Ecospat – Spatial Ecology Group

Collaborators

Current collaborators

Main collaborators:

1753685635429.m

Antoine Guisan (Full Professor) 

olivier broennimann

Olivier Broennimann (Staff Sci.)

luca butikofer

Luca Bütikofer (PostDoc) 

bart steen

Bart Steen (PostDoc)

Erwan Bellon (PhD)

arthur provost

Arthur Provost (PhD)

screenshot

Thomas Panchard (Sci. Collab.)

Master students:

  • Bertille Bourg (MSc BEC)

Visitors:

  • Luping Zhang (PhD), University of Melbourne, Australia. Oct-Dec 2026

we regularly welcome visitors in our lab. Please apply by email…

Past collaborators

Post Docs
PhD Students
  • Martin, C. 2026. Systematic conservation planning to protect biodiversity across the tree of life. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne (Director A. Guisan). pdf
  • Verdon, V. 2026. Predicting the distribution of soil microorganisms using species distribution models. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne (Director A. Guisan). pdf
  • Rey, P.-L. 2024. Improvement of the Relationship between Biodiversity and Nature’s Contribution to People: A case study on vertebrate and tracheophyte species with 17 NCPs in the Western Swiss Alps. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne (Director A. Guisan). pdf
  • Collart, F. 2021. Predicting the dynamics of range shifts under climate change: assumptions and applications to the European bryophyte flora. PhD thesis, University of Liège. (A. Guisan as Co-Director; Director: Dr. Alain Vanderpoorten). pdf   
  • Ducotterd, C. 2020. Ecology of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis, L. 1758) in Switzerland. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. (A. Guisan as Co-Director; Director: J.-F. Rubin)
  • Ortiz Rodríguez, D.O. 2020 Coupling human and ecological networks for sustainable landscape and transport planning. PhD thesis. Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL (Director: R. Holderegger). 
  • Buri, A. 2019. Above- and belowground biogeography : Spatial modelling of a hidden system. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Phelps, L.N., 2019. Reconstructing land use and land cover dynamics of Holocene animal production on the African continent. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne.
  • Fernandes, R.F. 2018. Uncertainty, errors and virtual ecology: using artificial data to improve species distribution models. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Baudraz, M. 2017. Proliferation or local exctinction? Exploring within species variation in demographic strategies in plants worldwide. PhD thesis, Trinity College Dublin (Director: Y. Buckley) .
  • Pinto-Figueroa, E.  2016. Fungal biogeography in the Western Swiss Alps. Linking high-throughput sequencing and spatial ecology to characterize the diversity, distribution patterns and environmental niche of soil fungi along environmental gradients. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne.
  • Breiner, F., 2015 Models, niches and traits: Towards improved Red List assessments. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Pradervand, J.-N., 2015 Assessing the use of very high resolution data to predict species distribution in a mountain environment. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne.
  • Petitpierre, B. 2014. Using environmental niche modelling to understand biological invasions in a changing world. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Pliscoff, P. 2013. Predicting the past, present and future of plant diversity in Chile: a habitat suitability modelling approach. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne
  • Ndiribe, C. 2013. The role of phylogeny in the spatial distributions and assembly of mountain plant communities.  PhD thesis, University of Lausanne.
  • Dubuis, A. 2013. Predicting spatial patterns of plant biodiversity: from species to communities. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Pellissier, L. 2012. Species distributions and interactions in a changing world: from understanding to forecasting. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne.
  • Vicente, J.R. 2012. Modelling landscape invasion by alien plants under current and future conditions of climate and land use. PhD thesis, University of Porto & CIBIO (A. Guisan official co-superviser).
  • Maggini, R. 2011. Species distribution models for conservation-oriented studies in Switzerland: filling data and tool gaps. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Pio, D. 2010. Evolutionary history and its relevance in understanding and conserving southern African biodiversity. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Engler, R. 2009. Unfolding nature « in silico »: overcoming practical and metodological limitations of species distribution models. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Broennimann, O. 2008. Niche, distribution and global changes: modeling insights into biogeography and conservation biology. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Randin, C. 2007. Providing more informative projections of climate change impact on plant distribution in a mountain environment. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Mathys, L. 2006. A discrete forest in a continuous landscape: investigating interactions between natural resource management and sustainable development. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Gehrig-Fasel, J. 2006. Treeline and climate change: analyzing and modelliing patterns and shifts in the Swiss Alps. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne.
