Unit: Environmental Sensing and Modelling
Group: Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment
Social links: LinkedIn / ResearchGate / ORCID
Languages: English, Dutch; Flemish
I am a Senior Research and Technology Engineer with a PhD in ecology, specializing in biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem management, and ecological data analysis and modelling. My work focuses on the development and implementation of innovative monitoring protocols for wildlife, with particular expertise in amphibians, reptiles, mammals, butterflies, and other pollinators. I am especially interested in integrating traditional ecological field methods with emerging technologies, such as automated sensors and data platforms, to enhance biodiversity monitoring and improve the assessment of spatial and temporal trends in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. I have extensive experience coordinating large-scale field projects, managing complex ecological datasets, and translating field observations into applied research. I have contributed to multiple research and innovation initiatives, including Horizon 2020, LIFE restoration projects, and FNR-funded programmes, as well as policy-support projects in collaboration with national stakeholders (ministries, NGOs, and public administrations). Working at the interface between science and policy, I contribute to strengthening biodiversity knowledge and supporting evidence-based decision-making in Luxembourg.
Lead the design, coordination, and implementation of national biodiversity monitoring schemes in Luxembourg, generating robust data to support species conservation and reporting under the EU Habitats Directive. Develop and standardize field protocols (transects, camera trapping, acoustic monitoring), improving data comparability, efficiency, and long-term monitoring consistency. Advance technology-based monitoring approaches, integrating innovative tools (e.g. automated sensors, data platforms) to enhance detection, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of biodiversity assessments. Analyze and manage complex ecological datasets, ensuring high data quality and delivering insights on spatial and temporal biodiversity trends. Drive and contribute to national and international research and innovation projects, strengthening collaboration networks and producing applied, policy-relevant outcomes. Supervise fieldwork operations, ensuring high-quality data collection while building capacity and transferring expertise across teams and institutions. Produce scientific reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations, contributing to knowledge dissemination and evidence-based conservation practices. Support project planning and stakeholder engagement, facilitating coordination with partners, public authorities, and decision-makers to translate science into actionable policy.
Bohnet I.C., Hager G., Rellensmann T., Hardy C., McHugh N.M., Ablinger D., Bagnoni V., Banks G., Beyer M., Duijvestijn L., Franck P., Janeckova K., Kaasik R., Martin Y., Moonen A.C., Salehi A., Sánchez-García C., Schoone M., Scott C., Travnicek J., van Rijn P., Varas G., Veromann E., Warlop F., Wohlmuth M.L., Begg G.S.
Agricultural Systems, vol. 233, art. no. 104644, 2026
Nichols R.N., Begg G.S., Cantú-Salazar L., Holland J.M., Martin Y., Tzilivakis J., Vray S., Warner D.J., Zuta A., McHugh N.M.
Plos One, vol. 21, n° 3 March, art. no. e0345691, 2026
Using Image-based AI for insect monitoring and conservation - InsectAI COST Action
<p>August T.; Balzan M. V.; Bodesheim P.; Brehm G.; Cantú-Salazar L.; Castro S.; Chipperfield J.; Ghisbain G.; Gomez-Segura A.; Goulnik J.; Groom Q.; Hogeweg L.; Huijbers C.; Kamilaris A.; Kazlauskis K.; Koch W.; Korsch D.; Loureiro J.; Martin Y.; Martinou A. F.; McFarland K. P.; Mestdagh X.; Michez D.; Outhwaite C. L.; Pegoraro L.; Pernat N.; Pettersson L. B.; Pipek P.; Preda C.; Rolnick D.; Roth T.; Roy D. B.; Roy H. E.; Runnel V.; Šašić M.; Schigel D. S.; Koch Sheard J.; Svenningsen C.; Teixeira H.; Titeux N.; Tscheulin T.; Tzirkalli E.; van der Velde M.; van Klink R.; Vereecken N. J.; Vray S.; Høy T. T.</p>
<p>Research Ideas and Outcomes</p>
Forming and managing a Farmer Cluster for improved farmland biodiversity in Europe
Nichols R.N., Begg G.S., Hager G., Salehi A., Banks G., Martin Y., Kaasik R., Bohnet I.C., Holland J.M., Varas G., Warlop F., Zuta A., Ablinger D., Schoone M., McHugh N.M.
Ecological Solutions and Evidence, vol. 6, n° 3, art. no. e70097, 2025
