Earth and related environmental sciences

The focus of our research lies on the evolution of vertebrates. Fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals have evolved over millions of years to survive challenging conditions. This lead to a tremendous number of different species (biodiversity), but also resulted in a wide morphological variety (disparity). Physically different habitats, such as the transition from a life in water to a life on land, imposed manifold pressures on the organisms. These dramatic differences of the respective environment require adaptations in the structure and function of the organismal body.

The group is dedicated to the following research activities:

The Ecology research division has five research units with advanced knowledge of the basic functioning of the high latitude ecosystems, on land, in the fjords and in oceanic waters.

The multidisciplinary research of our group has an emphasis on new technology to enhance the understanding of ecosystem responses to environmental changes.

The common theme is to relate traditional ecological observations to genetics at the molecular level.

In the CEPAC we develop research on Heritage, Landscape and Construction, namely on water resources, land use planning, urbanism, urban rehabilitation. history, environmental assessment and engineering for sustainability framed in the CEPAC's interdisciplinary.

Contributing knowledge towards a sustainable and resilient society” is the 4th research objective of CIMA and aims to: communicate scientific knowledge to diverse audiences; support authorities in planning, developing, and implementing coastal and maritime strategies; and participate in national and international organizations for the management of natural marine resources. 

Promoting research applied to the environment and the exploitation of resources, aiming to increase the well-being and sustainability of our society in the context of a changing world. 

Assessing and mitigating global changes and risks

Developing sustainable resource exploitation

Development and technological improvement of marine renewable energy