Introducing Nils Hein, Phd student

We are super excited that Nils Jonas Hein has joined us in Uppsala for his PhD exploring the environmental legacies of political violence! We asked Nils to tell us more about the project, his background and what drew him to this topic.

Nils' work will focus on quantifying conflict-related environmental harms using satellite data and machine learning. He will analyse whether they generate persistent socioeconomic effects and shape attitudes and behaviours that raise the risk of further conflict.

❓ Nils, what led you to study conflict-related environmental harms?

– Most research on environmental security examines how environmental change, especially climate variability, contributes to conflict. Far less attention has been paid to the reverse: how violence itself reshapes environmental conditions. This gap is striking, as in many conflict-affected regions, agricultural activities form the backbone of local economies. When violence hits farmland or ecosystems, it disrupts livelihoods and places additional strain on already vulnerable communities. The issue becomes even starker in places like Gaza or Ukraine, where environmental harm is not just a side effect of war but a deliberate strategy. My broader aim is therefore to recast the environment not only as a driver of conflict but also as a silent victim of it—with profound and potentially lasting impacts.

❓ Your outstanding master’s thesis examined Global Food Prices & Civil Unrest. What are the similarities and differences with your new research project?

– Both projects share a central thread: the role of agriculture in shaping societal dynamics. My master’s thesis grew out of the realisation that the attacks on Ukraine’s food systems have the potential to ripple through global markets and create instability far beyond the conflict zone. While this earlier work examined the causes of conflict, my PhD flips the perspective to study its consequences. Where my master’s research took a broad, cross-national lens, my doctoral work zooms in on the household and community level, asking how environmental harm affects those who depend most directly on nature for their survival.

❓ What made you apply to do your PhD at DPCR?

– Reputation played a big role—the Department is internationally known for its excellent research culture and supportive environment. And after just one month here, I can already see why. The supervision groups offer invaluable feedback, the research paper seminars bring the whole department together for stimulating discussions, and the open-door culture makes it a truly collaborative place to learn and grow. On a personal note, after living in Berlin for years, my partner and I felt it was the right time for an adventure abroad. With a one-year-old, a child-friendly country like Sweden feels like the perfect place for us as a family right now.