  • Lütolf, M. 2006. Changing landscapes of Switzerland: assessing effects of historic and future land uses and land covers on the occurence of selected butterfly species. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne.
  • Rickebush, S. 2006. Modelling tree population dynamics at the alpine and boreal tree-line ecotones in response to climate and land-use change. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Dufour, A. 2006. Evaluation multi-échelle de la biodiversité végétale dans les paturages boisés du Jura. PhD thesis, University of Lausanne.
MSc Students
  • Bellon E, 2026. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Vögeli K, 2025. First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Parvanova R, 2025. First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Estebe L, 2025, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Watkins M, 2025. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Hildbrand S 2025, Master in Biogeosciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
  • Jhelil T. 2024. Identifying reliable indicator species of climate change: a case study with bryophytes in the Vaud Alps. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Cruz Palma M. 2024. Human activities alter the relationship between plant and butterfly species richness. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Shiga L. 2023. Spatial distribution of arctic soil bacteria under current and future enviromental conditions. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Perret M. 2023. Twenty years of climate change in subalpine-alpine open lands in the western Swiss Alps. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Sand C. 2023. Can fungi diversity improve plant distribution models? An investigation in
  • Swiss alpine grasslands. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf.
  • Liechti L 2023. Predicting changes in species distribution after 20 years of climate change in subalpine-alpine open lands in the western Swiss Alps. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf.
  • Tzivanopoulou M. 2023. Assessing the reliability of citizen-science data for the study of ant species’ environmental niches and distributions. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf.
  • Kiebooms S. 2022. Distribution changes in suitable habitats of vaslcular alpine plants in response to past and future climate change. Master of the University of Liège, Belgium. Director: Alain Vanderpoorten (ULiège). Supervisor: Flavien Collart (UNIL). pdf
  • Lescuyer-De Decker L. 2022. Predicting the spatial distribution of medicinal and aromatic plants and their assemblages in the alpine region. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf.
  • Bole-Feysot M. 2022. Human-mediated seed dispersal in the Swiss Alps. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf.
  • Pignard V. 2022. Physiological thermal limits allow additional interpretation of species distribution models. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf.
  • Aubert A. 2022. Investigating differences in the taxonomic and functional microbial niche and their distribution in the Western Swiss Alps. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf.
  • Coursac M. 2022. Predicting the impacts of climate change on threatened endemic spermatophyte distributions in the Canary Islands. Master of the University of Liège, Belgium. Director: Alain Vanderpoorten (ULiège), Jairo Patiño (University of Laguna, Teneriffe) Supervisor: Flavien Collart (UNIL). url 
  • Charavel E. 2021. Are Swiss protected areas suitable for mammal’s conservation now and in the future? A spatial modeling and prioritization approach. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf.
