Prof. Dr. Volker Grimm

Contact

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ    

Department Ecological Modelling

Permoserstr. 15
04318 Leipzig
Germany

Building 1.0, Room 208 map

Tel.: +49 341 235-1711    
Fax: +49 341 235-1473
volker.grimm .. ufz.de  

Sylvia Ecogod

Research Interests

  • How to model it: Ecological models, in particular simulation models, often seem to be formulated ad hoc and only poorly analysed. I am therefore interested in strategies and methods for making ecological modelling more coherent and efficient. The ultimate aim is to develop preditive models that provide mechanstic understanding of ecological systems and that are transparent and structurally realistic enough to support environmental decision making.
  • Pattern-oriented modelling: This is a general strategy of using multiple patterns observed in real systems as multiple criteria for chosing model structure, selecting among alternative submodels, and inversely determining entire sets of unknown model parameters.
  • Individual-based and agent-based modelling: For many, if not most, ecological questions individual-level aspects can be decisive for explaining system-level behavior. IBM/ABMs allow to represent individual heterogeneity, local interactions, and/or adaptive behaviour
  • Ecological theory and concepts: I am particularly interested in exploring stability properties like resilience and persistence.
  • Modelling for ecological applications: Pattern-oriented modelling allows to develop structurally realistic models, which can be used to support decision making and the management of biodiversity and natural resources. Currently, I am involved in the EU project CREAM, where a suite of population models is developed for pesticide risk assessment.
  • Standards for model communication and formulation: In 2006, we published a general protocol for describing individual- and agent-based models, called the ODD protocol (Overview, Design concepts, details). ODD turned out to be more useful (and needed) than we expected. An update of the protocol and its description appeared 2010(for further details, see ODD website).

Projects

  • Open Modeling Foundation: The Open Modeling Foundation is an alliance of modelling organisations that coordinates and administers a common body of community-developed standards and best practices for diverse modelling communities. The Foundation has working groups on Standards, Education and Outreach, Certification, Early Career Scholars and Cyberinfrastructure. I am one of the co-chairs of the Standards Working Group. Currently, we are working on a general language for communicating models between domains, modelling communities and modellers and stakeholders, based on the ODD protocol. We are also developing a general format for documenting good modelling practice using a tiered approach that defines minimum and maximum standards. For further information, see: OMF homepage.
  • Scientific Writing. I have been teaching scientific writing to PhD students for over 20 years, typically in two-day courses, both online and in person. Recently, I have been trying to include exercises on how to use AI-based tools wisely, and I am planning to offer a short course exclusively on this topic.
  • Individual-based Ecology - A new journal. I am one of the editors of the new online journal "Individual-based Ecology", which was launched in spring 2025. The journal's mission: "Understanding and predicting how ecological systems will respond to rapidly changing and novel conditions is a key task of modern ecology. Individual-based Ecology (IBE) embraces basic and applied, as well as empirical and theoretical research, as theory and models must emerge from real situations and provide answers that can support mitigation and management decisions. IBE, therefore, invites theoretical and empirical contributions that incorporate data or novel insights about individual organisms and their interactions that are relevant for explaining system-level dynamics and responses to ongoing and accelerating change." For the initial phase, in particuar 2026, there are not Artical Processing Charges and all published articles are Open Access. The other editors are Karin Frank, Florian Jeltsch and Mark Hauber. Please contact me if you are interested in submitting and want to know more, see IBE homepage.