The Wirth-Weigelt Working Group
@agwirthweigelt.bsky.social
The Leipzig University - Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity Working Group. Asking questions about the causes and consequences of biodiversity!
Meet Snowy, our newest team-member ⛄
Specialized in frozen systems, cold conditions, and standing very still. Performance strongly temperature-dependent.
Will unfortunately leave the team as soon as spring arrives ❄️
Specialized in frozen systems, cold conditions, and standing very still. Performance strongly temperature-dependent.
Will unfortunately leave the team as soon as spring arrives ❄️
January 9, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Meet Snowy, our newest team-member ⛄
Specialized in frozen systems, cold conditions, and standing very still. Performance strongly temperature-dependent.
Will unfortunately leave the team as soon as spring arrives ❄️
Specialized in frozen systems, cold conditions, and standing very still. Performance strongly temperature-dependent.
Will unfortunately leave the team as soon as spring arrives ❄️
🌱 Before the winter break, our research group had a tree-planting activity at the #ARBOfun research arboretum Großpösna, kindly supported by the Botanical Garden Oberholz and pupils from the Wilhelm-Wander School. A cold but great day for everyone! 🌳
January 6, 2026 at 2:56 PM
🌱 Before the winter break, our research group had a tree-planting activity at the #ARBOfun research arboretum Großpösna, kindly supported by the Botanical Garden Oberholz and pupils from the Wilhelm-Wander School. A cold but great day for everyone! 🌳
Reposted by The Wirth-Weigelt Working Group
Just before the Xmas break🎉
In @journalofecology.bsky.social and led by Anvar Sanaei, we provide insight into #trait coordination across 90 common and future European #tree species👇
doi.org/10.1111/1365...
@agwirthweigelt.bsky.social @unileipzig.bsky.social @uni-freiburg.de
In @journalofecology.bsky.social and led by Anvar Sanaei, we provide insight into #trait coordination across 90 common and future European #tree species👇
doi.org/10.1111/1365...
@agwirthweigelt.bsky.social @unileipzig.bsky.social @uni-freiburg.de
Above‐ and below‐ground trait coordination across 90 angiosperm and gymnosperm tree species in a common garden experiment
This research highlights the significance of elucidating the mechanisms behind above-and below-ground organs. The varying trait coordination across clades indicates different resource acquisition str...
doi.org
December 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Just before the Xmas break🎉
In @journalofecology.bsky.social and led by Anvar Sanaei, we provide insight into #trait coordination across 90 common and future European #tree species👇
doi.org/10.1111/1365...
@agwirthweigelt.bsky.social @unileipzig.bsky.social @uni-freiburg.de
In @journalofecology.bsky.social and led by Anvar Sanaei, we provide insight into #trait coordination across 90 common and future European #tree species👇
doi.org/10.1111/1365...
@agwirthweigelt.bsky.social @unileipzig.bsky.social @uni-freiburg.de
Congrats to David Schellenberger Costa, Martin Freiberg and Christian Wirth! The study shows how body size, habitat, range and even author numbers shape taxonomic description curves — and why estimating true diversity needs more than classic curve fitting! #Biodiversity #Taxonomy
Taxonomic description curves of major lineages are influenced by biological and societal factors - Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports - Taxonomic description curves of major lineages are influenced by biological and societal factors
www.nature.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Congrats to David Schellenberger Costa, Martin Freiberg and Christian Wirth! The study shows how body size, habitat, range and even author numbers shape taxonomic description curves — and why estimating true diversity needs more than classic curve fitting! #Biodiversity #Taxonomy
A peek behind the scenes 🔬💧
PhD candidate Michele ter Huurne is extracting water from soil and twig samples to trace where trees get their water using δ18O isotopes.
Huge thanks to Dr. Matthias Saurer @wslresearch.bsky.social for the guidance and lab support!
#droughtresearch #biodiversity #forest
PhD candidate Michele ter Huurne is extracting water from soil and twig samples to trace where trees get their water using δ18O isotopes.
