Research Professor Jukka Forsman continues at Natural Resources Institute Finland
Jukka Forsman, research professor in Population Ecology, will continue at his position at the Natural Resources Institute of Finland (Luke), starting on 1.10.2023.
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Forsman has been a research professor at Luke since 1 October 2018. Their research interests include community ecology, predator-prey interactions, health effects of the animal gut microbiome, habitat structure and game interactions, and animal-human conflicts. At Luke, Forsman has studied the impact of reindeer feeding practices on gut microbiome structure, the effect of forest structure on grouse abundance, and the mitigation of agricultural damage caused by barnacle geese.
What is current on your research agenda?
"The busiest work now is the finalisation of the Hanhipelto project, where we have conducted a multidisciplinary study of the impact of agricultural damage caused by barnacle geese on crops and farmers' welfare, public opinion on geese and different means of repelling them, and cost-effective means of repelling and mitigating damage. Experimental work on reindeer feeding and medication, as well as forestry-risks studies, will also continue."
What is your main goal in your research for the future?
"Climate change and land-use change are the main factors affecting organisms, game species, ecosystems, and nature as a whole, both on Earth and in Finland. These affect, either directly or indirectly, the vitality of species populations and the nature we will have in the future. My aim is to contribute to the production of multidisciplinary and ecological knowledge that will help future generations to use natural resources, but also to enjoy the diversity of nature in which the willow tit thrives."
Forsman will continue to work in Luke's Natural Resources Unit and more specifically in the Wildlife Ecology Group.
"Game research is a highly visible and widely interesting field of research at Luke. Jukka has been able to combine high quality science with applied, solution-oriented research close to the primary production actors. I am delighted that Jukka will continue as a professor at Luke", Sirpa Thessler, Vice president of Natural resources unit says.
Research professors are key to Luke's scientific expertise and international visibility and impact. The aim is to ensure excellence in research for Luke in strategic areas, as well as its usefulness to business life and industry.
