Director/Senior Researcher, Alliance for Conservation Tree Genomics

Research interests and expertise

My research aims to improve our understanding of the origin, functioning and maintenance of plant biodiversity. This involves evolutionary, ecological and genomic components, in various ecosystems in the temperate, subtropical and tropical zones. As focal taxa I target wide ranging plant families that form some of the largest and most species rich groups known to science, which often perform crucial ecosystem roles but overall, remain poorly known and are beyond the scope of sustainable use practices and conservation action. By combining traditional taxonomic approaches with the latest advances in genomics and evolutionary reconstruction, I aim to unlock these groups by revealing their evolutionary histories and relationships, genomic diversity and ecological potential for adaptation and rapid speciation. Through targeted on-the-ground initiatives, I aim to positively effect conservation awareness and strengthen en/ex situ conservation of threatened tree groups with local, regional and international partners. As part of the need to drive sustainable utilization of native biodiversity, I also work on research that aims to expand the number of species in cultivation for food, medicine and other uses. Alleviating collecting and harvesting pressures on threatened or shrinking natural populations through novel domestication actions is an essential component of our conservation strategy.

Curriculum Vitae Joeri Sergej Strijk (updated CV available upon request; please reach out using the contact details here)

 

 

 

Editorial responsibilities

Associate Editor for:
Genomics (Elsevier: 6.205).
Australian Systematic Botany (CSIRO: 0.648)
Journal of Tropical Ecology (Cambridge: 1.32)
Subject Editor (Fagales) for:
PhytoKeys (PenSoft: 1.5)