Huge thanks to Dr. Matthias Saurer @wslresearch.bsky.social for the guidance and lab support!
#droughtresearch #biodiversity #forest
November 20, 2025 at 1:39 PM
A peek behind the scenes 🔬💧
PhD candidate Michele ter Huurne is extracting water from soil and twig samples to trace where trees get their water using δ18O isotopes.
Huge thanks to Dr. Matthias Saurer @wslresearch.bsky.social for the guidance and lab support!
#droughtresearch #biodiversity #forest
PhD candidate Michele ter Huurne is extracting water from soil and twig samples to trace where trees get their water using δ18O isotopes.
Huge thanks to Dr. Matthias Saurer @wslresearch.bsky.social for the guidance and lab support!
#droughtresearch #biodiversity #forest
Congratulations also to Dr. Ingmar Staude on this important contribution!
The study highlights that ecological networks can adapt to shifting floras - a key insight for managing biodiversity change in a warming world. #biodiversity #research
The study highlights that ecological networks can adapt to shifting floras - a key insight for managing biodiversity change in a warming world. #biodiversity #research
New research from @unileipzig.bsky.social & iDiv shows: when non-native plants have been in Europe longer and have spread more widely, they begin to be used by native micro-herbivores at levels similar to native plants. #Biodiversity #iDivResearch
www.idiv.de/non-native-p...
www.idiv.de/non-native-p...
Non-native Plant Species Adapt to Natural Ecosystems Faster than Expected
www.idiv.de
November 14, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Congratulations also to Dr. Ingmar Staude on this important contribution!
The study highlights that ecological networks can adapt to shifting floras - a key insight for managing biodiversity change in a warming world. #biodiversity #research
The study highlights that ecological networks can adapt to shifting floras - a key insight for managing biodiversity change in a warming world. #biodiversity #research
Big congrats on the publication, @lsachsenmaier.bsky.social 🌳🎉👏
New study led by @lsachsenmaier.bsky.social @agwirthweigelt.bsky.social shows: forest stands made up of tree species with different water-use strategies (not just many species) grow better in drought years. #iDivResearch #Biodiversity
www.idiv.de/diverse-fore...
www.idiv.de/diverse-fore...
Diverse forests are more resistant to climate change
www.idiv.de
November 14, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Big congrats on the publication, @lsachsenmaier.bsky.social 🌳🎉👏
Science meets finance 🌱
At the event “Biodiversität – die unterschätzte Abhängigkeit” in Potsdam, organised by the Nord-Ostdeutsche Sparkassenakademie, Dr. Jori Marx presented insights from the #Faktencheck #Artenvielfalt and joined the panel discussion on how the financial sector depends on nature.
At the event “Biodiversität – die unterschätzte Abhängigkeit” in Potsdam, organised by the Nord-Ostdeutsche Sparkassenakademie, Dr. Jori Marx presented insights from the #Faktencheck #Artenvielfalt and joined the panel discussion on how the financial sector depends on nature.
November 13, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Science meets finance 🌱
At the event “Biodiversität – die unterschätzte Abhängigkeit” in Potsdam, organised by the Nord-Ostdeutsche Sparkassenakademie, Dr. Jori Marx presented insights from the #Faktencheck #Artenvielfalt and joined the panel discussion on how the financial sector depends on nature.
At the event “Biodiversität – die unterschätzte Abhängigkeit” in Potsdam, organised by the Nord-Ostdeutsche Sparkassenakademie, Dr. Jori Marx presented insights from the #Faktencheck #Artenvielfalt and joined the panel discussion on how the financial sector depends on nature.
