Our research lab conduct research on a wide range of topics in basic and applied ecology. Most of them are related to population dynamics and trophic interactions of iconic vertebrates in mountain ecosystems in Scandinavia.
Focal species for our research include iconic bird species, including willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) and rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta), raptors such as gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and migratory species such as the taiga been goose (Anser fabalis). We are also involved in research on a range of other species (both avian and mammals) and systems, both in mountain ecosystems and other ecosystems.
The research lab is coordinated by Professor Erlend B. Nilsen (Nord University and NINA) and Associate Professor Jan Eivind Østnes (Nord University), and involves students, research technicians and researchers from Nord University in central Norway and the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA).
Prospective students are welcome to get in touch with us to discuss potential topics for their thesis. We can provide possibilities for thesis across a wide specter of topics, often involving field work in scenic mountainous study areas.