce pathways for sustainable futures by understanding the past, present and future of MtSES within the Nature's Future Framework that characterises how societies exploit, co-exist with, or enhance nature and how this relationship has evolved.What contribution do you think the conference can make to international research?There are so many great new insights and data presented at conferences such as this - this is where the research agenda is shaped, new collaborations formed and new seeds sown for the future tropical ecology shoots.What advice would you give to young researchers or students interested in tropical ecology?Take opportunities where possible, make opportunities happen by reaching out to people you could be interested in working with and most importantly follow what you enjoy doing - play to your strengths, whatever they could be… 

​Dr. Viola HeinrichGFZ Potsdam            Dr. Alfredo Romero-MuñozHumboldt-Universität zu Berlin

​Interview: Dr. Viola HeinrichWhat are you currently working on - and what fascinates you personally about your research topic?I focus on developing and using novel Earth Observation methods to quantify post-disturbance tropical forest dynamics, particularly in terms of carbon fluxes. What drives me to do this research on a daily basis is working at the frontier between Earth Observation applications and policy implications of such work, and how science can be made applicable and usable for operational needs, especially for quantifying the forest carbon budget within National Greenhouse Gas Inventory reporting.What contribution do you think the conference can make to international research?ECTE is crucial to build bridges across different research fields in tropical ecology and appreciate the complex biogeographical interactions within the tropics. The conference will be an excellent opportunity to learn first hand of the diverse international research happening across the world, dedicated to tropical ecology.What advice would you give to young researchers or students interested in tropical ecology?It is okay to switch research fields, I went from learning about Antarctic glaciers in my undergraduate, to researching tropical secondary forest in my PhD. Be curious, ask questions, and be open to new ideas, different approaches and collaborations across different research fields. Actively engage with local scientists, whether you are researching DNA of tiny bugs or using global remote sensing data.   Interview: Dr. Alfredo Romero-MuñozWhat are you currently working on, and what fascinates you about your research topic?I am assessing the cost-effectiveness of conservation strategies for large predators in the Chiquitano and Chaco dry forests of South America, using collaborative approaches and population modeling.Following intensive field seasons, our team is currently processing extensive acoustic and camera trapping data to understand the impacts and opportunities of land use and hunting on biodiversity across  different socio-ecological systems.What excites me most is identifying which conservation actions and management practices – and where to implement them – would result on the greatest benefits for biodiversity in one of the world's most threatened regions. What are your expectations for the conference in Passau?I am thrilled to join the European Conference of Tropical Ecology 2026 in Passau. The conference’s focus on interactions between species, ecosystems, and people is very timely and addresses some of the most pressing challenges in tropical conservation. It is, however, quite challenging to confront in research. Therefore, I am particularly looking forward to learning from diverse approaches to these complex questions. I am sure that hearing other researchers’ work on these will inspire my own research. This will also be my first time visiting Passau, and I'm hoping to explore the beautiful nature along the Danube! If you had to describe your research in one sentence, what would it be?Identifying effective conservation responses in expanding agricultural frontiers.

​Dr. Maria FungomeliNational Museums of Kenya            Prof. Alexandre AntonelliKew Gardens

​ Interview Dr. Maria FungomeliWhat are you currently working on — and what fascinates you personally about your research topic?At present, I am undertaking several interconnected research initiatives, ecological and socio-ecological surveys, all rooted to advancing the ecological understanding and conservation of Kenya’s coastal forests.These projects encompass the monitoring of butterfly species distribution, assessment of forest vegetation dynamics, and investigation of the ecological and climatic drivers influencing biodiversity in fragmented habitats in the coastal forests of Kenya. By integrating ecological data with community engagement, my work aims to support sustainable conservation strategies that protect these vulnerable yet biodiverse environments. What fascinates me most is the profound interconnectedness of all life?Every species plays a vital role in a broader ecological narrative, and I find deep fulfilment in uncovering these intricate relationships, especially when they inform science-based conservation strategies for Kenya’s coastal forests.Beyond, I am deeply passionate about the human-environment dimension of conservation. By collaborating closely with communities adjacent to these forests to promote environmental awareness and sustainable strategies. Seeing these communities embrace conservation, recognizing its ecological importance alongside benefits, is truly where my research comes to life.Ultimately, my motivation stems from the conviction that effective conservation of our forests depends on the collaborative partnership between scientific research and local communities that depend on them, ensuring their protection for generations to come. What contribution do you think the conference can make to international research?The ECTE Tropical Ecology conference serves as a crucial international platform for advancing ecological research and conservation in tropical regions and beyond. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and sharing of cutting-edge scientific knowledge, it is where crucial knowledge is shared that contributes to shaping the future of ecological research and fostering meaningful international collaborations. What advice would you give to young researchers or students interested in tropical ecology?My advice to young researchers or students interested in tropical ecology is to embrace interdisciplinary approaches, as tropical ecosystems are incredibly complex and biodiverse. Collaborate with researchers across disciplines and borders; ecology is rarely a solo pursuit.Not having all the answers at the beginning is part of the journey, stay open-minded and eager to learn. Do not hesitate to reach out to others. Some of the most valuable insights come from meaningful conversations and collaborations. Finally, remember that your work has the power to make a real difference, not only in academia but also in how we understand, protect, and coexist with our natural environments.