What do we study?

Project helps to find solutions and alternatives to the toxic pollution originating from the small-boat harbours. During the course of the project soil and water samples are collected from 12 small-boat harbours to analyse the concentration of environmental toxicants and microplastics. In addition, a laboratory experiment will be conducted to test the effect of antifouling paints to fish olfaction.

People:

Randel Kreitsberg (Leader), Merilin Raudna-Kristoffersen, Hennessy Elizabeth Dubrov, Liisa Juurmann, Jan Eric Lauri

Eurasian Red squirrels are living in both urban and rural habitats. There, they are exposed to different stressors, but also different food resources. Is this affecting their health differently and how? We are working on it!

People:

Jeffrey Carbillet (Leader), Tuul Sepp, Jaanis Lodjak, Olivia Parkman. In collaboration with the Estonian Wildlife Centre and the Veterinary clinic of the Estonian University of Life Science.

How is marine pollution affecting seabirds health? What are the factors shaping nesting site selection? How is nesting site selection affecting fitness? We are working on these questions and everything related to the life of seabirds.

People:

Jeffrey Carbillet (Leader), Jaanis Lodjak, Tuul Sepp, Hannah Métaireau, Ursula Pajumäe, Maria Ksenofontov, Johan Boeijkens.

What are the abundance and diversity of bats in relation to urban habitat features? Can habitat characteristics explain mercury levels of bats? And what's the situation of Lyssa virus and parasites for Estonian bats? Here we dive into the bat world!

People:

Christel Rose Bachmann (Leader), Tuul Sepp.

Transparent glasses are invisible to birds, and they perceive reflected images as literal objects. Billions of birds worldwide are dying each year due to collisions against windows. This project will help quantify the mortality of birds due to window collisions in Estonia, identify hotspots of mortality, and propose mitigation measures.

People:

Christel Rose Bachmann (Leader).

We aim to (1) elucidate sources of heritable and environmental variation in anthropometric, life history and cultural traits, and (2) measure natural selection acting upon these traits. In our research we rely on various databases including Estonian Biobank, Family Register, Population Register and anthropometric datasets collected by Juhan Aul and Gudrun Veldre.

People:

Peeter Hõrak (Leader), Richard Meitern, PhD student Velda Lauringson. In collaboration with Estonian Biobank and Estonian Institute for Population Studies.

01.01.2020 − 31.12.2024
Start-up grant (PSG458) of the Estonian Research Agency
PI: Tuul Sepp

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01.01.2021 − 31.12.2025
Team grant (PRG1137) of the Estonian Research Agency
PI: Peeter Hõrak

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01.01.2024 − 31.12.2028
Start-up grant (PSG936) of the Estonian Research Agency
PI: Jeffrey Carbillet

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01.09.2023 − 31.08.2025
R&D grant (RE.4.07.23-0053) of the Environmental Ivestment Center
PI: Randel Kreitsberg

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