Dr. Susanne Åkesson

Biography

Susanne Åkesson is a Professor at Lund University specializing in Evolutionary Ecology and Animal Migration. She holds a PhD in Ecology, obtained in 1995, after conducting research on songbird orientation. Åkesson established her own research lab at Lund University in 1998, focusing on long-distance migrations of birds and sea turtles. She has developed large-scale field experiments using tracking technology to study the migrations and homing behavior of individuals in the field. Her work encompasses insect migration as well, and in 1999, she organized an international PhD student course on 'Ecology of Animal Migration.' As director of the Center for Animal Movement Research (CAnMove) since 2008, she coordinates research on movement ecology, particularly looking at how animals adapt to long migrations. Åkesson's interdisciplinary research connects biology and physics, and she has also been involved in science communication to promote awareness of her work. She has received multiple awards for her contributions to science, including the Silver Medal for excellence in research communication. In addition to her academic pursuits, she enjoys artistic endeavors such as photography, drawing, and playing the Nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish instrument. Her teaching includes undergraduate courses in Evolutionary Animal Ecology and Ornithology.

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Experience

Awards