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Georg Valentin FLÜCKIGERPhD Student
Email: flueckiger.georg(AT)u.nus.edu |
Background
From the alpine meadows of Switzerland to the coral reefs of the Caribbean, my academic and professional journey has been shaped by a fascination with biodiversity and ecological processes across scales. Reef ecosystems became my central focus because they harbour an extraordinary share of marine biodiversity, yet are rapidly degrading worldwide. Witnessing severe bleaching on shallow reefs in Mexico made the crisis feel personal and strengthened my resolve to contribute to conservation-relevant research.
PhD Project
My PhD investigates patterns of biomass regeneration of reef fish communities, what drives productivity hotspots, and how they may shift under global change. I combine macroecological modelling (species distribution models & mechanistic biomass productivity modelling) with field validation. For the latter, I will use BRUV, eDNA, and AI-assisted estimates of reef fish biodiversity and biomass across spatial scales.
Coral reef fish productivity underpins food security, livelihoods, and local fisheries resilience in many coastal regions across the globe. By forecasting productivity patterns, potential shifts in hotspots, and their resilience under global change, I aim to provide conservation-relevant and process-based insights. These outputs may refine fisheries management decisions, with direct relevance for coastal communities that rely on reef fish as primary food source.
Academic History
BSc. in Biology, University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland (2014-2017)
MSc. in Ecology and Evolution (Highest Distinction), ETH Zurich, Switzerland (2020-2022)
Awards
Willi-Studer Award for the best MSc. certificate in Biology at ETH Zurich (2023).