  • Wildi J. 2021. Modeling habitat use of the European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) in Valais. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Cosandey V. 2021. Modelling the distribution of coprophagous beetle species in the Western Swiss Alps. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Rochat A. 2021. Assessing the scale of influence of landuse descriptors on bird distribution in Switzerland. First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Pignard V. 2021. Soil protists’ niche breadth is more correlated with variations in edaphic gradients in the western Swiss Alps. First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Östlund E. 2021. Deviating environmental niche estimations from GBIF occurrence data and IUCN range maps. First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Aubert A. 2021. Species-specific microbial communities associated to Crustose Corallline Alaga. First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Panchard, T. 2020. Testing the power of remotely sensed snow cover duration to predict plant species distributions in alpine ecosystems. Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Valenti, P. 2020. What mediates the success of the invasive tree Robinia pseudoacacia and how does it impact local biodiversity. Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Siegel, Z. 2020. Does climate suitability at range margins constrain population growth rate in plants? First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Mattatia, I. 2020. An empirical assessment of the extent to which the realized niche of bird species is truncated. First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Bourrat, L. 2020. Mise en évidence des interactions biotiques entre angiospermes et bryophytes par la modélisation écologique. Master Thesis. Master of the University of Liège, Belgium.  Directors: Alain Vanderpoorten (ULiège) and Antoine Guisan (UniL). Supervisor: Flavien Collart. url 
  • Kasprzyk, T. 2020. Mécanismes écologiques et évolutifs de la variation des communautés de bryophytes le long d’un gradient altitudinal. Master Thesis. Master of the University of Liège, Belgium. Directors: Alain Vanderpoorten (ULiège) and Antoine Guisan (UniL). Supervisor: Flavien Collart. url 
  • Vincent, M. 2020. Facteurs écologiques de la variation de composition spécifique dans les communautés de bryophytes à fine échelle spatiale. Master Thesis. Directors: Alain Vanderpoorten (ULiège) and Antoine Guisan (UniL). Supervisor: Flavien Collart. url 
  • Panchard, T. 2019. How much of their thermal fundamental niche do highelevation species occupy? A test with botanical garden records. First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Lavanchy, E. 2019. How Important are biotic interactions in predicting the realized distributions of species and assemblages? Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Theux, C. 2019. A multiscale modeling approach to understand the requirements of a rare and endangered owl in Switzerland. Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Luyet, A. 2019. Les Alpes suisses verdissent-elles sous l’effet des changements climatiques. Travail de Bachelor, Faculté des Géosciences et de l’Environnement, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Virgillito, C. 2019. Les chênes et leur gestion dans un context de changement climatique en Suisse. Travail de Bachelor, Faculté des Géosciences et de l’Environnement, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland. (co-supervision P. Vittoz)
  • Cistac, J. 2018. Modelling territories of tengmalm owl and tawny owl in Switzerland in order to observe the impact of competition between the two species and its increase related to global change. Travail de Bachelor, Faculté des Géosciences et de l’Environnement, Université de Lausanne. Sous la direction de A. Guisan et J.-N. Pradervand. pdf
  • Boserup, J. 2018. Improving alpine plant species distribution models with high resolution remote sensed snow cover. Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Cardenas, D. 2018. Are dominant species using their entire fundamental climatic niche? A test with botanical garden records. Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Ramel, C. 2018. Integrating economy with conservation planning and ecosystem services. How to value biodiversity? Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Progin, D. 2018. Modelling habitat suitability of bats in the Prealps: from data collection to ensemble of small models. Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Co-supervision. Main supervision: Prof. Ph. Christe.
  • Collart, F., 2018. Modélisation d’une communauté de bryophytes le long d’un gradient altitudinal à fine échelle. Master Thesis. Master of the University of Liège, Belgium. Directors: Alain Vanderpoorten (ULiège) and Antoine Guisan (UniL). url 
  • Rusconi, O. 2017. Conservation of endangered plants: a roadmap for the selection of translocation sites. Master Thesis. Functional Ecology Laboratory, University of Neuchâtel, Switerland. pdf
  • Ramella, E. 2017. Scops owls in Valais: distribution modeling and habitat characteristics. Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Pittet, M. 2017. Impact of global warming on the distribution and dispersal of reptiles in the Western Swiss Alps. Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Vincent, C. 2017. Assessing biodiversity priorities in the Alpes Vaudoises in the face of land use and climate change. Master Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Bonzon, N. 2017. Can we improve predictions of species distributions through finer species-climate temporal matching? First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Plancherel C. 2017. Assessing the predictive power of canopy height as a new predictor of plant distribution between grasslands and forests in the Swiss Western Alps. First Step Thesis. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Progins, D. 2016. Do soil temperature and snow cover improve models of plant species distribution? First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department
