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The Jena Experiment is a DFG-funded Research Unit (FOR 5000) that builds on a long history of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) research (FOR 456; FOR 1451). Despite broad consensus of the positive BEF relationship, the underlying ecological and evolutionary mechanisms have not been well understood. The Jena Experiment aims at filling this gap of knowledge by applying novel experimental and analytical approaches in one of the longest-running biodiversity experiments in the world (running since 2002). The central aim of the Research Unit is to uncover the mechanisms that determine BEF relationships in the short- and in the long-term.
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Jäthelfer (w/m/d) gesucht vom 05.10. – 25.10.2026 July 21, 2026 3:09pm - #English version below# Ihr interessiert euch für Pflanzen und arbeitet gerne draußen? Wir brauchen Hilfe… 
New publication from Hong et al. in PNAS: Mechanistic links between coexistence, productivity, and stability in experimental grasslands June 9, 2026 9:07am - For decades, ecologists have been intrigued by two fundamental interlinked questions: what enables species to… 
New publication from Zhang et al. in Ecology Letters: Species Assembly Is Lineage Specific: Phylogenetic Divergent Species Aggregate in Some Lineages but Segregate in Others May 20, 2026 7:55am - Phylogenetic divergence between species may weaken both negative and positive biotic interactions. Whether, as a… 
New publication from Isbell et al. in Nature: Predicting temporal stability and resilience from resistance and recovery May 13, 2026 1:35pm - Stability can be desirable for many natural and social systems. Temporal stability, the invariability of… 
Marcel Solbach successfully defended his PhD March 16, 2026 10:59am - We are happy to announce that Marcel Solbach successfully defended his PhD thesis. Congratulations on… 
New publication from Winterfeldt et al. in Journal of Ecology: Plant diversity increases microbial resistance to drought and soil carbon accumulation February 6, 2026 1:05pm - Plant diversity is an important driver of many ecosystem functions, including decomposition and soil carbon…
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