Oliver Bossdorf

Oliver Bossdorf is a Professor of Plant Evolutionary Ecology at the University of Tübingen since 2013, leading the Plant Evolutionary Ecology group within the Institute of Evolution & Ecology. He currently serves as Dean of Studies for the BSc/MSc Geoecology program and previously held roles such as Department Speaker of Biology (2019–2022) and Institute Director (2018–2019). His research focuses on ecological and evolutionary questions related to intraspecific variation, epigenetics, and plant invasions. Key projects include studying rapid evolution in changing environments, ecological epigenetics, and plant-microbe interactions.

Education includes a PhD in Environmental Sciences from the University of Zurich (2004) and postdoctoral positions at institutions in Switzerland, Germany, and the US. His work integrates field experiments, genomic analyses, and ecological modeling, with funding from DFG, DAAD, and collaborative grants. Major research themes include global change impacts on plant species, microbiome dynamics, and invasive plant biology.

Notable projects include the Hohenheim-Tübingen seed grant on Proteaceae adaptation (2022–present), DFG-funded studies on Lotus corniculatus microbiomes (2019–2024), and investigations into evolutionary changes in invasive species. His work emphasizes the interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors shaping plant adaptation.

Research outputs span over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on ecological epigenetics, invasive species biology, and climate change ecology. Collaborations include international teams studying herbarium data digitization and transnational plant invasions. His lab’s work bridges fundamental ecological research with applied conservation strategies, addressing challenges in biodiversity preservation and ecosystem management.