Can we engineer nature to save it? Bold ideas in a public lecture

Ricard’s work pushes us to think bigger about what’s possible in the face of climate collapse.

When ecosystems reach a tipping point—when deserts spread or coral reefs bleach and collapse—can science intervene? Could nature be engineered not just to survive but to recover? As global average temperatures surpassed the 1.5°C threshold in 2024, and January 2025 became the warmest on record, these questions are more pertinent than ever.

These urgent questions are at the heart of a special free public lecture by Ricard Solé, research professor at the Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra. His talk, to be held in Aula Nordica on May 22nd at 16:30, will explore the concept of “terraforming ecosystems”—using synthetic biology to design targeted, nature-based interventions that could help restore degraded environments.

How could this be done? IceLab researcher Adriano Bonforti, who will moderate the event,explains: "You could, for example, take microbes from arid ecosystems and engineer them to improve water retention which could promote plant growth. By carefully selecting existing microbes, you could reduce the risk of desertification, while avoiding the risk of invasive species tipping the whole system out of balance."

Solé’s research combines ecology, synthetic biology, complex systems science, and mathematical modeling to investigate the possible outcomes of such approaches. This interdisciplinary perspective opens up new ways of thinking about restoration, emphasizing careful design and long-term ecological balance.

"This isn’t science fiction," adds Adriano Bonforti. "It’s speculative, but rooted in real science. Ricard’s work pushes us to think bigger about what’s possible in the face of climate collapse."

"Ricard has a unique ability to connect fields that don’t usually talk to each other, using theory and mathematical modelling" adds Gerard Rocher-Ros, also moderating the event. "That’s what IceLab is all about. We’re excited to bring this kind of visionary thinking to Umeå."

The lecture is part of the IceLab’s 15-year anniversary—a celebration of interdisciplinary science at Umeå University. Members of the public are invited to join this special event.

Researchers and staff at Umeå University and SLU Umeå are also encouraged to register for the full-day IceLab 15th anniversary conference, featuring talks from IceLab alumni, affiliates, and current members.