ABOUT THE EMF
The Ecosystem Modelling Facility (EMF) is a small unit within CREAF specifically devoted to modelling activities, with special focus on the response of ecosystems to global change. EMF aims at becoming a meeting point for people (from CREAF and beyond) interested in developing or applying models to predict the response of terrestrial ecosystems to drivers of global change.
Besides its support to other CREAF groups, the EMF focuses its own work in two complementary areas: research and knowledge transfer. On the research side, we focus our activity in improving the state of the art of process based modelling of functioning and dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems at local to regional scales, with a special interest in Mediterranean forest ecosystems. On the knowledge transfer side, the EMF leads and participates in several contracts and agreements with different administrations, NGOs or other entities, providing them with tools (including online applications and offline tools), data and advice for decision making.
What do we do?
- Research in process based modelling of terrestrial ecosystems
- Provide training and technical support for modelling activities to research groups at CREAF.
- Develop and promote the use of process-based and empirical models aimed at predicting the response of terrestrial ecosystems to global change at multiple scales from the forest stand to the region.
- Facilitate discovery of data sets or models relevant for ecosystem modelling activities.
- Develop tools aimed at facilitating the interoperability between data sources and models, and between different models.
- Develop and maintain interactive web applications for ecosystem data exploration and visualization.
EMF CORE
Miquel de Cáceres
EMF Research Leader
I am mostly interested in the development of statistical and modeling approaches to understand the structure and functioning of terrestrial plant communities at scales ranging from the forest stand to landscapes and regions. My long-term goal in ecological modeling is to develop, promote and apply modeling frameworks to better understand and anticipate the response of forest ecosystems to global change drivers at the local to regional scales, with a strong focus on water-limited areas.
Roberto Molowny-Horas
EMF Transfer & Support Coordinator
As a research technician at CREAF, my primary interests lie in forest ecology, environmental sciences, and mathematical ecology. My academic journey is somewhat unconventional: I originally trained as a physicist and astrophysicist before pivoting my focus to Earth through a master's in Remote Sensing and GIS. Today, I am passionate about applying my strong foundation in complex systems and applied statistics to better understand and model ecosystems.
Víctor Granda-García
EMF Data Scientist
I'm a data scientist with a PhD. in tree ecophysiology. My main focus of interest is how to apply different technologies and computer languages to solve complex biological and ecological problems, including data management, data pipelines, analysis and visualization. Open source and open data enthusiast with a knack for programming in R.
Adriana Tovar-Rodríguez
Predoctoral researcher
Natural environment engineer with a master in terrestrial ecology. Passionate about forests ecosystems and concerned about global change. My goal is to contribute to the understanding of climate change effects on forest functioning to enhance the development of better management practices.
Inés Delsman
Technician
With a Master's in International Land and Water Management, focusing on sustainable soil management, I'm interested in the functioning and design of our environment and want to work towards more climate-resilient landscapes.
Rodrigo Balaguer Romano
Postdoctoral researcher
BSc in Biology, MRes in Biodiversity and PhD in Sciences. My research addresses the assessment of global change impacts on forest ecosystems, with the aim of contributing to the development of adaptive strategies. I study forest functioning and dynamics using process-based modeling and remote sensing approaches, focusing on the interactions with drought and wildfire disturbances at landscape scales.
EMF STEERING COMMITTEE
Laia Andreu-Hayles
Researcher
CREAF
Lluis Brotons
Researcher
CREAF
Enrique Doblas
CREAF Chief Transfer Officer
CREAF
Arnald Marcer
Researcher
CREAF
Jordi Martínez-Vilalta
Researcher
CREAF
Lluís Pesquer
Researcher
CREAF
EMF SPHERES
In active collaboration
María González-Sanchís
Researcher
Forest and Water Research Group - CTFC
Núria Aquilué Junyent
Researcher
CTFC
Aitor Ameztegui
Researcher
ADAPTAFOR, Universitat de Lleida
Nicolas Martin-StPaul
Researcher
URFM, INRAE