  • of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Seddon, E. 2016. Distinguishing Archaeorhizomycetes as a potential saprobe and endophytic-symbiont along an altitudinal gradient in the Swiss Alps. First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Pires Cardoso, A.R. 2015. Spatial data and modelling for the prioritisation of conservation areas in the Alpine region of the Canton of Vaud. Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas – Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Master in Spatial Planning and Geographical Information Systems, Lisbon, Portugal. pdf
  • Schmid, S. 2015. Assessing spatial autocorrelation in biodiversity data (Alps VD). First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Beauverd, M. 2015. What brings variability in fine scale distribution models of plant communities? Master thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Baudraz, M. 2015. Improving plant distribution models in anthropic vegetation. Master thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Bucher, V. 2015. Comparing biogeographic patterns for different components of biodiversity: macro-ecological and species stacking modeling approaches. Master thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Massy, S. 2015. Integration of species distribution models and field assessment for evaluating the dynamics of mountain forests under climatic change: analysis over a 20 years time scale. Master thesis, Master in BioGeoSciences, Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Zingg, B. 2015. Modélisation de la réserve hydrique des sols dans les Alpes vaudoises méridionales. Thèse de Master, Master en BioGéoSciences, Institut des Dynamiques de la Surface Terrestre, Université de Lausanne, Suisse. pdf
  • Pajkovic, M 2014. Modelling the invasive potential of the giant hogweed in the Alps. Master thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Buri, A. 2014. Predicting plant distribution: does edaphic factor matter? Master thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Elsig, A. 2014. Influence of Robinia pseudoacacia on plant communities in forests. Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Boehler, C. 2013. Modélisation du pH et son importance sur la distribution des espèces et des communautés végétales dans les Alpes vaudoises. Master thesis, Biogeoscience, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Thalmann, D. 2013. Biodiversity impact of invasive plants in Georgia: present and future threat. Master thesis, Department of Biology, Ecology & Evolution Unit, University of Fribourg. Directed by Prof. H. Müller-Schärer. pdf
  • Descombes, P. 2013. Dynamics of invasive plants along the Venoge river. Master Thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Donati, G. 2013. Spatial Analysis approach to understand how environmental niche varies in relation to phylogeny and life history traits among Neotropical snakes. First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Séchaud, R. & Rein, F. 2013. Modeling grasshoppers’ distributions in the Western Alps of Switzerland. First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Castella, B. 2012. Phylogenetic structure of invasiveness in mammal.  First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Dutoit, L. 2012. The evolution of the climate niche and diversification in the Erebia alpine butterflies. First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Golay, J. & Descombes, P. 2012. The impact of climate change on the phylogenetic diversity of butterfly communities. First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Reymond, A. & Pitteloud, C. 2012. How do grasshopper communities assemble in the Swiss Alps. First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Bertholet, Y. & Moriette, A. 2011. The integration of phylogeny and niche modelling in the ecology and evolution of plant communities. First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Co-directed with N. Salamin.
  • Gentilini E. 2011. Modelling the distribution and spread of Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) at multiple scales. Master thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Ischer, M. 2011. A better understanding of ecological conditions for Leontopodium alpinum in the Swiss Alps. Master thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Pradervand, J.-N. 2011. Unequal before the laws of nature: importance of environmental variables in butterfly distributions vary according to functional traits. Master thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Co-directed with Daniel Cherix. pdf
