15.08.2022: Ukrainian Scientists in CDG Research Units: Interview with Olena P. Bilous

CDG: What are you researching at the moment?
Bilous: At the moment I am involved in the project “CDL for Meta Ecosystem Dynamics in Riverine Landscapes (MERI)”, and contribute to the ongoing project by analyzing the metacommunities patterns of phytoplankton and phytobenthos, related species composition and structure of local communities and related species traits. To achieve these goals, we are collecting algal samples from different water bodies along the Austrian Danube and afterwards, I investigate algae under the microscope in the laboratory. Revealing the biodiversity of algae is my main task that will help the project gaining a deeper insight into the role of local and regional factors driving algal community composition, diversity and functioning as the base of the food web. These insights will complement the ongoing ecological research in the CD Laboratory MERI.

CDG: What are your next scientific goals?
Bilous: Concerning my scientific goals, I would like to advance in the field of ecology. The interesting part of this may lay in analyzing ecosystems with the help of biota as well as related risk assessments of rivers, floodplains and reservoirs. My specific expertise is phytoplankton and phytobenthos. These are parts of 5 biological components with the help of which all of Europe analyse the ecological status. Among my research interests are new approaches in water assessment the common and new approaches in water policy. Despite improvements and people understanding our dependence on water, Ukrainian experience in this way is still quite poor and it is vitally important to conserve and improve the state of groundwater, reservoirs and especially rivers. This is facilitated by cooperation with experienced European colleagues and would be impossible without the enthusiasm of scientists and their understanding of the propagation of their ideas. I feel among the ones who help the water ecosystem to function in the best conditions.

CDG: What do you particularly appreciate about the funding model of CD Laboratories?
Bilous: I would like to express my gratitude to Austria and especially the CDG, for announcing the Call so quickly and support the cooperation with laboratories. In turn, as far as I had the pleasure to understand the funding model of CD Laboratories it provided some freedom for the ongoing research project by complementing it with the existing skills of the researcher from Ukraine. All of this helped us to obtain financial support from the CDG and start our work with first seasonal field trips.