Michael Wrzaczek

Michael Wrzaczek is an Associate Professor at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS) and the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program. His research focuses on receptor-like kinases (RLKs) and their integration with reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling in plant stress adaptation and development. He teaches plant biochemistry, cell biology, and programming for biologists.

• Associate Professor, University of Helsinki (2011–present)
• PhD in Biology, University of Vienna (2004)
• Master of Science, University of Vienna (2001)

His work explores how CRKs and ROS regulate cell death, stress responses, and developmental processes. Recent projects include evolutionary analysis of CRKs, ROS production mechanisms, and extracellular signaling complexes. He employs systems biology and biochemical assays, often collaborating with experts like Dr. Sachie Kimura and Dr. Jarkko Salojärvi.

Key publications from 2023–2022 highlight CRK evolution, ROS feedback loops, and climate resilience strategies. He has contributed to 38 peer-reviewed articles and led projects such as "Understanding peptide ligands and their receptors in plants" (2019–2023).

Michael's lab at ViPS investigates plant signaling networks, emphasizing stress adaptation. He has organized conferences like "Plant Responses to Climate Change" (2019) and taught Unix/Linux tools to biologists.