Scenes from the @treedi.bsky.social conference 🌳
Participants joined Prof. Christian Wirth for a guided tour through the ARBOFun arboretum - exploring how long-term measurements help us understand forest dynamics and tree functioning #treeDi #ForestEcology #PlantScience
Participants joined Prof. Christian Wirth for a guided tour through the ARBOFun arboretum - exploring how long-term measurements help us understand forest dynamics and tree functioning #treeDi #ForestEcology #PlantScience
November 11, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Scenes from the @treedi.bsky.social conference 🌳
Participants joined Prof. Christian Wirth for a guided tour through the ARBOFun arboretum - exploring how long-term measurements help us understand forest dynamics and tree functioning #treeDi #ForestEcology #PlantScience
Participants joined Prof. Christian Wirth for a guided tour through the ARBOFun arboretum - exploring how long-term measurements help us understand forest dynamics and tree functioning #treeDi #ForestEcology #PlantScience
Reposted by The Wirth-Weigelt Working Group
Inspiring joint conference of @treedi.bsky.social and @multitroph.bsky.social at @idiv-research.bsky.social, with 20 presentations by doctoral researchers, 7 workshops, 5 international keynote speakers, 1 excursion and 1 guided city tour.
November 1, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Inspiring joint conference of @treedi.bsky.social and @multitroph.bsky.social at @idiv-research.bsky.social, with 20 presentations by doctoral researchers, 7 workshops, 5 international keynote speakers, 1 excursion and 1 guided city tour.
Autumn is coming to the Arboretum #ArboFun! The field season is drawing to a close, but the colours are still a work of art at this time of year 🥰 Goodbye summertime! #fieldwork #season #autumn #Biodiversity #Research
October 30, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Autumn is coming to the Arboretum #ArboFun! The field season is drawing to a close, but the colours are still a work of art at this time of year 🥰 Goodbye summertime! #fieldwork #season #autumn #Biodiversity #Research
A few throwback impressions from this year’s #iDivConference 🌱 Great to see so many contributions from our group - here featuring @lsachsenmaier.bsky.social, Annalena Lenk, and @karlandraczek.bsky.social.
Thanks to everyone who made it such a nice meeting! @idiv-research.bsky.social #Science
Thanks to everyone who made it such a nice meeting! @idiv-research.bsky.social #Science
October 20, 2025 at 3:06 PM
A few throwback impressions from this year’s #iDivConference 🌱 Great to see so many contributions from our group - here featuring @lsachsenmaier.bsky.social, Annalena Lenk, and @karlandraczek.bsky.social.
Thanks to everyone who made it such a nice meeting! @idiv-research.bsky.social #Science
Thanks to everyone who made it such a nice meeting! @idiv-research.bsky.social #Science
Start of our new root shrinkage campaign on 40 herbaceous species, led by Dr. Anvar Sanaei. Excited to see what we’ll uncover! 🌿 #PlantEcology #Research #BelowgroundEcology #LeipzigUniversity
October 20, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Start of our new root shrinkage campaign on 40 herbaceous species, led by Dr. Anvar Sanaei. Excited to see what we’ll uncover! 🌿 #PlantEcology #Research #BelowgroundEcology #LeipzigUniversity
Congrats on the publication! 👏
I had the honour to write a @newphyt.bsky.social commentary on this fantastic paper — summarizing its key insights and exploring exciting directions for future research. Hope it may spark new ideas and helps the community! ✨
🔗 nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
🔗 nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
October 16, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Congrats on the publication! 👏
Reposted by The Wirth-Weigelt Working Group
Super excited to see that the last chapter of my PhD on root trait - ecosystem functioning relationships is now published in @newphyt.bsky.social!
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Rooting for function: community‐level fine‐root traits relate to many ecosystem functions
Humans are driving biodiversity change, which also alters community functional traits. However, how changes in the functional traits of the community alter ecosystem functions—especially belowground...
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Super excited to see that the last chapter of my PhD on root trait - ecosystem functioning relationships is now published in @newphyt.bsky.social!
