Martin Österling, Professor of Biology

Martin Österling is from Karlstad but started his academic career by studying in Uppsala and Gothenburg, resulting in a Degree of Master of Marine Biology.

After receiving his degree, he was awarded a scholarship and studied the coral reefs outside the coast of Tanzania. He also worked on and off at different county administrations for about a year.

In November of 2001, Martin Österling began a doctoral studentship at Karlstad University, which he finished in 2006. During this period of time, he was also a visiting scholar for a while, at Cornell University in New York. After receiving his PhD, he was awarded a grant to study the ecology and threat to the freshwater pearl mussel in Middle Sweden. Included in this grant was also research funding for a four year long postdoctoral position, as well as funding for a big EU project about the re-population of endangered mussels. Martin is a part of the research group “Naturresurs rinnande vatten” (Nature resource running water), which has received research funding for four years as a strong research environment at Karlstad University. Among a lot of other research, it is worth mentioning another big restoration and re-population project in the south of Sweden. During the last few years, however, life outside of Sweden’s borders have proved tempting and during the spring and summer of 2018, he conducted research in Porto, Portugal. Parallel to conducting his research, he has also been teaching.

It is important to preserve the biological diversity and all the functions for the ecosystem that this diversity provides. This is something that is of interest for both national and international research networks, nature conservation organisations and authorities. Martin Österling is primarily concentrating on applied ecological research in watercourses, within a variety of different areas.

"I am focusing on the parasite host interactions between endangered mussels and fish, where the findings are often the basis for different measures and reintroductions of the endangered species. In connection to this I also conduct research on the functions and services that the species contribute with to the ecosystem. I also study the behavioural ecology, movement patterns and genetics of fish and I have started to work more interdisciplinary with ecosystem services as well as economic, social and tourism-related issues. It is fun to have the opportunity to work together with other people on something I find so exciting, and I will continue to work within national and international networks."

It is hardly surprising that Martin Österling enjoys various water-based sports and leisure activities, especially in the company of his family. He is also interested in culture, particularly music.