Pim Leber

I have been fascinated by biology for as long as I can remember. As a child, I often searched for bugs or used binoculars to spot different bird species. This early interest in the natural world persisted throughout middle school and eventually led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Utrecht University. During my time there, I explored a wide range of topics and discovered that my true passion lies in conservation and understanding how human activities affect biodiversity. Driven by a desire to deepen my knowledge in this field, I went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Biology with a specialization in Biodiversity and Sustainability at Leiden University.

After completing my studies, I embraced a variety of professional challenges to explore my interests and broaden my expertise. I began as a project developer for solar parks at the Solar Provider Group. I then transitioned into the field of ecology, specializing in wetland ecosystems. Most recently, I conducted independent research on arthropod biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest.

Throughout these experiences, my fascination with biodiversity and the impact of human activity on ecosystems has only grown stronger. I am now eager to transform this passion into meaningful work as a PhD candidate within Project SPARKLES. My research focuses on the effects of floating solar technology on biodiversity and the nature-inclusive upscaling of this emerging renewable energy solution. Through this work, I hope to contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future for both biodiversity and humanity.