Now there are collectible cards of SLU biologists!

“Many people use the term biodiversity, but far from everyone understands what it means – not least those in positions of power. For me, it is largely about our broad knowledge of species, knowledge that is built through diligent and relentless work,” says Christer Björkman, Professor of Forest Entomology at the Department of Ecology.

Christer Björkman. Photo: Kitty De Jong

He was drawn to the title “The Relentless” (De Oförtrutna) and wanted to develop a project around that theme, particularly given how difficult it can be to secure funding for more fundamental biological research.

Carl Linnaeus laid the foundation for today’s naming of species and attempted to systematise them, which was no easy task.

“What distinguished him was his persistence. I also appreciate his remark ‘Vart kräk har sitt kräk’*, which suggests that Linnaeus recognised that species depend on one another in different ways – that they interact,” says Christer Björkman.

The project includes portraits of 49 individuals, among them several SLU researchers as well as researchers from other universities and the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Björkman has paired the images with quotations – a combination he considers to be the project’s strength.

“Better knowledge of the species on Earth, which together constitute biodiversity, enables us to make more informed decisions. Most of us understand that humans are entirely dependent on other species for survival. Unfortunately, not all decision-makers are particularly interested in using knowledge as a basis for their decisions.”

The project reached the international press after Björkman read an article in The Guardian about a taxonomist.

“I contacted the journalist and told him about my project. He suggested I show the images to a picture editor, and to my surprise they wanted to publish some of them.”

Christer Björkman has also produced collectible cards – a concept he grew up with and which remains popular. Just think of Pokémon cards.

“Perhaps some younger people will see the cards and realise that there are many ways to look and many different paths into working with biodiversity. If even one young person is inspired, I am more than satisfied. And if a decision-maker pauses to think again, that is even better.”

He also hopes that those who have been photographed will one day be able to sit comfortably in an armchair, leaf through the cards, find themselves and feel a sense of satisfaction with what they have achieved.

*It’s difficult to translate into English. Kräk is an old Swedish word for small animals.

Translated using AI.

Read more

In the footsteps of Linnaeus: scientists share their passion for species from tiny wasps to hairy plants – in pictures | Environment | The Guardian

All pictures in the project De Oförtrutn a (The Relentless)