The research focus Biodiversity and Conservation investigates anthropogenic impacts on species diversity in the riparian zone of water bodies. The emphasis is on selected indicator groups of different trophic levels (e.g. plants, grasshoppers, ground beetles, spiders). Biodiversity patterns are considered at different spatial and temporal scales and include taxonomic as well as functional aspects. Main research topics are (i) large-scale biodiversity patterns of riparian habitats along streams, (ii) influence of invasive riparian plants (e.g. Japanese knotweed, Indian knapweed) on biodiversity, (iii) success of river restoration with respect to biodiversity and indicator species in riparian habitats, and (iv) promotion of biodiversity and conservation-relevant species through appropriate management of riparian habitats.