Torgny Backman

Background

About Torgny Backman

I am an M.Sc. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Helsinki, with a broad interest in climate, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions and services. I am actively working for sustainable change at different scales, from encouraging biodiversity-friendly actions by individuals to altering governmental policies and legislation. For example, I am part of the regional HELMI cooperation group in South Ostrobothnia and the national Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). As an ecologist, I have worked with plants and animals, such as bumblebees, bats, and honey buzzards, and I am currently mostly involved with bumblebee research. I also define myself as an environmental scientist and part-time university teacher with high interdisciplinary aspirations, which is apparent in my doctoral research. My Ph.D. explores the environmental, economic, and social synergies and trade-offs of utilizing underused agricultural and marginal biomasses across mosaic landscapes for various purposes, such as biogas and compost production. Through my research, I aim to develop economically viable and socially accepted production systems that enhance biodiversity and contribute to climate change mitigation.