Iris Reinula's doctoral thesis was awarded a mention in the national competition for student research

The doctoral thesis of landscape geneticist Iris Reinula, "Genetic variation of grassland plants in changing landscapes" was awarded a mention in the National Contest for University Students of Natural Sciences in 2024. The thesis supervisor is the Head of the Pollination Ecology Workgroup, Associate Professor of Macroecology Tsipe Aavik.

The thesis confirms the importance of the genetic diversity of populations in the example of cowslips (Primula veris) and mountain clover (Trifolium montanum). It proves that the exchange of genetic information between fragmented populations is for the latter as a lifeline in the context of habitat loss. The study about Western Estonian cowslips showed that large open grasslands do not have a supportive effect on the genetic diversity of the cowslip. Rather, the genetic diversity of cowslips was greater in grasslands with more edges. The knowledge gained from the thesis helps spatial planning to avoid the genetic isolation of populations and is among the foundations of successful conservation work.

The National Contest for University Students aims to value research among students, to raise student activity, and to express appreciation to those who have achieved outstanding results in their work. The competition takes place once a year. Read more on the website of the Estonian Research Agency (in Estonian).