Miguel D. Mahecha

Miguel D. Mahecha

Professor and head of the Earth System Data Science group

Leipzig University

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, UFZ - Leipzig, Germany

I am a full professor at Leipzig University, specializing in the study of ecosystem responses to climate extremes and the human-environment nexus during these extreme events. My work also encompasses macroecological dynamics and ecosystem functioning, utilizing cutting-edge data science methods. A cornerstone of my research is the collaborative use of high-dimensional Earth observations, including the Earth System Data Cube concept that I have developed over the years.

My ultimate goal is to integrate empirical findings with theoretical and conceptual understanding in order to comprehend the complex interactions within the Earth system. I am a member of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, and the Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, I serve as co-spokesperson for the National Research Data Infrastructure for Earth System Sciences (NFDI4Earth).

Interests

  • Effects of climate variability and extremes on ecosystems
  • Earth system data cubes and data science
  • Human environment nexus
  • Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning

Education

  • Full professor, 2020

    Leipzig University

  • Research group leader, 2012

    Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry

  • PostDoc, 2010

    Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry

  • PhD in Environmental Sciences, 2009

    ETH Zurich

  • Diploma in Geoecology, 2006

    Bayreuth University

Publications (111)