Review Research 1998-2004

We are proud to announce that the Animal Ecology Group scored "excellent" in the assessment of research quality 1998-2004 (see press report at www.rug.nl/fwn/archief/archief2005/persberichten/147_05

The complete report "Assessment of Research Quality, Life Sciences RUG/FMNS 1998-2004, University of Groningen, November 2005" may be downloaded at the website of the University of Groningen re "Assessments of Research Quality" [PDF]

Our documentation for the Self Evaluation Quality Assessment of Research Life Sciences 1998-2004 is available as a word document at www.rug.nl/biologie/onderzoek/onderzoekgroepen/dieroecologie/onderzoek/visitatieRep9804.doc  [DOC]

The publication: "Merging Ecology and Evolution" (pp. 328):  Self Evaluation of our institute CEES (Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies) provided for the quality assessment of Life Sciences research may be downloaded at www.rug.nl/biologie/onderzoek/onderzoekgroepen/dieroecologie/onderzoek/assessCEES.pdf  [PDF]

The specific assessment of Animal Ecology reads:

"Research Programme: CEES1, Animal Ecology, T. Piersma

<Hoekstra, Parker, Valiela, 12 - 21 April 2005>

Q:5                              Research staff 2004 (fte): tenured   1.3

P: 5                                                                           total     14.4

R: 5

V&F: 5

In order to understand the distribution and abundance of animals from an evolutionary perspective detailed behavioural and physiological measurements are primarily done in natural settings; their emphasis towards behavioural ecology is strong and of international standing. Experiments are done whenever possible and always with theoretical underpinning in mind. The application of findings and developments in other fields of biology in the ongoing research, whenever possible, enables the group to perform its research at a high level. Papers in journals with the highest impact illustrate the success of this approach.

 

The various research themes fit in the general framework of “Understanding life history strategies” and are linked with each other.

 

Strong leadership - until 2003 by prof. dr. R.Drent and since 2003 by prof.dr. Th.Piersma and during the whole period by dr. J. Tinbergen - enabled the group to act ina concerted way. Based on the coherence between strong individuals the group as a whole achieved a high and unique reputation. The fundamental research of the group is very meaningful for conservation biologists and its societal significance is well recognized.

 

The outlook for the future of this dynamic and cooperative group is very positive, provided that sufficient analytical and technical support is available and educational pressure “from above” is relieved.