Prof. Dr. Oļģerts Nikodemus | Planetary Sciences | Excellence in Research
Professor at University of Latvia, Latvia
Prof. Dr. Oļģerts Nikodemus is a seasoned geographer with a distinguished academic background from the University of Latvia, where he earned his Doctorate in Geography (1996) and Master’s degree (1993). Since 2002, he has been a Professor at the University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, where he also serves as the Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences. Prof. Nikodemus has held various leadership roles, including Dean and Programme Director, and has contributed significantly to the fields of physical geography, environmental sciences, and forestry.
Publication Profile :
Educational Background :
- 1995-1996: Diploma of Doctor of Sciences in Geography, University of Latvia
- 1993: Diploma of Master in Geography, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
- 1975-1981: Diploma of Higher Education and Qualification: Geographer, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography
Professional Experience :
- 2002 – Present: Professor, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
- 2016 – Present: Head of Department, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Environmental Sciences
- 2007 – 2016: Dean, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
- 1998 – 2016: Programme Director, BSc Study Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Latvia
- 2002 – 2007: Head of Department, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Environmental Sciences
- 1998 – 2002: Associate Professor, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
- 1996 – 2001: Head of Department, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Geography
- 1996 – 1998: Docent, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
- 1987-1996: Lecturer, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
- 1979-1987: Engineer, University of Latvia, Department of Botany and Ecology
Research Interests :
- Physical Geography 🌍
- Environmental Sciences 🌱
- Forest Ecology 🌳
- Land Use and Soil Management 🌾
Recognition :
Award recipients receive a monetary prize, a commemorative plaque, and an invitation to present their work at the annual Planetary Sciences Symposium. The awardees are also featured in prominent scientific journals and online platforms.
Publication Top Notes :
1. Tabors, G., Brūmelis, G., Nikodemus, O., Dobkeviča, L., & Viligurs, K. (2023). Decreased atmospheric deposition of heavy metals in Latvia shown by long-term monitoring using the moss Pleurozium schreberi. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(41), 94361–94370.
2. Vinogradovs, I., Nikodemus, O., Avotiņš, A., & Zariņa, A. (2023). Distribution of ecosystem service potential in marginal agroecosystems in a mosaic-type landscape under exploratory scenarios. Journal of Land Use Science, 18(1), 356–373.
3. Nikodemus, O., Dirnēna, B., Bārdiņa, E., Kukuļs, I., & Kasparinskis, R. (2022). Impacts of historical land use on forest soil properties in the hemiboreal forest zone, Latvia. Geoderma Regional, 31, e00574.
4. Rendenieks, Z., Liepa, L., & Nikodemus, O. (2022). Spatial patterns and species composition of new forest areas present challenges for forest management in Latvia. Forest Ecology and Management, 509, 120097.
5. Baranovskis, Nikodemus, O., Brūmelis, G., & Elferts, D. (2022). Biodiversity conservation in private forests: Factors driving landowner’s attitude. Biological Conservation, 266, 109441.
6. Rūsiņa, S., Prižavoite, D., Nikodemus, O., Gustiņa, L., & Kasparinskis, R. (2021). Land-use legacies affect Norway spruce Picea abies colonization on abandoned marginal agricultural land in Eastern Baltics. New Forests, 52(4), 559–583.
7. Richer-de-Forges, A.C., Lowe, D.J., Minasny, B., Yang, J.E., & Arrouays, D. (2021). A review of the world’s soil museums and exhibitions. In Advances in Agronomy (Vol. 166, pp. 277–304).
8. Nikodemus, O., Kaupe, D., Kukuļs, I., Dauškane, I., & Treimane, A. (2020). Effects of afforestation of agricultural land with grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) on soil chemical properties, comparing two contrasting soil groups. Forest Ecosystems, 7(1), 38.
9. Rendenieks, Z., Nita, M.D., Nikodemus, O., & Radeloff, V.C. (2020). Half a century of forest cover change along the Latvian-Russian border captured by object-based image analysis of Corona and Landsat TM/OLI data. Remote Sensing of Environment, 249, 112010.
10. Vinogradovs, I., Villoslada, M., Nikodemus, O., Dotas, A., & Kryžanauskas, A. (2020). Integrating ecosystem services into decision support for management of agroecosystems: Viva grass tool. One Ecosystem, 5, e53504.