NEWS On June 18, Professor Roland Jansson suddenly passed away. He was working at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience. He leaves behind a lasting legacy through his research, teaching, and inspired many students and colleagues throughout his career.
Roland Jansson was a widely recognized ecologist, researcher, teacher, and professor at Umeå University who dedicated his entire academic career to advancing ecological science and environmental stewardship. Born and raised in Oskarshamn in southern Sweden, he developed an early passion for nature and birdwatching, interests that remained central throughout his life. After studying biology at Umeå University, he completed a doctoral thesis in 2000 on the ecological effects of hydropower development on riparian vegetation and broader patterns of species richness. Following a postdoctoral period at the Open University in the United Kingdom, he continued his career at Umeå University, eventually becoming professor of ecology in 2021.
Beskrivning saknas
ImageMaria EliassonRoland’s research focused on understanding why species diversity varies across regions and ecosystems. In particular, he asked how geographical variations in the recurrent climate changes in Earth’s history have shaped patterns in species diversity and traits. He also developed ideas emphasizing how formation of new species is strongly limited by a common lack of persistence of within-species evolutionary lineages. On smaller and shorter scales, he was particularly renowned for his work in riparian ecology, studying the interactions between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and for his contributions to ecological restoration, conservation, and the rehabilitation of northern rivers affected by human activities such as hydropower. Through collaborations with organizations such as the Swedish Centre for Sustainable Hydropower (SVC), Energiforsk, and Rewilding Sweden, he helped develop methods to reduce environmental impacts and restore natural ecosystems.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Roland was a dedicated and popular educator, known for his carefully prepared teaching, engaging lectures, field excursions, and commitment to student learning. He supervised numerous students and was widely admired for his ability to communicate complex research in clear and accessible ways.
Colleagues remember Roland not only as an innovative and productive scientist but also as a person of exceptional wisdom, humility, commitment, and generosity. He was a person with a deeply felt sense of justice and solidarity and he always treated others with respect even in times of disagreement.
His death was a profound loss to his family, friends, students, colleagues and the wider scientific community.