In this blog post, we hear from Associate Editor Robert Rauschkolb, Professor at the University of Jena, Germany! Robert’s primary research interests are in the understanding of phenological patterns of perennial herbaceous species including influences of abiotic factors, species’ traits and phylogeny.
Why did you choose to study your particular research area?
The timing of phenological events, like flowering time, are really important for ecosystem functions and shaping interactions between species. Due to global change, however, phenological events of many species are shifting. In this respect, we need a better understanding in order to be able to assess future effects more reliably. A lot of research is being done in this field, but perennial herbaceous species in particular are still underrepresented in research. This research is significant for the understanding of phenological processes of perennial herbaceous plants, as they play a central role in many ecosystems.
What challenges have you faced in your career?
There was not ‘the one’ challenge in my career. But I think it’s fundamentally important not to surrender after experiencing setbacks, such as a rejected paper, but to continue to believe in yourself and your work. This is always challenging.
What’s next for your research?
As in many areas of science, phenological research needs closer collaboration between scientists around the world to identify and understand global patterns. In the coming years I would like to contribute to the establishment of a global network of botanical gardens in which the phenology of perennial herbaceous species can be observed.
Why Functional Ecology and how do you find being an Associate Editor?
In my perception, FE is a very prestigious journal and many colleagues want to publish their high-class papers there. I see a great strength in the fact that the focus of the journal is on understanding the mechanistic processes. Describing ecological patterns is important, but for the future we need to better understand the underlying processes.
I’ve only recently joined FE as an editor, but as a reviewer I already really appreciate the fact that you are brought up to date with the latest research in various fields. This is incredibly inspiring for my own work. As an editor, I will certainly gain even deeper insights here.
What are some common mistakes you see in submitted papers? and How might these be addressed?
I would always recommend putting an extra week of work into the paper to correct supposedly minor details. Inconsistencies, spelling mistakes and missing links etc. do not, of course, compromise the quality of the work, but they always leave a negative impression and resulting in a less favourable evaluation of the work. I would like to see more submissions on Phenology research on herbaceous species of course and papers linking the Northern and the Southern hemisphere.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in the field of ecology and what one thing would you change if you could?
A very central challenge is to build more bridges between researchers around the world and to develop a global ecological understanding. Furthermore, the findings of ecological research must be channelled into laws and regulations as quickly as possible in order to be able to address current challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change. Ecological research does not have to hide behind other, very well-funded branches of research in terms of its importance in times of global change. A larger amount of funding is essential to achieve the goals. If I could change on thing it would be that as many people as possible (hopefully all) trust our research results…
Any advice for early career researchers?
Always believe in yourself and your work and constantly remind yourself of the relevance of your research in the current times.