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Mid-September a new #BioSmoke campaign in Spain kicked off 🇪🇸. Julia Olbrich collected pyrophyte leaf samples, while Kai Weber (@kai-jwd.bsky.social) ran vegetation surveys and drone-based LiDAR & hyperspectral imaging in a region with high wildfire risk near Albacete (Castilla-La Mancha).
October 3, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Mid-September a new #BioSmoke campaign in Spain kicked off 🇪🇸. Julia Olbrich collected pyrophyte leaf samples, while Kai Weber (@kai-jwd.bsky.social) ran vegetation surveys and drone-based LiDAR & hyperspectral imaging in a region with high wildfire risk near Albacete (Castilla-La Mancha).
Reposted by The Wirth-Weigelt Working Group
#iDivConference2025 today I present our study co-lead w C Guimaraes-Steinicke. Great work by our student K Wende.
& great collaborators
@agwirthweigelt.bsky.social A Weigelt, S Saxena & A Anwar.
Floral vs veg structure fingerprints from #TLS intensity
#JenaExperiment #Phenology #biodiversity
& great collaborators
@agwirthweigelt.bsky.social A Weigelt, S Saxena & A Anwar.
Floral vs veg structure fingerprints from #TLS intensity
#JenaExperiment #Phenology #biodiversity
October 1, 2025 at 6:59 AM
#iDivConference2025 today I present our study co-lead w C Guimaraes-Steinicke. Great work by our student K Wende.
& great collaborators
@agwirthweigelt.bsky.social A Weigelt, S Saxena & A Anwar.
Floral vs veg structure fingerprints from #TLS intensity
#JenaExperiment #Phenology #biodiversity
& great collaborators
@agwirthweigelt.bsky.social A Weigelt, S Saxena & A Anwar.
Floral vs veg structure fingerprints from #TLS intensity
#JenaExperiment #Phenology #biodiversity
🌱 iDiv @idiv-research.bsky.social begins a new chapter: core funding is now jointly supported by #Saxony, #SaxonyAnhalt & #Thuringia. Grateful for this strong commitment to #biodiversity #research – proud to be part of this inspiring community shaping the future of #science
September 29, 2025 at 6:03 PM
🌱 iDiv @idiv-research.bsky.social begins a new chapter: core funding is now jointly supported by #Saxony, #SaxonyAnhalt & #Thuringia. Grateful for this strong commitment to #biodiversity #research – proud to be part of this inspiring community shaping the future of #science
💧 Last week, we measured the leaf water potential at the #Auwald #crane - key data for understanding the water status of trees and their responses to drought.
#WaterPotential #Drought #ClimateResponse #Trait #Leipzig #CanopyCrane #Fieldwork
#WaterPotential #Drought #ClimateResponse #Trait #Leipzig #CanopyCrane #Fieldwork
September 24, 2025 at 2:18 PM
💧 Last week, we measured the leaf water potential at the #Auwald #crane - key data for understanding the water status of trees and their responses to drought.
#WaterPotential #Drought #ClimateResponse #Trait #Leipzig #CanopyCrane #Fieldwork
#WaterPotential #Drought #ClimateResponse #Trait #Leipzig #CanopyCrane #Fieldwork
Big thanks to @idiv-research.bsky.social & the Early-Career Women in Science fund for a powerful afternoon: short talks and hands-on learning 🔍💡 Shout-out to our Prof. Dr. Alexandra Weigelt, who was among the contributing speakers!
Last week, iDiv hosted an event on visibility and networking in science, supported by the Early-Career Women in Science fund.
The event included:
✨ Inspiring short talks
🤝 A hands-on workshop
💡 Moments to share struggles, stories and strategies
Many thanks to all who organised and participated!
The event included:
✨ Inspiring short talks
🤝 A hands-on workshop
💡 Moments to share struggles, stories and strategies
Many thanks to all who organised and participated!
September 19, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Big thanks to @idiv-research.bsky.social & the Early-Career Women in Science fund for a powerful afternoon: short talks and hands-on learning 🔍💡 Shout-out to our Prof. Dr. Alexandra Weigelt, who was among the contributing speakers!
