LUMEN: Light-Utilizing Marine Ecosystems and their Networks

We are marine biogeochemists focusing on the photic seafloor—the vast areas of the ocean floor where sunlight supports photosynthesis. We study benthic primary producers, including seagrasses, seaweeds, microalgae and other photosynthetic organisms.

We investigate where and when these organisms are active, how much they produce, and what controls their productivity. We are particularly interested in how changing light conditions shape seafloor ecosystems and how the carbon fixed by benthic primary producers moves through and connects with surrounding marine ecosystems.

Our research spans scales from physiological responses and seafloor processes to coastal regions and ocean basins, combining field observations, laboratory experiments, modelling, and remote sensing.

LUMEN is based in the Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Odense and is part of Nordcee, an international research section investigating interactions between microorganisms and their environments.

Through our affiliation with the Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS), we also explore the broader interdisciplinary dimensions of our research through collaboration, research and teaching.

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