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Lea Atanasova is a Senior Researcher and Principal Investigator at the Institute of Food Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). She holds a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) and a Master’s degree (Mag. rer. nat.) and has extensive postdoctoral experience in fungal molecular biology and genomics. Her research is centered on mycoparasitic fungi such as Trichoderma and Clonostachys , with a focus on carbohydrate-active enzymes, signal transduction, gene expression, and ecological genomics. Her research interests span molecular biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology, mycology, and enzyme technology. She investigates the functional roles of genes and proteins in fungal biocontrol, nutrient acquisition, and host interactions. Her work integrates comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and functional proteomics to understand fungal evolution and ecological niches. The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding fungal signaling pathways (e.g., TOR and MAPK), enzyme diversification (e.g., CDHs, pectate lyases), and the molecular mechanisms of mycoparasitism. Her work also extends to fungal secondary metabolites, host-microbe interactions, and advanced imaging techniques for protein localization. Scientific Awards: Carl Trygger scholarship for research at SLU (Uppsala, Sweden) GSA fungal meeting award, Genetics Society of America (Asilomar, CA, United States) FEMS Young Scientist Meeting Grant, Federation of European Microbiological Societies (Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain) Price Award for best Master-/Diploma research, Ecological Society of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (GFÖ) (Bayreuth, Germany) Austria National Park Research Award, Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (Vienna, Austria) Ad Futura Special Achievements Fellowship for studies abroad, Slovene human resources development and scholarship fund (Ljubljana, Slovenia) Lea Atanasova has supervised several Master’s and Diploma theses on topics related to fungal biotechnology and enzymology. She leads an Austrian Science Fund (FWF)-funded project on GMC oxidoreductases in Clonostachys rosea . She is actively engaged in the scientific community, serving on editorial boards and as a guest editor. She has organized and chaired sessions at major conferences, including ECFG, and frequently presents her research internationally. She is a key member of the research community at BOKU, contributing to knowledge transfer through student supervision, editorial roles, and conference participation. Her work bridges fundamental fungal biology with applications in agriculture and biotechnology.

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Genomics
• +21 more

Prof. Ferenc Nagy is a distinguished academic at the University of Edinburgh, UK, holding the position of Professor of Plant Cell and System Biology. He is also affiliated with the Biological Research Centre (BRC) in Szeged, Hungary, where he serves as Deputy Director, and holds honorary roles at the University of Freiburg, Germany. His expertise spans plant molecular biology, photobiology, chronobiology, and optogenetics, with a focus on light signaling pathways, circadian clocks, and stress responses in plants. Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Genetics (1981), József Attila University, Szeged D.Sc. in Molecular Mechanisms of Gene Expression (1997), Hungarian Academy of Sciences Habilitation (2001), Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest Research Interests: His work explores phytochrome signaling , UV-B light responses , and circadian clock regulation . Key areas include the molecular mechanisms of light-controlled plant development, stress signaling integration, and optogenetic tools for mammalian gene control. His lab has pioneered studies on protein phosphorylation in phytochrome function and the role of UVR8 in UV-B perception. Scientific Impact: With 160+ publications, over 10,000 citations, and an H-index of 59, his research bridges fundamental biology and applied optogenetics. Notable contributions include defining the structure/function of phytochromes and identifying critical cis-regulatory elements in plant stress responses. Leadership and Awards: He has served as Deputy Director of BRC Szeged, General Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Center, and Monitoring Editor of Plant Physiology . Recognitions include the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit (2013), Humboldt Research Award (1997), and membership in the German Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina).

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Photobiology
• Chronobiology
• +3 more

Harald Pichler is an Associate Professor and Team Leader at the Institute of Biotechnology (IMBT) at Graz University of Technology. His research focuses on membrane biology, enzyme engineering, and industrial biotechnology using yeast systems like Pichia pastoris . Key projects include engineering microbial membranes for protein secretion, optimizing biocatalysts for terpenoid synthesis, and studying lipid interactions with membrane proteins. Collaborations with companies like DSM and LONZA highlight industrial applications of his work. Research interests span microbial membrane modifications, sterol biosynthesis, and metabolic engineering for producing valuable metabolites. Major contributions include developing yeast strains for high-throughput screening of terpenoids and engineering hydratases for biocatalytic applications. His team also explores protein secretion pathways and membrane protein expression in yeasts, with patent filings for key genetic targets. Current projects involve lipid raft dynamics, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions with membranes, and low-cost cell culture media alternatives. Collaborations with academic partners like the University of Geneva and Wageningen University emphasize interdisciplinary approaches. Publications frequently address membrane biophysics, enzyme mechanisms, and yeast strain engineering, reflecting a blend of fundamental and applied research.

