Ian Sanders

Professor Ian Sanders, affiliated with the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Lausanne's Faculty of Biology and Medicine, specializes in mycorrhizal symbiosis. His research explores how fungal-plant interactions influence ecology and evolution, with applications in sustainable agriculture and soil health. He leads interdisciplinary projects in Colombia, Tanzania, and key regions.

• Education:
  • BSc in Botany (University of Nottingham, UK)
  • MPhil in Biology (University of Nottingham, UK)
  • PhD in Biology (University of York, UK)
  • Habilitation in Mathematics and Natural Sciences (University of Basel)

Research Focus: Investigates mycorrhizal fungi's genetic and molecular mechanisms to enhance plant phosphate nutrition and agricultural efficiency, particularly in tropical developing countries. Combines lab-based fundamental research with field applications.

Leadership Roles:

• Director of Interdisciplinary Doctoral Programs in Ecology & Evolution and Population Genomics
• Head of ProDoc Population Genomics consortium
• Swiss representative for COST actions (870, 838) on mycorrhizal fungi

Scientific Contributions:

• Multiple major grants from Swiss NSF (totaling over CHF 3 million)
• Co-applicant for R’Equip funding (CHF 436,204) for genome sequencing infrastructure

Professional Affiliations:

• Steering Committee member for JGI (DoE, USA) sequencing project on Glomus intraradices
• Editorial roles in Journal of Ecology and Canadian Journal of Botany
• Reviewer for top-tier journals including Nature, Science, and PNAS