Irene Bisang

Combines research with international engagements

Irene works as senior researcher at the Department of Botany. Her research focus is in two fields, namely reproductive biology of bryophytes from an evolutionary perspective, and scientific conservation biology.

In the first topic, Irene and her colleagues currently investigate factors at different scales that affect the skewed distribution of male and female bryophyte plants. The biology of bryophytes differs fundamentally from that of other terrestrial plants, and the research team aims to contribute to broaden reproductive biology theories. The research is organism-centred, and the researchers conduct both field experiments and use Natural History collection as a critical resource to study traits over large spans of time and space.

– In my position at the museum’s Division of Research and Collections, it is obvious to me to use collections and important to promote their significance of for science and beyond.

In conservation, Irene works partly with applied research questions. Among other things, she studies the impact of invasive alien bryophytes, and works to define areas in Europe that are characterised by high frequencies of rare and threatened bryophytes. She is committed to communicating her research results to decision-makers. Irene leads the IUCN's SSC Bryophyte Specialist Group.

–In this role, and in similar assignments, I hope to make a difference in protecting the Earth's biodiversity.

No linear research career

Irene Bisang describes herself as an open-minded, motivated and generous person. It was curiosity, interest and chance that led her to science.

–When I was studying biology, I met colleagues who shared my fascination for nature and plants. During a conference as a doctoral student, I met a Swedish female professor in conservation biology who made a great impression on me.

I did not have a straightforward scientific career. On the contrary, I had the opportunity to serve in different professional roles, which I find stimulating. I feel privileged that I can, in my current position, benefit from my multifaceted and multicultural experiences. They gave me different perspectives

–I can see that different angles and insights from different fields contribute to finding – perhaps unexpected – solutions.

Background

When Irene Bisang moved to Sweden some 30 years ago, she had taken a PhD in botany and had held several postdoctoral positions in various countries. She was offered a part-time position in collection management at the department of Botany, which allowed her continue with her research.

­–Working in the bryophyte herbarium gave me profound practical insights into our museum's valuable Natural History collections. After a few years, I was asked to lead one of the museum's first EU-funded projects, which actually dealt with Natural History collections and how to improve access to them.

Until 2019, I worked in various positions in the Division for Research and Collections with project management, collection-related strategic issues, support to museum's researchers in applying for and managing research grants, coordination of international assignments and building a network of contacts with researchers, funding agencies and collection institutions.

Worth remembering?

–One thing I am happy and a little proud of is that I have been part of the journey that Natural History collections took in Europe and globally. From being perceived as dusty museum objects, they are now recognised as a significant Research Infrastructure, says Irene Bisang.

She also remembers the prominent involvement that key persons among NRMs staff had in CETAF External link., which contributed to this positive development of collections.