Wilco Verberk’s research explores how animals cope with changes in temperature and oxygen to explain why species live where they do. Since over 99% of animals are ectotherms, their body temperature — and thus growth, survival, and reproduction — depends on the ambient temperature. Oxygen adds another layer: it fuels energy production but cannot be stored, making its supply and demand a delicate balance. By studying how changes in temperature disrupt this balance, Verberk aims to uncover general principles that predict species distributions and responses to environmental change.
I seek universal principles that cut across species — rules of life that help us predict patterns without studying every organism in detail.
About Wilco Verberk
Dr Wilco Verberk (1976, Oploo) began his academic career at Radboud University, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Biology with distinction in 2000. He remained at Radboud University to conduct his doctoral research in Aquatic Ecology. In 2008, he completed his PhD thesis Matching species to a changing landscape, a study of the effects of restoration measures in a raised bog landscape on underwater life.
Verberk’s PhD study was performed whilst working as project leader at Bargerveen Foundation, situated on campus. Afterwards, Verberk obtained a NWO-Rubicon grant for postdoctoral studies on the warming in aquatic animals (2009-2012). Then, he returned to Radboud University and took up the position of assistant professor in 2012. Verberk divided his time between teaching (Systems Ecology, Biodiversity, Alpine Ecology) and furthering his research on ecophysiological responses and traits.
During his career, Verberk received various rewards and grants, such as the Dutch Zoology Prize from the Royal Dutch Zoological Society (2020), an NWO VIDI grant (2016), 1st place Young Scientist Award for the Animal section (2011), the Marie-Curie fellowship (2010), and the Hans Esselink Award from Natuurplaza (2010). Next to his academic accomplishments, he holds a special secondary position as father of Saar (2005), Toon (2007), Guus (2010) and Koos (2014).