Prof. Olgerts Nikodemus, University of Latvia, Latvia
Prof. Oļģerts Nikodemus is a leading environmental scientist and professor at the University of Latvia, specializing in climate change, sustainable land use, and soil ecology. With over two decades of experience, he heads the Department of Environmental Sciences and has held prominent roles, including Dean and Program Director. Prof. Nikodemus has published extensively in his field, leading impactful research projects funded by EU programs like LIFE+ and Horizon 2020. He is also a committed mentor, guiding doctoral research and advancing environmental science in Latvia and beyond.
Scopus
Summary:
Prof. Nikodemus is a well-respected researcher with a strong publication record and hands-on project leadership in soil science, particularly in soil organic matter dynamics, sustainable land use, and climate-smart agricultural practices. His research contributions are critical to current ecological challenges, and his publications reflect a deep commitment to advancing soil research. His leadership in academia and mentoring in environmental science further strengthen his candidacy for recognition in soil research.
🎓 Education
Oļģerts Nikodemus completed his Doctorate in Geography at the University of Latvia in 1996. Prior to that, he earned a Master’s degree in Geography in 1993 and a Higher Education diploma in Geography in 1981, both from the University of Latvia.
💼Experience
Nikodemus has been a Professor at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences since 2002 and currently serves as Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences. He was previously the Dean of the Faculty (2007-2016), as well as Programme Director for the BSc study program in Environmental Sciences (1998-2016). His tenure includes roles as Associate Professor, Docent, Lecturer, and Engineer within the university’s Geography and Environmental Sciences departments.
🔬Research Focus
His research primarily explores climate change impacts, sustainable land use, and soil management in agriculture. As project leader or scientific executor, he has contributed to projects on sustainable resource management and climate-smart agricultural soil practices under initiatives like the EU LIFE+ and Horizon 2020 programs.
🏆Awards
He is a member of various scientific associations, including the Latvian Soil Science Association and the Landscape Ecology Association of Europe, reflecting his esteemed role within the scientific community. Nikodemus has supervised numerous doctoral theses, with 17 students under his guidance, 12 of whom have defended their dissertations successfully.
Oļģerts Nikodemus possesses strong skills in environmental science and geography, particularly in climate change, sustainable resource management, and soil ecology. His expertise includes leading scientific research projects funded by the EU LIFE+ and Horizon 2020 programs. As an experienced academic, he has taught and directed courses in environmental planning, resource management, and landscape ecology. He has published extensively on soil management, land use, and forest ecology, demonstrating his capability in both scientific research and applied environmental science. Nikodemus is also skilled in mentoring, having supervised numerous doctoral theses successfully.
- Nikodemus, O., Kārkliņš, A., Dirnēna, B., Tabors, G., & Vinogradovs, I. 2024. “Soil cover on complex glacial terrain and challenges for large-scale soil mapping using the World Reference Base (WRB) classification system.” Catena, 245, 108305.
- Tabors, G., Brūmelis, G., Nikodemus, O., Dobkeviča, L., & Viligurs, K. 2023. “Decreased atmospheric deposition of heavy metals in Latvia shown by long-term monitoring using the moss Pleurozium schreberi.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(41), 94361–94370.
- Vinogradovs, I., Nikodemus, O., Avotiņš, A., & Zariņa, A. 2023. “Distribution of ecosystem service potential in marginal agroecosystems in a mosaic-type landscape under exploratory scenarios.” Journal of Land Use Science, 18(1), 356–373.
- Nikodemus, O., Dirnēna, B., Bārdiņa, E., Kukuļs, I., & Kasparinskis, R. 2022. “Impacts of historical land use on forest soil properties in the hemiboreal forest zone, Latvia.” Geoderma Regional, 31, e00574.
- Rendenieks, Z., Liepa, L., & Nikodemus, O. 2022. “Spatial patterns and species composition of new forest areas present challenges for forest management in Latvia.” Forest Ecology and Management, 509, 120097.
- Baranovskis, Nikodemus, O., Brūmelis, G., & Elferts, D. 2022. “Biodiversity conservation in private forests: Factors driving landowner’s attitude.” Biological Conservation, 266, 109441.
- Rūsiņa, S., Prižavoite, D., Nikodemus, O., Gustiņa, L., & Kasparinskis, R. 2021. “Land-use legacies affect Norway spruce Picea abies colonization on abandoned marginal agricultural land in Eastern Baltics.” New Forests, 52(4), 559–583.
- Richer-de-Forges, A.C., Lowe, D.J., Minasny, B., Yang, J.E., & Arrouays, D. 2021. “A review of the world’s soil museums and exhibitions.” Advances in Agronomy, 166, 277–304.
- Nikodemus, O., Kaupe, D., Kukuļs, I., Dauškane, I., & Treimane, A. 2020. “Effects of afforestation of agricultural land with grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) on soil chemical properties, comparing two contrasting soil groups.” Forest Ecosystems, 7(1), 38.
- Rendenieks, Z., Nita, M.D., Nikodemus, O., & Radeloff, V.C. 2020. “Half a century of forest cover change along the Latvian-Russian border captured by object-based image analysis of Corona and Landsat TM/OLI data.” Remote Sensing of Environment, 249, 112010.
Conclusion:
Prof. Oļģerts Nikodemus is an exemplary candidate for an award in “Best Soil Research Publication” due to his impactful research, international project involvement, and academic mentorship. Recognizing his work would honor his contributions to soil science and encourage further advancements in sustainable land management practices, both regionally and globally.