Prof Andrew Hirst

Our research is focused on the ecology, physiology and role of aquatic organisms. We explore fundamental rules and principles of biology and ecology; marine and freshwater species provide exciting opportunities to derive new perspectives on universal problems. A recent focus has been to develop mechanistic approaches to understand physiological  rates  and also the response of organisms to climate change. In developing new perspectives our methodologies span: experimentation, fieldwork, conceptualisation and meta-analysis. We have experimental experience with crustaceans, jellyfish, ciliates and phytoplankton.

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My publications include the first global descriptions of mortality, fecundity and growth of zooplankton; understanding the role of oxygen availability in controlling maturation size in aquatic species (apparent in the contrasting temperature-size responses and latitudinal-size patterns of air- and water-breathing ectotherms); and derivation of the equations used to measure growth and secondary production of zooplankton.

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I am an Honorary Professor at the Centre for Ocean Life, Copenhagen, this is a Villum-Kahn Rasmussen Centre of Excellence, which is focused on studying life in a changing ocean.

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Currently I hold a University of Tokyo Professorial Fellowship, and am working at the Atmosphere and Oceans Research Institute in Japan until April 2020.

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Aquatic ecosystems have a profound impact on humankind and the biosphere, and can provide critical insight into biological questions. Using marine and freshwater organisms our research aims to mechanistically understand and predict many rules of physiology and ecology. We examine physiology, vital rates and ocean biogeochemistry, including assessing the impacts of climate change. In our work we use diverse approaches including meta-analysis, experimentation, field work and modelling.