Field Research Centre
Ecological Field Station of Hasselt University
Who are we?
The Field Research Centre (FRC) is the ecological field station of Hasselt University, positioned at the gateway to Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen. Operating within the ProtEct research group of the Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), our research ranges from long-term ecosystem monitoring to fundamental and applied studies on wildlife, biodiversity, human-nature interactions, and global change.
We place a strong emphasis on national and international collaboration, student training, and science communication. Whether you are looking to partner on research, join our team, or simply explore our work, we welcome you to get in touch!
Research Focus
Long-Term Ecological Monitoring
Part of the European eLTER network, collecting data across Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen using camera traps and IoT sensors.
Fundamental & Evolutionary Ecology
Conducting empirical research on ecological traits, stress tolerance, and community structures across diverse ecosystems.
Human-Nature Interactions
Investigating how human density, recreation, and habitat fragmentation impact wildlife dynamics and biodiversity in complex, multi-use landscapes.
Mechanistic Modelling
Developing predictive models to evaluate management strategies and support evidence-based wildlife and wildfire management and conservation.
