Limiting factors of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) regeneration: Resilient populations, or extinction debt?

Climate change is increasingly threatening European forests, yet we lack fundamental knowledge on a key determinant of resilience, namely regeneration. Without this knowledge, we risk overlooking populations at risk of collapse, unable to regenerate, recolonise after disturbance, or migrate. The FECUND fellowship addresses this challenge, and is particularly timely; we are witnessing sharp declines in viable seed supply in a cornerstone species, European beech (Fagus sylvatica), but its effects on regeneration outcomes remain unknown. The primary objective of ‘FECUND’ is to understand the interactions between climate conditions, seed viability, and seedling recruitment in European beech across different climates. FECUND will pursue four specific research objectives: 1) assessing how climate affects beech fecundity and viable seed production, 2) exploring the trade-offs between seed number and size (and quality) across climates, 3) evaluating the impact of seed supply on seedling recruitment, and 4) predicting future species distribution through dynamic forest modelling. These objectives will be met through an interdisciplinary approach, leveraging a European-wide network of researchers and a secondment at Ohio University to integrate empirical data into predictive models. The project is highly relevant to Horizon Europe, which emphasises the need for research that enhances forest resilience in the face of climate change. By providing critical insights into the factors that drive forest regeneration, FECUND will contribute to the development of more effective forest management practices and conservation strategies, and help safeguard the future of Europe’s beech forests. For the fellow, this project offers a unique opportunity to gain expertise in ecological modelling, advanced statistical analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, ultimately positioning her as a future leader in forest ecology and biogeography.