Olle Calles, Professor of Biology

Olle Calles grew up in Skutskär, where Dalälven meets the Bothnian Sea, and he later moved to Hedemora. He chose the Natural Science Program at Martin Koch-gymnasiet in Hedemora, followed by studies in Biology at Uppsala University 1994-2000. His studies in Uppsala included one year as an exchange student (STINT) at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia.

Olle Calles started his doctoral studentship at Karlstad University in 2001, and have remained at the University ever since - with the exception of one year as a postdoc at Politecnico di Torino in 2008-2009.

"My research is about restoring watercourses affected by human activities. I primarily focus on migratory species of fish, how stocks are affected by hydroelectric plants, and on solutions for minimising human interference. The projects often consist of designing and monitoring environmental improvement measures, such as fish passage solutions which aim to making it possible for migratory species of fish to move freely between fresh water and salt water, for reproduction and growth.  Since these are applied research projects, they are conducted in collaboration with both concerned public authorities and industries."

Hydroelectricity is a renewable form of energy with a limited effect on the climate, which is becoming more and more important as using fossil fuels lead to climate change. At the same time, the local effect on the environment can be substantial. This, however, can be minimised by using correctly designed countermeasures.

"My research is directly applicable to both the hydroelectricity industry and governing authorities. This knowledge is of particular worth today, since the environmental permits for all hydroelectric plants in Sweden will be renegotiated during the next 20 years. This is the first time this happens, since existing permits up until now have not been time-limited."

Olle Calles is a member of the research group “Naturresurs rinnande vatten”, whose applied research aims to solve societal problems in direct collaboration with society.

"One particularly noteworthy example is that we, together with the electric power industry, designed the first well-functioning solution for downstream passage for migratory fish in Northern Europe. This has been the used as the basis for similar measures taken in both Sweden and several other European countries. I want to continue to contribute to the development of environmental improvement measures in regulated watercourses, by continuing to be on the forefront when it comes to designing innovative environmental improvement solutions."

Olle Calles lives with his family in Karlstad. He shares his interest of running with his wife, and this autumn their shared running streak surpassed 800 days. When he is not running he enjoys spending time with his daughters, and he also grows vegetables and works on the house.