The four themes within axis 1 align along a gradient of organisation that reflects the research of GRIL members, including crucial cross-scale interactions (e.g. what are the impacts of climate change on the ecophysiology and evolution of freshwater communities?; how do these changes affect biogeochemical cycles?)

Theme 1.1- From molecules to organisms (Sophie Breton)
This theme develops and uses an arsenal of cutting-edge approaches to quantify invisible freshwater biodiversity (e.g. eDNA for cryptic species) and to understand and predict evolutionary and ecophysiological responses from uni- and multicellular organisms.
  
Theme 1.2- Biological structure and composition (Beatrix Beisner)
This theme addresses the drivers of freshwater biodiversity and trophic interactions, including species that are threatened, invasive or of commercial interest.
   
Theme 1.3- Ecosystem functioning (François Guillemette)
This theme focuses on the fluxes of matter, energy and contaminants across the atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic pools, emphasizing the growing, but underappreciated role of freshwater ecosystems in global cycles.

Theme 1.4- Physical structure and composition of catchments (Pascale Biron)
This theme aims to understand how land use alters catchments and their watersheds determining the flow of water and organisms, and closing the loop represented by axis 1.

Building on comparative, experimental, modelling and social innovation approaches, Axis 2 illustrates how our research tackles modern environmental challenges. The common mission of GRIL via this axis is to:

Theme 2.1 – Quantify the effects of multiple environmental stressors and global change, such as emerging contaminants, eutrophication, human hydrological alterations and climate change, based on the themes from Axis 1 (Irene Gregory-Eaves et Paul del Giorgio);
   
Theme 2.2 – Evaluate strategies for attenuation, restoration and adaptation for freshwater communities and ecosystems (Katrine Turgeon et Marc Amyot);
   
Theme 2.3 – Elaborate nature-based solutions and decision-making tools based on the best available science using co-creation processes in conjunction with knowledge users (Roxane Maranger).