Our researchers
Karl-Olof Bergman
Associate professor, docent
Karl-Olof, or Kalle, is a dedicated conservation biologist with a deep commitment to preserving biodiversity. His research spans a wide range of organisms, including plants, lichens, butterflies, beetles, and frogs, all aimed at enhancing our understanding of how to protect species and ecosystems.
Kalle completed his PhD on the conservation of the threatened Woodland Brown butterfly (Lopinga achine), focusing on habitat selection, host plant choice, dispersal ability, and the impacts of landscape changes. He now leads ongoing projects on biodiversity conservation in boreal forests, particularly studying how forest management practices in Sweden affect species like saproxylic beetles and cryptogams.
His work also investigates habitat thresholds, exploring the minimum requirements needed to sustain diverse species populations, especially in fragmented landscapes. Kalle and his team focus on wood-living beetles and lichens on old trees, as well as butterflies and plants in semi-natural grasslands, to understand the critical role of suitable habitats in preventing biodiversity declines.
Nicklas Jansson
Adjunct associate professor
Nicklas’s research focuses on the conservation of ancient oak trees and the unique insects that depend on them. With a particular interest in how to preserve these vital ecosystems, he has developed innovative solutions, such as specialized “oak boxes,” which enhance local biodiversity and create crucial links between fragmented oak habitats.
Despite the significant decline in ancient oaks, which threatens many rare and endangered species, Nicklas is committed to understanding and protecting these insects. His efforts include leading European collaborations to map species distributions and analyze conservation strategies, as well as fostering long-term partnerships with researchers in Turkey.
Nicklas is also a member in the Red List Committee for beetles in Sweden and saproxylic beetles across Europe.
Victor Johansson
Lecturer
Victor is deeply invested in landscape and population ecology, focusing on how these fields can be applied to conserve various species. With a background in studying lichens, mosses, fungi, and vascular plants, he has recently expanded his research to include pollinating insects.
Currently, Victor is exploring the population dynamics of butterflies, particularly how grazing and extreme drought conditions affect their populations. This work is vital for understanding and mitigating the impacts of environmental changes on these crucial pollinators.
Splitting his time between academia and applied research, Victor holds a dual role, working 50% at Linköping University and 50% at Calluna AB, where he integrates scientific insights with practical conservation solutions.
Markus Franzén
Assistant professor
Markus has a keen interest in how climate change and land use alterations affect biodiversity. His research delves into the resilience of ecosystems, investigating how extreme weather events and agricultural practices shape the dynamics of pollinator populations and plant communities.
By understanding these impacts, Markus aims to provide insights that guide sustainable land management and conservation strategies. His work is crucial for supporting biodiversity in the face of a rapidly changing climate.
Per Milberg
Adjunct professor
Per is driven by two core beliefs in their conservation research:
- The urgent need to save as much of the Earth’s biodiversity as possible.
- The necessity of effectively utilizing data collected through research and environmental monitoring.
With a commitment to these principles, he strives to fill the gaps in our understanding of species and their distributions. By transforming both his own and others’ data into actionable insights, Per aims to support practical, on-the-ground conservation efforts. His ultimate goal is to provide crucial decision-making tools that advance the mission of nature conservation.
