Our main aim is to increase knowledge about terrestrial boreal nature, and to contribute to knowledge-based management of species and habitat types with a focus on processes that lead to speciation in bryophytes, and ecological processes in intact and disturbed mires. Peat bogs, mire restoration, nature management and carbon storage are central themes here.

We combine state-of-the-art genomic resources and bioinformatics, combined with morphology and extensive knowledge of the biology of mosses. We use peat mosses (Sphagnum) as our main study system.

We carry out mapping, inventory and monitoring of plant populations and vegetation. We assist nature management in the practical conservation of species and nature types, e.g. the Norwegian endemic peat moss species Sphagnum troendelagicum and the Scandinavian endemic orchid Nigritella nigra.

Another central project is long-term studies with monitoring of hay bogs and hay fields in central Norway, where we have for several decades followed changes in vegetation and plant populations in several areas with and without management.

We also participate in national and international expert groups that prepare overviews of species diversity, and assessment of species and habitat types for red listing. We regularly participate in investigations at national level about the ecological state, measures for endangered nature and development of the mapping tool Nature in Norway (NiN).