Arctic ecologist and drone pilot strengthens climate expertise
The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Gothenburg welcomes Jakob Assmann as a new Associate Senior Lecturer in Earth and Environmental Data Sciences, further strengthening the department’s profile in climate and environmental change.
Jakob Assmann is an early-career scientist specialising in global change ecology, with a particular focus on Arctic vegetation and landscape dynamics. His most recent position was at the University of Zürich, Switzerland. Assmann's research explores how Arctic landscapes and plant life respond to the rapidly warming climate, using a combination of field observations, drone technology and satellite data to track changes across landscapes.
An experienced drone pilot and field ecologist, Assmann integrates high-resolution aerial data and environmental DNA into his research, allowing him to study ecological processes at new levels of detail. A central theme in his work is understanding how the scale of observation - from field observations and drone imagery to satellite data - shapes our ability to understand environmental change.
“I am fascinated by how ecosystems respond to change, especially in extreme environments like the Arctic,” Assmann says. “Combining fieldwork with technologies such as drones and molecular methods makes this research both challenging and exciting.”
Assmann brings international experience from institutions including the University of Zurich, Aarhus University and the University of Edinburgh. His work has taken him to Arctic regions such as northern Canada, Svalbard and Greenland, where he studied how plant diversity is distributed across landscapes and how factors like snowmelt and temperature influence the timing of plant growth.
“I am excited to join the vibrant research community at the University of Gothenburg and the Department of Earth Sciences.” Assmann says. “I look forward to new collaborations and bringing my expertise in emerging technologies and data analysis to advance Arctic and Earth System research.”
By: Jenny Meyer Daneback
Fika and forest - Jakob's move to Gothenburg
Why choose Gothenburg?
When deciding on Gothenburg, we were attracted by its proximity to the sea and its reputation as a welcoming and laid-back city.
Your first impression of Gothenburg?
I liked Gothenburg's cosy feel and its many green spaces. I also had the impression that there is lots going on for its size - not too big, not too small.
What's a good way to get to know a new city?
I like exploring on foot, eating out, and not spending too much time looking at the phone! I already had the chance to go running in the forests around Gothenburg during my last visit - that was fun! I'm very excited to explore the coastline and islands on my road bike and on our paddle boards.
Moving to another country - what are the biggest challenges?
The three biggest changes will likely be the language, culture and establishing a new network of friends. We already started learning Swedish and will enroll in in-person classes once we've arrived in Gothenburg. We're also planning to join sport clubs or activity groups to meet people in addtion to our colleagues at work.
Your favorite ”fika”?
I love all types of pastries, but a classic Kardemummabulle and a filter coffee are a great combination!