Mechanisms of Forest Resilience

Linking tree stress responses across scales

Forests regulate major carbon and water cycles of the Earth system, yet increasing heat and drought events threaten their resilience.

Our research advances mechanistic understanding of how trees and forests respond to climatic stress by integrating experiments, forest observations, and ecosystem modelling across scales—from organs and trees to landscapes. We investigate species-specific stress responses, post-stress recovery, and legacy effects. By uncovering the mechanisms that govern tree stress responses and recovery, our research provides the scientific foundation needed to better anticipate climate change impacts on forests and inform strategies that support resilient forest ecosystems. Alongside our research, we teach students in eco-physiological science and share knowledge with schools and society.

Group members in front of the greenhouse after tidying up

Prof. Dr. Nadine Rühr doing experiments in the greenhouse at IMK-IFU

The greenhouse at KIT-Campus Alpin in front of the Alpspitze

Biomass samples in front of the IMK-IFU greenhouse

PhD student measuring chlorophyll content during a hot drought stress experiment in the greenhouse at IMK-IFU

Two people working in the lab at IMK-IFU

Winter trees in front of the greenhouse at IMK-IFU

PhD student examines the experimental trees in the greenhouse at IMK-IFU

A person using the PSI PolyPen to measure the spectral reflectance on a beech leaf

Preparing tree needles for further measurement

Greenhouse experiments with dendrometer on a tree

News

Person tying a dendrometer on a tree in a forest, with other person watching.

Dendrometer Installation at our Forest Observation Site

Our first forest observation site has been equipped with dendrometers. The sensors will monitor stem radius changes, which reflect both growth processes and changes in tree water status under varying environmental conditions. In total, we will install dendrometers at three sites representing distinct soil types in the vicinity of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, each equipped with its own weather station.

Plant Ecophysiology working group standing on a terrace in front of a spruce tree, lake Kochelsee in the background

Group Retreat 2026 in Kochel

We engaged in fruitful discussions on the future research strategy of our team in a perfect setting just above the Kochelsee.

Group of four adults posing indoors; one wears a festive graduation cap.

Congratulations, Franklin!

February, 2026: Franklin has successfully defended his PhD thesis, “Investigating Eco-Physiological Mechanisms of Stress Response and Recovery in Temperate Trees,” with highest honors. Congratulations!

Collaborations

Forests in a warmer world

Forests ecosystems are critical for climate regulation, land biodiversity, for providing fresh water, timber and non-timber products, and also for human well-being and security.

What we do - simply explained

Measuring instruments on a meadow in the foothills of the Alps

Institute of Geography and Geoecology (IFGG)

For Students

Aerial view of healthy and damaged conifers

International Tree Mortality Network

Our mission is to facilitate collaboration between scientists to combine expertise, knowledge and data...

Network for scientists