Tom August
Tom August is a computational ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. From a background in field ecology, Tom's has spent his career developing and applying new methods for monitoring wildlife and analysing the results. From drones and mobile apps to super-computers and AI, Tom is interested in how new technologies can improve scientists', and the general public's understanding of nature, and addres the biodiversity crisis.
During NWO Life2024 Tom will speak about biodiversity: The role of technology in monitoring biodiversity.
Behind the speaker
We asked programme committee member Elly Morien who they invited to speak at NWO Life2024 and why. We also asked her about NWO Life in general.
Who is Elly Morien?
'I am a soil ecologists with a weak spot for soil fungi. In my research I want to unravel how soil microbes in general and fungi in specific help to stabilize carbon inputs in soil, via plant exudates and litter onto mineral particles or inside soil aggregates.'
Why did you invite Tom August
'I invited Tom August from the CEH to speak for Track 4 because he is a computational ecologist exploring new ways to monitor biodiversity which is in my opinion very important in a time of mass biodiversity loss.'
Why should participants come to NWO Life2024?
'To experience nice interactions between biologists working in different disciplines and to get inspired by the nice and fascinating crossovers of life and art that might trigger new collaborations for the coming year.'
What are you most looking forward to?
'Scientifically I am looking forward to the talk by Caroline Gutjahr to get inspired for my own research. Socially, I think the Bionieuws pubquiz is a real highlight of the Thursday evening.'
