I am Dr. rer. nat. Margarita Hartlieb B.Sc MM.Sc., the scientific coordinator of Biodiversity Austria – International  working at the Environmental Politics Research groups led by Prof. Alice Vadrot. I am deeply engaged in understanding the intricate relationships within ecosystems and the impact of human activities on biodiversity. Therefore, I recently finished my PhD entitled "Balancing Biodiversity: Understanding the Influence of Management on Grassland Ecosystems" at the TU Darmstadt.

My work within the BioDivKultur project and the Biodiversity Exploratories was centered on understanding how different land-use practices in grassland habitats affect the functioning of ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly focusing on how mowing influences arthropods. My research extended further into urban ecology, where I focused on promoting sustainable land-use practices that balance human needs with biodiversity conservation. 

Thus, I work in an inter- and transdisciplinary manner, collaborating across fields to bridge the gap between science, policy, and society, ensuring that the knowledge generated is relevant and impactful for real-world sustainability challenges. 

I aim to contribute to a future where biodiversity and human culture coexist. This is why, besides my academic work, I engage in environmental education and science communication. As a trained National Park Ranger and certified Nature Educator, I share my passion for biodiversity with a wide range of audiences.

Contact: margarita.hartlieb(a)univie.ac.at