I am Professor of Freshwater Ecology at Aarhus University and Head of the Centre for Nature-based Solutions (C-NBS). I have worked with stream ecology and restoration for several decades, with a particular interest in how freshwater ecosystems respond to environmental pressures and how they can be restored. My recent research focuses on nature-based solutions in streams and their catchments, as well as the effects of climate change on freshwater ecosystems. Through C-NBS, I work to bring together expertise across ecosystems and disciplines and to strengthen the development, evaluation and implementation of effective nature-based solutions.
I am a PhD student at C-NBS with a background in public administration, policy and project coordination. Before joining Aarhus University, I worked as a political advisor and coordinated the Nordic Council of Ministers’ programme on nature-based solutions. My PhD research explores how administrative frameworks can enable or hinder the implementation of nature-based solutions in Danish municipalities. In particular, I investigate how implementation approaches such as the Assens model can support the wider uptake and scaling of nature-based solutions in future land-use and environmental planning.
I have a background in geography and geoinformatics and work with GIS, environmental data and research coordination at the Department of Ecoscience. I am also coordinator of Aarhus University’s interdisciplinary Centre for Water Technology (WATEC), where I support its daily activities and annual summer school. My work combines geospatial analysis, environmental data management and project coordination, and I also contribute to environmental consultancy for the Greenlandic government. At C-NBS, I support the centre’s activities with expertise in IUCN's Global standard for Nature-based Solutions, spatial data, coordination and environmental analysis.
I am a molecular ecologist specialising in biodiversity and microbial evolution. My research investigates how environmental stressors such as warming, pollution and habitat loss interact and cascade through ecosystems. I use molecular approaches to understand ecological responses to environmental change and to develop rapid methods for assessing biodiversity. At C-NBS, my work contributes to evaluating the effects of nature-based solutions on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, with a particular focus on rapid biodiversity assessment and the potential role of microbial communities in ecological restoration.
I am an ecologist with a background in agroecology, soil science and landscape ecology. My research focuses on how nature-based solutions can support biodiversity, climate mitigation and resilient agricultural landscapes. I have particular expertise in hedgerows and other semi-natural habitats, investigating their roles in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, soil health and the delivery of ecosystem services. My work combines field-based ecological research with spatial analysis, with a particular interest in understanding how effective nature-based solutions can be implemented and scaled up across real-world landscapes.
I am an evolutionary ecologist with a background in molecular ecology and statistical modelling. My research investigates how organisms adapt to environmental change by examining interactions between hosts, their gut microbiomes and their ecological niches. I combine molecular approaches with quantitative analyses to understand the physiological and fitness mechanisms that shape resilience to changing environmental conditions. At C-NBS, I contribute expertise in evolutionary and molecular ecology, helping to understand how organisms and ecological communities respond to environmental pressures and restoration interventions.
I am a student assistant at C-NBS alongside my Master's studies. I support a wide range of the Centre’s research and coordination activities, including field data collection and management, literature assessments, communication, and administrative tasks. I have contributed to projects including Nat-Agri and City Blues, as well as the 2026 Transformative Governance for Nature-based Solutions conference. Through this work, I support both the practical implementation of C-NBS research activities and the organisation and communication that help connect the Centre’s different projects.
Senior Researcher | Freshwater Ecology & Nature-based Solutions NINA – Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Oslo Norway leonard.sandin@nina.no
PROFILE - Transdisciplinary freshwater ecologist with 25+ years of experience at the interface of biodiversity, climate adaptation, and water governance. Leads large-scale research and innovation on nature-based solutions (NbS), ecological restoration, and sustainability transformations. Strong track record in integrating long-term ecological data, stakeholder co-creation, and science–policy processes (e.g. IPBES). Extensive experience in EU and Nordic research coordination and strategic project development. Leads interdisciplinary research and innovation on NbS, biodiversity, and climate adaptation across Nordic and European contexts.
CORE EXPERTISE - Nature-based solutions (NbS) & ecological restoration, Freshwater & riverine ecosystems; landscape connectivity, Climate adaptation & multiple pressures, Biodiversity governance & science–policy interface, Environmental monitoring, assessment & long-term data integration