  • Rossier, L. 2011. Predicting spatial patterns of functional traits . Master thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Sonnay, V. 2011. Determinants of alpine butterfly richness vary according to their ecological traits. First-step thesis, Master in Behaviour, Evolution, Conservation (BEC), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. pdf
  • Anzini, M. 2010. A multi-model approach predicts agricultural land abandonment and forest re-growth in an alpine region: a tool for biodiversity conservation. First-step project, Master BEC (Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Giovanettina, S. 2010. Importance des variables édaphiques dans les modèles de distribution des espèces et des communautés végétales (Alpes VD). Master thesis, Master BGS (BioGeoSciences), University of Neuchâtel. Co-directed with J.-M. Gobat.
  • Grifoni, G. & Pesenti, E. 2010. Intra- and inter-annual variability in vegetation samplings. First-step project, Master BEC (Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne.
  • Pusterla, C. 2010. Predicting where to plant trees to mitigate effects of climate warming on river fishes. Master thesis, Master BEC (Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne. Co-directed with J.F. Ruben.
  • Rion, V. 2010. Modelling the plant species richness: a comparison between two approaches. Master thesis, Master BEC (Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Rossier, L. & Pradervand, L. 2010. Bumblebees’ distribution (Bombus Latreille, Apidae) in the Swiss Northern Alps, a balance between biotic and abiotic factors. First-step project, Master BEC (Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne. Co-directed with D. Cherix.
  • Stofel, C. & Ostini, M. 2010. Evolution of plant communities. First-step project, Master BEC (Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne. Co-directed with N. Salamin.
  • Uldry, V. 2010. Butterfly species richness in the North-western Alps of Switzerland: affecting factors, composition and threats. Master thesis, Master BEC (Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne.
  • Pellissier, L. Arctic-alpine transferability of species distribution models. Master thesis, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne.
  • Baylon, A. 2007. Spatial distribution of Tawny owls according to their plumage coloration. Master thesis, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne.
  • Dubois, D. 2007. Végétation des milieux ouverts du plateau d’Anzeindaz (Préalpes vaudoises). Corrélations entre groupement phytosociologiques et analyses géochimiques des roches. Master en sciences pour l’enseignement, University of Lausanne. Co-direction avec Christophe Randin. pdf
  • Henry, P. 2007. Genetic structure and habitat suitability: two components for modelling the spread of invasive plants. Master thesis, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Pellissier, L. & Fournier, B. 2007. Biological traits in plant communities along an altitudinal transect. First-step, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne.
  • Wassef J. & Dussex N. 2007. Biological traits and climate change in alpine plant. Fist-step, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne.
  • Wilhelm, M. 2007. Challenges in predicting plant species distribution at the very fine scale in an alpine environment. Master thesis, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Dubuis, A. 2008. Spatial variation in functional traits along environmental gradients: a case study with alpine plants. Master thesis, Master BEC (Evolutionary and Conservation Biology), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Petitpierre, B. 2008. Ecological and phylogeographical approach of a biological invasion: Prunus serotina, a case study. Master thesis, Master BEC (Evolutionary and Conservation Biology), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne. pdf
  • Pellissier, L. & Fournier, B. 2008. Biological traits in plant communities along an altitudinal transect. First-step project, Master BEC (Evolutionary and Conservation Biology), Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne.
  • Franc, E. 2006. Model-based sampling of rare plant species. Master thesis, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution. pdf
  • Dessimoz, F. 2006. Invasive potential of the Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) in the Western Swiss Alps and implications for management. Master thesis, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution. pdf
  • Vuissoz, G. 2006. ArbA : Développement d’une application de relevé botanique pour ArcPad. Master en sciences pour l’enseignement (branche de master: informatique), Université de Lausanne.
