Contact
Patrick Sherwood
Deputy Head of Department at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
Telephone: +4640415115
E-mail: patrick.sherwood@slu.se
After the summer, many staff members at the Faculty of Forest Sciences received the shocking news that Adam Felton had passed away. Adam Felton was a researcher at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre and was appointed Professor of Conservation Ecology in 2026. He was a highly regarded colleague, teacher and supervisor both within his own department and across other parts of SLU.
Adam Felton began his research career after completing his undergraduate studies in Australia. The fieldwork for his doctoral research was carried out in the rainforests of Bolivia, where he investigated how forests and forestry affected bird communities. Together with his partner, Annika Felton, he established a research station in these forests, far from civilisation. They also contributed to the discovery of a species of titi monkey in Bolivia’s forests that was new to science.
When Adam Felton joined SLU, his research came to focus on how biodiversity can be combined with timber production in Sweden’s forests. As before, birds were the main focus, but over the years he came to include more species groups. Adam was highly skilled at analysing and synthesising data from many different projects and researchers. In his work on these, he demonstrated a strong ability to lead projects and collaborations.
Many colleagues and students have been inspired by Adam’s enthusiasm and boundless energy. His colleagues remember Adam for his unique combination of analytical ability, curiosity, dedication, humility and humour. His passing leaves a huge void at the department and at SLU.
Adam Felton died suddenly of illness in Sarek on 25 July 2026, aged 56.
Patrick Sherwood
Deputy Head of Department at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
Telephone: +4640415115
E-mail: patrick.sherwood@slu.se