Research Assistant: Acoustic Ecology of Urban Bats

Location: Copenhagen

Type: Research

Term: Semester

Introduction to the topic:

Bats are the only truly flying mammals and, in Copenhagen, we have eight different species. Though present throughout the city, bats are often not noticed. This research project aims to give bats the attention they deserve, while also learning more about the acoustic ecology of urban bat populations. Bats are indicators – well-connected to insects and plants – and are harbingers of climate change effects.

Project details:

Since March 2021, eight bat detectors have been deployed throughout Copenhagen and its surroundings. The bat detectors record year-round and are triggered when a bat passes. From these eight detectors, we gain information about the species, their presence or absence throughout the year, and bat communications through feeding buzzes and social calls.

The data collected will be used to assess:

Bat activity level in central Copenhagen – which species are present and at what times throughout the year
How bats are using the city – feeding, commuting, or chatting together through social calls
Bats as indicators of climate change
Bat vulnerability to extreme weather events.

The bat activity data can be compared with other urban and weather data – including air quality, heat island effects, and maps of the built environment. In addition, the data will support ecological presentations about bats and urban ecology to local schools and to the general public via bat tours. Furthermore, the data obtained will contribute to a baseline climate study, focused on changing climate indicators and the impact on bat populations as an indicator of larger ecological trends.

As a Research Assistant your possibilities are broad and can be adapted to your special field of interests. There will also be the possibility of setting up your own experiments and/or communicating findings to the public. You just have to love bats!

Selected relevant publications:

Lintott PR, Barlow K, Bunnefeld N, Briggs P, Gajas Roig C, Park KJ (2016). Differential responses of cryptic bat species to the urban landscape. Ecol Evol. Feb 26;6(7):2044-52. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.1996.

Additional research application required

You will need to submit an additional research application through Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.
To submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.

All research application materials must be submitted on the following dates by 23:59 Central European Time:
– November 1 for spring semester applicants
– May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your additional research application through Student Registration.
If you are not already enrolled, use this link to apply to DIS before completing a research application.

Syllabus

Fall 2025

Go to syllabus

Inger Kærgaard

Inger Kærgaard, MSc, biology (University of Copenhagen, 2004), focused on sustainability and conservation biology. Project manager at University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland. Worked for various NGOs on forest protection and sustainable development in Thailand and Indonesia (2007 and 2010). Taught biology in an upper secondary school in Denmark and was also involved in an education program for sustainability education (2010-2013). Organized two photo exhibitions on forest issues. The exhibitions, supported by Danida, were based on qualitative research, which Inger carried out in South East Asia (2009 and 2012). Inger’s current work focuses on urban bat ecology – as a bat consultant for Copenhagen Municipality and, since spring 2021, with her own research project on bats in Copenhagen. With DIS since 2014.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.