Writing retreat recap: focused days drafting and revising, laptops, printed pages, evenings of hikes, games, and a campfire/BBQ. What a nice and productive week! 📝 🌲 🔥
September 12, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Writing retreat recap: focused days drafting and revising, laptops, printed pages, evenings of hikes, games, and a campfire/BBQ. What a nice and productive week! 📝 🌲 🔥
Scenes from China, where PhD student Michèle ter Huurne is doing fieldwork with the @treedi.bsky.social project: forests, measurements, and big smiles between long days. Keep it up, Michèle!🌱📷
Photos: Michele ter Huurne #TreeDi #Fieldwork
Photos: Michele ter Huurne #TreeDi #Fieldwork
September 12, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Scenes from China, where PhD student Michèle ter Huurne is doing fieldwork with the @treedi.bsky.social project: forests, measurements, and big smiles between long days. Keep it up, Michèle!🌱📷
Photos: Michele ter Huurne #TreeDi #Fieldwork
Photos: Michele ter Huurne #TreeDi #Fieldwork
🌱 #Fieldwork days at The Jena Experiment - @jena-experiment.bsky.social!
Scanning roots with a minirhizotron, tracking seasonal changes & traits, plus plant surveys & soil checks. Led by PhD candidate Srijna Saxena with support from Tom Künne. Can’t wait to see what the data reveal!
#RootTraits
Scanning roots with a minirhizotron, tracking seasonal changes & traits, plus plant surveys & soil checks. Led by PhD candidate Srijna Saxena with support from Tom Künne. Can’t wait to see what the data reveal!
#RootTraits
August 8, 2025 at 9:29 AM
🌱 #Fieldwork days at The Jena Experiment - @jena-experiment.bsky.social!
Scanning roots with a minirhizotron, tracking seasonal changes & traits, plus plant surveys & soil checks. Led by PhD candidate Srijna Saxena with support from Tom Künne. Can’t wait to see what the data reveal!
#RootTraits
Scanning roots with a minirhizotron, tracking seasonal changes & traits, plus plant surveys & soil checks. Led by PhD candidate Srijna Saxena with support from Tom Künne. Can’t wait to see what the data reveal!
#RootTraits
Back in the floodplain forest 🌳
We’re monitoring oak regeneration under different conditions. These seedlings are part of an experiment to better understand forest dynamics in changing environments. #Quercus #Leipzig #Floodplainforest #Oak #Regeneration
📍 Leipzig Auwald
We’re monitoring oak regeneration under different conditions. These seedlings are part of an experiment to better understand forest dynamics in changing environments. #Quercus #Leipzig #Floodplainforest #Oak #Regeneration
📍 Leipzig Auwald
August 6, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Back in the floodplain forest 🌳
We’re monitoring oak regeneration under different conditions. These seedlings are part of an experiment to better understand forest dynamics in changing environments. #Quercus #Leipzig #Floodplainforest #Oak #Regeneration
📍 Leipzig Auwald
We’re monitoring oak regeneration under different conditions. These seedlings are part of an experiment to better understand forest dynamics in changing environments. #Quercus #Leipzig #Floodplainforest #Oak #Regeneration
📍 Leipzig Auwald
📊 „Faktencheck Artenvielfalt“ is the first comprehensive report to show the actual state of biodiversity in Germany🌿. The full report has now been published in English! 📥Download for free here: www.feda.bio/faktencheck-en. Watch the full video: tinyurl.com/mps5vfhf #Biodiversity #research #factcheck
July 30, 2025 at 8:39 AM
📊 „Faktencheck Artenvielfalt“ is the first comprehensive report to show the actual state of biodiversity in Germany🌿. The full report has now been published in English! 📥Download for free here: www.feda.bio/faktencheck-en. Watch the full video: tinyurl.com/mps5vfhf #Biodiversity #research #factcheck