The ecological modelling laboratory was formed in 2006 following the decision to integrate the structural and functional aspects of ecological systems in a modelling context that could allow predicting the temporal and/or spatial trends of a given ecological parameter.
The initial members of the laboratory were Marcello Vitale and Fabio Attorre, both working in the Department of Botany (as it was called in 2006). The interaction between studies on vegetation and those on natural ecosystems has led to the development of a series of works in which statistical/mathematical analysis techniques were applied to predict the temporal and spatial variation of biodiversity and the distribution of plant species in the scope of the occurrence of climate change.
Subsequently, the laboratory was enriched with new components such as Michele De Sanctis, a botanical expert and Mario Di Traglia an excellent statistician, who gave a further push towards the quantitative component.
The synergy with the GIS and vegetation laboratory has led to a series of participations in important international projects including those financed by the European Union (Horizon and LIFE), the United Nations (UNCCC and UNDP) and the Italian Development Cooperation. (Mozambique, Yemen, Papua New Guinea, El Salvador, Cuba).
Currently, the laboratory consists of three PhD students, ten undergraduates, and two research fellows. Seventy peer-reviewed papers and countless presentations in Italy and abroad have been produced since its inception.
Scientific Research is carried out on specific features such as:
a) Measuring and Modelling approaches to primary productivity and water use assessment in different ecosystems;
b) Climate change effect on ecosystems and plant distribution;
c) Atmospheric pollutants (nitrogen oxides, ozone, Volatile Organic compounds) and their effects on structural and physiological characteristics of plants;
d) Carbon cycle assessment for forest plant communities at different climate scenarios, in order to discriminate assimilation and respiration rates (litter decomposition and soil respiration rates);
e) Land Use and Land Use Change assessment for implementing Spatial Decision Support Systems in order to manage and mitigate the effects caused by land degradation and desertification in semi-arid Mediterranean and Arabian/African areas:
f) Statistical approaches for predictive modelling of non-linear dynamic processes (plant distribution, intra-specific competition, resource consumption, canopy structural and/or functional damages induced by air pollutants and climate impacts).