  • Verchère, C. & Ulrich, Y. 2006. Caractéristiques des sols : des facteurs clefs pour expliquer la distribution des plantes ? Travail d’initiation à la recherche, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • Legris, A. 2006. Contribution de certains facteurs édaphiques à la distribution d’une plante rare : Le cas de Scorzonera laciniata. Travail d’initiation à la recherche, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • Vuissoz, G. 2005. Introducing process-based disturbance variables in predictive models of plant distribution. Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution. pdf
  • Jaccard, H. 2005. Importance of the variable « landuse » in predictive habitat modeling of plant species in the Swiss Prealps. Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution.
  • Benetollo, C. 2005. Using predictive models to monitor and estimate population size of an invasive species: Heracleum mantegazzianum (Sommier & Levier). Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution. pdf
  • Hautier, Y. 2005. Provenance effect on growth and fitness of Poa alpina L.: transplantation of ecotypes along an elevation gradient in the Prealps of Vaud (Switzerland) and eco-geographical modeling. Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution.
  • Nusslé, S. 2005. Spatial autocorrelation and plant distributions. Diploma thesis, Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics, University of Neuchatel.
  • Franc, E. & Meyer, J. 2005. Echantillonnage base-modèle pour les espèces rares : une approche par simulation. Travail d’initiation à la recherche, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution & Conservation), Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • De Stefani, L. 2004. Influence de la surface d’échantillonnage dans la modélisation spatiale de la richesse spécifique. Caractérisation phytosociologique et modélisation spatiale des communautés végétales. Travail de diplôme, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution. pdf
  • Milleret, R. 2004. Impact of climate change on the distribution of plant species. Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution.
  • Favre, V. 2004. Evolution of the Maggia floodplain: analysis of an aerial photographs time series from 1962 to 2001. Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution.
  • Persico, P. 2004. Habitat modelling of two sympatric sibling wood ant species in the Swiss Jura mountains. Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution. pdf
  • Engler, R. 2004. MIGRATOR: Coupling GLM and Cellular automata in a dynamic model to simulate plant migration and distribution under climatic change. Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution.
  • Spahr, S. & Vuissoz, G. 2004. Influence des variables géomorphologiques sur la végétation dans la région d’Anzeindaz. Travail de semestre, Module de Botanique, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • Hautier, Y. & Guélat, J. 2004. Effet de la provenance sur la croissance et la vitalité de Poa alpina L.: transplantation d’écotypes le long d’un gradient altitudinal dans les Préalpes vaudoises Travail de semestre, Module de Botanique, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • Humbert, J.-Y. 2004. L’importance de la variable utilisation du sol pour prédire la distribution des espèces végétales dans les Préalpes vaudoises. Travail de semestre, Module de Botanique, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • Dessimoz, F. & Rathey, E. 2004. Pouvoir prédictif de la microtopographie (MNA Laser 1 m) sur la distribution des espèces. Travail d’initiation à la recherche, Master BEC (Biologie, Evolution et Conservation), Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution. pdf
  • Kissling, J. 2004. Model averaging: a case study in modelling the spatial distribution of plants. Diploma thesis, Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics, University of Neuchatel.
  • Wyss, T. 2004. Répartition de Saxifraga hirculus en fonction de la microtopographie. Travail de semestre, University of Lausanne.
  • Sauteur, L. & Iritano, K. 2004. Succession végétale suite au débroussaillage d’anciennes terrasses agricoles de l’étage montagnard: impact sur la composition floristique. Travail de semestre, University of Lausanne.
  • Py, I. & Vuataz, L. 2004. Mise en œuvre d’un réseau de carrés permanents d’observation (plantes/papillons) pour le suivi à long terme de l’impact des changements climatiques au Vallon de Nant. Travail de semestre, Université de Lausanne.
  • Broennimann, O. 2003. Modelling the potential distribution of rare and endangered plant species. Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution. pdf
  • Martinoni, D. 2003. Végétation des milieux ouverts des Préalpes vaudoises. Travail de diplôme, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution. pdf
  • Rojo-Lopez, J. 2003. Modelling the potential distribution of plant species richness: the effect of plot size. Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution (ERASMUS Exchange with Universidad Autonoma de Madrid).
