Our mission
We explore the role of nature in a changing world, studying how ecosystems function, what they could become, and why they matter for humanity. We work across three interconnected themes:
- Understanding the fundamental structure, functioning, and biodiversity of natural systems (learn more)
- Mapping nature’s potential by quantifying how much carbon, biodiversity, and ecosystem complexity the Earth could support to guide restoration and conservation (learn more)
- Quantifying how nature sustains the pillars of human society, from climate stability and food security to water, health, and economic resilience (learn more)
Approach
We combine experimental, observational, meta-analytical, and modelling approaches, drawing on global datasets, remote sensing, and field observations. Our work spans scales from the seasonal timing of individual trees to the carbon stocks of entire biomes — and from the functioning of ecosystems to their role in stabilizing the climate, securing food and water, and sustaining the economies and health of human societies.
Prof. Constantin Zohner
My research explores how ecosystems change across time and space — and what this means for the climate, for biodiversity, and for people. Combining experimental, meta-analytical, and modelling approaches, I investigate fundamental questions in ecosystem functioning, phenology, and the feedbacks between nature and the climate system. A central focus of my current work, supported by a European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant, is understanding how winter warming affects forest dynamics and ecosystem functioning globally.
Ultimately, I strive toward a world where nature is truly valued — where we recognize that humanity can only have a sustainable future by making nature the foundation of our economic solutions. I am Research Director of the BRANCH Institute and Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo.
IFI @UTokyo
Creating a Sustainable Future Society: Through scientific insights and collaboration with stakeholders, the Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI) is helping to create sustainable societies of the future.
BRANCH team
Connecting knowledge. Creating solutions: BRANCH is a research hub developing ecological science that inspires social and ecological regeneration.
Lab openings
We are always looking for curious, motivated people to join the lab. We welcome inquiries from prospective PhD students and postdocs with a passion for ecology, global change, or the relationship between nature and human society.
Our research spans a wide range of topics — from ecology and environmental science to computational biology, statistics, and economics — and we welcome people from across disciplines.
We strive to build a diverse and inclusive lab, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and career paths.
