Personal profile
Research
My main interest lies at the interface of ecology and physiology. I am specifically interested in how human-induced environmental stress, such as pollution and nutrition, influences the oxidative stress response and its consequences for individual performance and population dynamics in wild vertebrates.
Some of the topics that I currently work on are (see project pages for more information):
- Urban environmental stress and its impact on birds
- Epigenetics in birds
- Avian health and biomarkers
- Nutrition and metabolism in birds
I use a combination of epidemiological, experimental and comparative analyses to understand the impacts of urbanization on birds.
My main study species is the great tit (Parus major), however, I also study other bird species common to both urban and rural habitats, along with aviary birds such as the zebra finch.
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Genetics and Genomics
- Ecology (including Biodiversity Conservation)
- Natural Sciences
Free keywords
- urbanization
- birds
- oxidative stress
- nutrition
- pollution
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities -
SDG 13 Climate Action
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Collaborations the last five years
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Metal-polluted environments across Europe show location dependent associations with gut microbiota and nestling performance in an insectivorous passerine
Leino, L. I., Costa, R. A., Eens, M., Isaksson, C., Puigbò, P., Rainio, M. J., Sánchez-Virosta, P., Vesterinen, E., Vinkler, M., Zamora-López, A., Zamora Marin, J. M., Ziegler, A. K. & Eeva, T., 2026 Apr, In: Environmental Research. 296, 124012.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Host–parasite oxidative arms race: who will win?
Isaksson, C., Palinauskas, V., Duenas, A. H. & Hellgren, O., 2026 Jan, In: Journal of Avian Biology. 2026, 1, e03507.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Cross‑system transfer of fatty acids from aquatic insects supports terrestrial insectivore condition and reproductive success
Eden, C. F., Broughton, R. K., Donato, B., Hewson, C. M., Isaksson, C. & Sharp, S. P., 2025 Nov 12, In: Oecologia. 207, 191.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Continental Patterns of Phenotypic Variation Along Replicated Urban Gradients: A Mega-Analysis
Thompson, M. J., Martin, J. G. A., Biard, C., Bleu, J., Branston, C. J., Capilla-Lasheras, P., Dingemanse, N. J., Dominoni, D. M., Eens, M., Eeva, T., Evans, K. L., Isaksson, C., Liker, A., Massemin, S., Matthysen, E., Mouchet, A., Perret, S., Senar, J. C., Seress, G. & Szulkin, M. & 4 others, , 2025 Jul, In: Ecology Letters. 28, 7, e70180.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open Access -
Effects of short-term multi-pollutant exposure on the oxidative stress status of captive songbirds
Ziegler, A. K., Rissler, J., Gudmundsson, A. & Isaksson, C., 2025 May, In: Functional Ecology. 39, 5, p. 1160-1175 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access
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The impact of nutrition and metabolism on bird fitness across the urban/rural landscape
Isaksson, C. (PI)
2024/01/01 → 2028/12/31
Project: Research
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The impact of diet, nutrition and metabolism for urban birds
Isaksson, C. (PI)
Carl Tryggers Stiftelse för Vetenskaplig Forskning
2023/11/09 → 2026/12/31
Project: Research
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Temperature-dependent toxic effects of soot in the physiology of birds and insects
Garcia Dominguez, S. (Researcher), Isaksson, C. (Supervisor), Rissler, J. (Assistant supervisor) & Westerdahl, H. (Assistant supervisor)
2021/09/01 → …
Project: Dissertation
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Natural Nations
Persson, A. (Researcher), von Post, M. (Researcher), Isaksson, C. (Researcher) & Kjellberg Jensen, J. (Research student)
2019/01/01 → 2022/12/31
Project: Research
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Avian nutrition and metabolism
Isaksson, C. (PI), Salmon, P. (Research student), Watson, H. (Researcher), Kjellberg Jensen, J. (Research student) & Andersson, M. N. (Researcher)
2013/12/31 → 2023/12/31
Project: Research
Activities
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Urban air pollution and its effects on birds and bumblebees
Isaksson, C. (Role not specified)
2025 Dec 3Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
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Hufvudstadsbladet: Pitfalls in urban greening
Kjellberg Jensen, J. (Interviewee) & Isaksson, C. (Interviewee)
2025 Mar 23Activity: Other › Media participation
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Staden som livsmiljö för våra småfåglar: Vad kan vi göra för att de ska må bättre.
Isaksson, C. (Role not specified)
2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
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20 Years of Sound Environments
Isaksson, C. (Role not specified)
2024 Nov 19Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference
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20 Years of Sound Environments
Isaksson, C. (Role not specified)
2024 Nov 19Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference
Prizes and Distinction
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Early Career Investigator Award
Isaksson, C. (Recipient), 2010
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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The Swedish King’s 50th anniversary foundation award
Isaksson, C. (Recipient), 2008 Mar 15
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)