  • Monico, N. & Benetollo, C. 2003. Potentiel invasif de Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Heracleum mantegazzianum et Senecio inaequidens en Suisse. Travail de semestre, Module de Botanique, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • Milleret, R. & Jaccard, H. 2003. Modélisation de la distribution spatiale de huit espèces emblématiques et scénarios de changements climatiques dans les Préalpes vaudoises. Travail de semestre, Module de Botanique, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution. pdf
  • Beck, J. & Matasci, C. 2003. Etude diachronique de la végétation du lac vert. Travail de semestre, Module de Botanique, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution. pdf
  • Favre, V. 2003. Etude de l’évolution de la végétation d’une section de la zone allulviale de la vallée Maggia entre 1988 et 2001. Travail de semestre, Module de Botanique, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution. pdf
  • Soller, E. 2002. Prediction of Swiss mammal richness. Diploma thesis, University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology & Evolution.
  • Febbraro, I. & Broennimann, O. 2002. Suggestion de nouveaux sites d’échantillonnage pour Aquilegia alpine, une espèce menacée: une approche par modélisation. Travail de semestre, Module de Botanique, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • Febbraro, I. & Broennimann, O. 2002. Télédétection et évolution de la végétation du Vallon de Nant. Travail de semestre, Module d’Ecologie, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution. pdf
  • De Stefani, L. & Pellegrini, E. 2002. Analyse de la richesse spécifique de prairies maigres le long d’un transect altitudinal au Tessin. Travail de semestre, Module de Botanique, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution. pdf
  • Degiacomi, S. & Moresi, R. 2002. Modélisation de la végétation dans la réserve naturelle du Vallon d’Engens (Ferreyres). Travail de semestre, Module de Botanique, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • Engler, R. & Rechsteiner, L. 2002. Distribution potentielle d’Eryngium alpinum en Suisse. Travail de semestre, Module d’Ecologie, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • Persico, P. & Carrard, F. 2002. Etang de la Bressonaz : étude de la flore et de la végétation d’une réserve naturelle nouvellement créée. Travail de semestre, Module d’Ecologie, Université de Lausanne, Département d’Ecologie & d’Evolution.
  • Randin, C. 2002. Etude diachronique d’une zone alluviale dans le Vallon de Nant (Préalpes vaudoises). Travail de diplôme, Université de Lausanne. pdf
Other Collaborators
Visitors
  • Xianping Li  (PostDoc), Nanjing Agricultaural University, China. July 2024-July 2025
  • Pooja Nautiyal (PhD), National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Dehradun, India. Sep 2024 – Sep 2025
  • Tristan Ubaldi (PhD), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, France. 2-27 June 2025
  • Michael Meier  (PostDoc), CEFE, Montpellier, France. Mar 1 – Oct 31 2024
  • Yin Zheng Lai  (PhD student). National Taiwan University, Institute of Fisheries Science. Supervisor: Prof. Chia-Ying Ko (National Taiwan University). Feb 19 – Nov 29 2024.
  • Chia-Ying Ko  (Prof), National Taiwan University, Institute of Fisheries Science. May-July 2024.
  • Kelly Theunissen (MSc student). University of Liège, Belgium. Supervisors: Alain Vanderpoorten (ULiège), Christophe Randin (UNIL), Flavien Collart (UNIL). Feb-April 2024.
  • Léonie Guebel (MSc student). University of Liège, Belgium. Supervisors: Alain Vanderpoorten (ULiège), Flavien Collart (UNIL). Feb-June 2024
  • Estelle Bruni  (PhD). University of Neuchâtel, Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity. Jan 2023 – May 2024 (part time).
  • Teresa Goicolea  (PhD). Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, UPM Natural Systems and Resources. 1 March – 31 May 2023. Project Connect2Restore. Director: Rubén G. Mateo
  • Ting Shen  (PhD student). University of Liège, Belgium, and Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences. 1 April – 20 Sep 2023. « 3D spatial variation in alpha and beta diversity in tropical epiphytic communities and epiphyte re-distribution under climate change ». Director: Alain Vanderpoorten (ULiège). Supervisor: Flavien Collart (UNIL).
  • Louis S. Jay-Garcia  (Postdoc Student). University of La Laguna, Canary Islands. September to October 2022. « To what extent do native and exotic congeneric taxa exhibit niche overlap? Evidence from an oceanic archipelago »
  • Solène Kiebooms (MSc Student). Université de Liège, Belgium. Feb to April 2022. « Distribution changes in suitable habitats of vaslcular alpine plants in response to past and future climate change ». Director: Alain Vanderpoorten (ULiège). Supervisor: Flavien Collart (UNIL).
  • Zhen-Wen Liu  (Research Assistant). Key laboratory of Biodiversity and Biogeography, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China. Jan 2019 to Dec 2019
  • Dino Biancolini  (PhD). Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza Università di Roma, Italy. April – July 2019
