ProfessorHazel Chapman

I lead research on the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning at the University of Canterbury. My main objective is to contribute knowledge that will help restore degraded indigenous ecosystems. Specifically, I focus on the adaptation of exotic weeds and their interaction with native Aotearoa flora and fauna and on ecological processes related to the restoration and conservation of Afromontane forests.

I have made a major contribution to West African montane forest ecology through the Founding of and leading the Nigerian Montane Forest Project (NMFP) .This research centre on the edge of a species -rich forest, surrounded by a fragile montane ecosystem serves as a base for a wide range of ecological investigations, ranging from ecosystem service provision to forest restoration. The NMFP is a significant conservation science hub in Nigeria and links in Nigerian forest conservation to an international network of forest research.

My interest in evolution within weedy species has led to considerable collaborations across NZ CRIs and internationally. My research group has answered questions around breeding systems and invasiveness, local rapid adaptation in weedy species and interactions between invasive species and native pollinators.

I am passionate about education and facilitating emerging leaders in their science careers- I have a special interest in increasing science capacity in Africa.