Rate My Professor Anders Hedenström

Hedenström's research centers on the flight mechanics, energetics, and migration ecology of birds and bats. Employing state-of-the-art methods such as high-speed videography and particle image velocimetry, his lab examines wingbeat kinematics, wake vortices, and aerodynamic forces in flapping flight. Notable findings include the use of leading-edge vortices by bats for lift during slow flight, mirroring insect mechanisms. This laboratory work informs theoretical models and interpretations of wild animal migration strategies. With 163 peer-reviewed articles and over 19,000 citations, key publications include 'The development of bird migration theory' (Alerstam & Hedenström, Journal of Avian Biology, 1998), 'Optimum fuel loads in migratory birds: distinguishing between time and energy minimization' (Journal of Avian Biology, 1997), 'Aerodynamics, evolution and ecology of avian flight' (Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 2002), and recent works like 'Integrating flight mechanics, energetics and migration ecology in vertebrates' (Journal of Experimental Biology, 2025). He is principal investigator on Swedish Research Council and Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation projects exploring animal movement energetics and bird migration efficiency. Hedenström is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Class 6, biological sciences.