Inspiring Nottingham Research Fellows
Sofie Sjögersten, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, Faculty of Science
My research focuses on how environmental change impacts on biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem processes.
How would you explain your research?
My research centres on understanding the mechanisms that control ecosystems function, particularly carbon cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in natural and agricultural ecosystems. I work both in the Arctic and the Tropics to quantify the impacts of climate change and agricultural practices on vulnerable ecosystems with the aim to protect and preserve the ecosystem services they provide. For example, we are currently working on understanding how agriculture on peatlands in Southeast Asia release greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, and also how natural tropical peatland forest in the Congo and Panama store carbon and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
What inspired you to pursue this area of research?
Ultimately, I am interested in how nature works and the importance of ecosystems for humans. I find both tropical and arctic ecosystems fascinating because they share similarities and differences with the forests I know from my childhood in rural Sweden. I like the adventure of working in a place that is new to me, as it triggers my curiosity. I am also driven by the fact that protecting both arctic and tropical peatland ecosystems is important to mitigate climate change, which is the biggest challenge of our time.
Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time
How will your research affect the average person?
Climate change is already having severe impacts around the globe and in the UK - we will soon all be affected by it. My research contributes to the research community’s effort to deliver concrete understanding of how ecosystem responses will impact the global climate.
What’s the biggest challenge in your field?
Practical field work in remote areas is often challenging but ultimately very rewarding. Data is hard to collect but offers novel insight into understudied regions.
The biggest challenge is to ensure our scientific understanding of ecosystem responses is used by politicians to mitigate climate change and manage ecosystems sustainably.
What’s the greatest moment of your career so far?
I am very proud of the work we have carried out in tropical peatland areas, as these understudied systems highlight their importance to policy makers and support more sustainable management.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Choose an area of research that you really find interesting and that you think is important. I also think that seeking collaboration across disciplines allows you to investigate with a new perspective - it keeps you curious.
What research other than your own really excites you?
I am extremely interested in the socio-economic aspects of the ecosystem I work with, as it is becoming increasingly clear that no matter how well we understand nature, we must also understand the needs and drivers of people in the region to affect positive change.
Are you working with any partners or collaborating?
As the questions I research are interdisciplinary and involve field work both in the Tropics and the Arctic, I collaborate with colleagues across disciplines both in the UK and a wide range of countries.
How does being based at the University of Nottingham allow you to fulfil your research aspirations?
I really enjoy working with colleagues across different Schools as we can share in world class expertise and facilities right here in Nottingham. I also highly value the PhD student I’m working with - it’s a pleasure working with the next generation of research leaders. Their commitment and the quality of their research is truly impressive.