  • Maxence Soubeyrand  (MSc). Irstea, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France. Jan 2019 to June 2019
  • Matheus de Oliveira Neves  (PhD), Federal University de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Nov 2018 to May 2019
  • Yun-Hai Guo, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China. Dec 4 2018 
  • Louis Nusbaumer (Dr), Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de Genève, Sep 3-7 2018
  • Flavien Collart (MsC), Université de Liège, Feb 15 -Jun 15 2018
  • Michele Di Musciano  (PhD Student), Università degli Studi dell’Aquila, Oct 17 – Dec 25 2017
  • Anna Csergő  (Post Doc), Trinity College Dublin, Nov 20 – Dec 17 2017
  • María Ángeles Pérez Navarro (PhD student), Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF), Catalonia, Spain. Jul 3 – Sep 29 2017
  • Juan Imanol Cabaña (PhD student). Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA) CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. 19 Sep 2016 – 30 June 2017
  • Patrico Pliscoff (Prof), University of Chile, Santiago, Jun 25-29 2017
  • Shahid Farooq (PhD student). Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey. 6 – 22 Feb 2017
  • Damian Ortiz-Rodriguez (MSc). Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL. 12 Sep – Dec 201
  • Stella Hunyh (PhD student), University of Neuchatel. 31 Oct – 25 Nov 2016
  • Paola Reyna (PhD student). Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA) CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. 19 Sep – 19 Oct 2016
  • Anna Csergo (Post-Doc), Trinity University, Dublin, Ireland, 19-30 Sep 2016
  • Anna Cardoso (PHD student)
  • Anna Csergo (Post-Doc), Trinity University, Dublin, Ireland, June 9 to July 12 2015
  • Lorenzo Cattarino (Post-Doc), Griffith University, Australia, July 6-17 2015
  • Ursula Torres (PhD), Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand, Sep 13 to Oct 2 2014
  • Adrian Regos (Post-Doc), Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya, Solsona, Spain.Oct-Nov 2013
  • Maria Claudia Medeiros (PhD), Departamento de Botânica, Universidade de São Paulo, Sep 2013
  • Anna Csergo (Post-Doc), The University of Queensland, Australia. May 2014
  • Gwendolyn Peyre (PhD), Dept. Biologia Vegetal, Universitat de Barcelona, Sep-Dec 2014
  • Adrien Marquet (MsC), Université de Liège, April-June 2015
  • Anna Csergo (Post-Doc), Trinity University, Dublin, Ireland, Feb 2016
  • Patrico Pliscoff (Prof), University of Chile, Santiago, 9-13 Nov 2015
  • Florian Zanatta (PhD), Institute of Botany, Liège, Belgium, Oct – Dec 2015.
  • Joana Vicente (Post-Doc), University of Porto & CIBIO, Portugal. June 2013
  • Angela Lomba (Post-Doc), University of Porto & CIBIO, Portugal. June 2013
  • Rubén G. Mateo (Post-Doc), Institute of Botany, Liège, Belgium. Feb-May 2013
  • Florian Zanatta (MsC), Institute of Botany, Liège, Belgium. Feb-May 2013
  • Valeria Di Cola (PhD student), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina, Dec 2011 – Jan 2012
  • Giulia Santulli Sanzo (PhD student) University of Barcelona, Sep-Dec 2010 and April-July 2011
  • Leticia Bidegaray Batista (PhD student), Universitat de Barcelona, Spain, May-June 2011
  • Valeria Di Cola (PhD student), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina, sep 2010 – April 2011
  • Maria Teresa Carone (PhD student) STAT Department, University of Molise, Italy, June – Dec 2010
  • John Dwyer (PhD student), Spatial Ecology Lab, The University of Queensland, Ausatralia, Jan-Sep 2009
  • Julieta Pedrana (PhD student),  Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral, Puerto Deseado, Santa cruz, Argentina, Oct-Dec 2008
  •   Carola Gómez Rodríguez (PhD student), Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain, April-May 2008
  • Joana Vicente (PhD student), CIBIO, University of Porto, Portugal, co-supervision, many stays between 2007-2009
  • Angela Lomba (PhD student), CIBIO, University of Porto, Portugal, co-supervision, many stays between 2007-2009
  • Carola Gomez (PhD student), Estación Biológica de Doñana,CSIC, Sevilla, Spain, several stays in 2008
  • Manuela D’Amen (PhD student), University of Roma III, Italy, April 2008
  • Alejandro Gonzalez (PhD student, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Conservación Real Jardín Botánico (CSIC), June 2007
  • Signe Normand Paulsen (PhD student), University of Copenhagen, DK, J.-C. Svenning Group; March-June 2006
  • Gertrud Schoor (PhD student), University of Mainz, Germany, J. Kadereit group; March 2006
  • Patricio Pliscoff, September-November 2005, associate scientist at WWF Chile
  • Wouter Vanreusel (PhD student), Autumn 2004, University of Antwerp, Belgium
  • Giovanni Pelino (PhD student), January – July 2004, Universita’ degli studi del Molise, Italy
  • Mary Wisz (PhD Student), University of Cambridge, UK, two 1-month visits in July and November 2003
  • Jaime RojoLopez (ERASMUS Master student), November 2002 – August 2003, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain