ERA-Chair: Striving for excellence in forest ecosystem research

Project Information

EXCELLENTIA

Grant agreement ID: 101087262

DOI

10.3030/101087262

EC signature date 31 March 2023

Start date 1 May 2023

End date 30 April 2028

Funded under

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Total cost

€ 2 499 530,00

EU contribution

€ 2 499 530,00

Coordinated by

MENDELOVA UNIVERZITA V BRNE
Czechia

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EXCELLENTIA (ERA-Chair: Striving for excellence in forest ecosystem research)

Reporting period: 2023-05-01 to 2024-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology at Mendel University in Brno has been designated a Centre for Forest Ecosystem Research through the EXCELLENTIA project. This initiative brings together an interdisciplinary research group within the faculty, focusing on forest ecosystems and the impact of projected climate scenarios on Central European forests. Data collection and hands-on research will be conducted at the University Forest Enterprise Masaryk Forest Křtiny (UFE). The project aims to provide new insights into climate-threatened forest ecosystems in Central Europe, considering both societal needs and historical human impacts. It will examine how the shift from natural forest cultivation to monocultures has contributed to ecosystem instability. EXCELLENTIA builds on the data and research programs already underway at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology.

The interdisciplinary team will focus on the effects of ongoing climate change on European forests, particularly exploring the sustainability of forest ecosystem functions and ensuring forest stability in the decades to come. The project will address critical issues like drought, differential species responses to drought, and the vulnerability of tree root systems to pathogen attacks. The team is poised to engage in major international research efforts through ERA-Chair collaborations with leading European scientists.

The UFE, a long-established university research facility, provides an exceptional environment for this research. Its rich diversity of soil types and tree species and long-term research plots dating back to 1973 offer scientists access to unique and valuable datasets. These data will be key in validating future climate scenarios and guiding forest management practices. The EXCELLENTIA project aims to leverage this wealth of information to assist UFE management in more accurate future planning.

A major outcome of the project will be creating a Knowledge Transfer Zone, which will disseminate research findings to other forest owners, policymakers, and decision-makers. This outreach will ensure that the insights gained from the project have a broad and lasting impact.

Public engagement is also a priority. The project will share its results with the professional community and the general public. Additionally, EXCELLENTIA plans to collaborate with grammar and secondary schools to inspire the younger generation and promote interest in scientific research.

"Beyond its scientific goals, the EXCELLENTIA project will drive structural changes in sustainable research practices, intellectual property rights, data management, and scientific ethics," said the project leaders. "This will include online training courses on scientific ethics and enhancing researchers' ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. The project will work closely with the MENDELU library in advancing Open Science."

The EXCELLENTIA initiative will create an enriched research environment, allowing PhD students to showcase their work and gain exposure to emerging research areas. This will also facilitate stronger connections between academia and industry, highlighting the key priorities of both sectors and fostering innovation.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Our work's primary focus has been establishing the Forest Ecology Research (FER) group, fostering collaborations with other research groups at Mendel University, and creating a robust research and laboratory platform to support our research initiatives. These activities have proceeded in parallel since the project's inception. We have successfully integrated and leveraged significant resources within Mendel University in Brno, including the University Forest Enterprise Masaryk Forest Křtiny and the collections of tree pathogens, particularly those related to *Phytophthora* and *Armillaria*. This foundational work supports the main scientific objectives of EXCELLENTIA, which include:

- T1.1: Soils and the fungal community
- T1.2: Interactions between tree roots and root pathogens
- T1.3: Ecological stability of trees and mixed tree stands
- T1.4: Healthy forests and societal needs

To achieve the comprehensive research goals outlined in EXCELLENTIA, we have assembled a team of experienced and early-stage researchers. Each member of the scientific team contributes complementary skills to the group. The FER group's expertise spans several key areas, including plant ecophysiology, plant ecology, and the ecosystem functions of ectomycorrhizas, with a particular focus on their roles in resisting abiotic and biotic stress. Additionally, our plant and forest pathology research encompasses fungal and oomycete virology, forest ecology, and management, supported by extensive experience in geospatial computations, spatiotemporal modelling, and statistical analysis. We are also integrating five PhD students, who will be supervised by members of the FER group, to contribute actively to the EXCELLENTIA research program.

Furthermore, the FER group members have leveraged their connections with international scientific institutions to enhance the research capabilities of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology (FFWT) at MENDELU. This collaboration has resulted in the submission of six research proposals, comprising five international and one national project. In addition, the structural changes outlined in Work Package 3 (WP3) have been successfully introduced to FFWT management, enhancing our operational framework and research environment.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

During the reporting period, we launched an online seminar series titled "Challenges in Forest Ecology," which features prominent scientists from around the world. This series offers a unique platform for discussing cutting-edge developments in forest ecology from diverse perspectives and methodologies, led by experts in the field. Each seminar attracts between 60 and 100 participants from regions including Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. As the first seminar series of its kind in the field of forest ecology, it has generated significant positive feedback and engagement.

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