• Membrane Biology
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Enzyme Engineering
• +4 more

Karl-Heinz Wagner is Full Professor of Nutrition and Food Quality at the University of Vienna, Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Nutritional Sciences. He directs an experimental research group investigating how lifestyle factors—diet, specific food components, phytochemicals, physical activity and bioactive non-food compounds—modulate oxidative stress and DNA stability in humans, with emphasis on aging and sarcopenia. He initiated the university-wide “Active Ageing” research platform and coordinates EU projects such as SHIFT2HEALTH. Education & Affiliations: University of Vienna, Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Nutritional Sciences – Professor and Chair of Nutrition and Food Quality Principal investigator of the Emerging Field “Oxidative Stress and DNA Stability” Head of the “Active Ageing” research platform activeageing.univie.ac.at Research Focus: Prof. Wagner’s group applies state-of-the-art biochemical and molecular techniques to quantify antioxidant compounds, ROS-induced DNA and chromosomal damage, DNA repair capacity and transcriptional regulation of antioxidant defenses. Human intervention trials, cross-sectional cohorts and in-vitro models are used to examine: Impact of plant-based vs. animal-based diets on multimorbidity risk Nitrate-rich beetroot juice effects on microbiome, vascular function and oxidative stress Bilirubin biology and metabolic health in Gilbert’s syndrome High-protein nutrition and resistance training on DNA damage and muscle quality in older adults Microbiota-derived metabolites that enhance CD8 T-cell antitumor immunity after exercise Publication Trends 2023-2025: Recent output demonstrates a strategic shift toward multi-omics integration (metabolomics, lipidomics, proteomics) to dissect diet–microbiome–immune crosstalk and to identify predictive biomarkers of healthy ageing. Papers consistently appear in top-tier journals (Cell, Lancet Healthy Longev, Redox Biol, Mol Nutr Food Res) and embrace large multinational cohorts, randomized controlled trials and mechanistic animal/cellular work. Funding & Networks: Research is mainly funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), National Bank, European Commission (Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe), EU Cross-Border Co-operation and the University of Vienna. A dense national and international partner network ensures continuous biomarker development and knowledge transfer. Student Training & Citizen Science: Prof. Wagner actively involves MSc/PhD students and post-docs in externally funded projects and advertises internships via ERASMUS+. Study participant recruitment portals for projects like SHIFT2HEALTH, NUTRIAGING and bilirubin clinical studies are maintained to engage the public and foster translational impact.

• Oxidative stress and DNA stability
• Molecular nutrition and phytochemicals
• Dietary antioxidants and aging
• +5 more

Ben Scheres is a Professor of Plant Developmental Biology at Wageningen University (since 2012), where he leads research integrating genetics, computational modeling, and systems biology to study plant development. He also serves as Research Manager at Rijk Zwaan Breeding (2018–present), applying academic knowledge to improve vegetable crop varieties. Additionally, he holds a Professorial Research Fellow position at Cardiff University's Department of Biomedical & Life Sciences (2019–present) and has been an External Faculty Member at the John Innes Institute (2010–2016). Education: PhD in Molecular Biology (1990), Wageningen University Master in Plant Pathology (1985), Wageningen University Bachelor in Plant Pathology (1983), Wageningen University Research Interests Ben Scheres pioneered the use of Arabidopsis roots as a model system to dissect plant developmental mechanisms using multidisciplinary approaches. His work focuses on gene regulatory networks in spatiotemporal contexts, computational modeling of pattern formation, and bridging theoretical biology with experimental research. Collaborations with theorists in Wageningen, Norwich, Cardiff, and Cambridge have positioned his group at the forefront of plant developmental biology and systems biology. Scientific Awards & Honors Recipient of the prestigious SPINOZA award (2006) from the Dutch Science Organization Advanced Investigator Grant (2008) from the EU EMBO membership (2007) KNAW membership (2004) ISI Thomson Reuter Highly Cited Author (2015) Teaching Contributions He has been a lecturer and professor at Utrecht University (1991–2012) and Wageningen University (2012–2017), teaching Genetics, Developmental Biology, and Systems Biology. He also instructed international EMBO courses in Portugal, the UK, and USA.

• Computational biology
• Developmental biology
• Applied plant genetics
• +4 more

Roberto Bassi is a Full Professor of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry at the University of Verona's Department of Biotechnology. His career spans prestigious roles including Visiting Professorships at institutions like Jülich Research Centre and Chinese Academy of Sciences. He holds advanced academic positions such as Chairman of the Molecular Biotechnology PhD program and Vice-President of the International Society of Photobiology. Education: 1977: Laurea degree in Biology, University of Padua 1978-1983: Fellowships at Institute of Microbiology and Institute of Botany, University of Padua Research focuses on Photosynthesis mechanisms and light energy regulation Membrane protein folding dynamics Carotenoid biosynthesis and photoprotection Bioenergy applications in algae Awards include the Baccarini-Melandri Award (1996), Helmholtz-von Humboldt Award (2009), and membership in the Italian National Academy of Sciences (2012). He has authored 220+ papers (H-index 74) and contributed to 35 book chapters. Leadership roles: Editorial boards of journals like Molecular Plant and BMC Plant Biology Governmental biosafety committee member International conference organizer (5 events) His work bridges fundamental plant biology with applied research in sustainable bioenergy and stress-resistant crops.

• Photosynthesis
• Membrane protein folding
• Carotenoid biosynthesis and function
• +3 more

Professor Yvonne Buckley serves as Chair of Zoology in the School of Natural Sciences at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, a position she has held since 2014. She additionally holds an Honorary Professorship at the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia. With over two decades of academic experience, Professor Buckley has established herself as a leading figure in ecological research and academic leadership. Her academic foundation includes a 1st class B.A. in Biology from Oxford University (1997) and a PhD in Biological Sciences from Imperial College London (2002). Prior to her current role, she advanced through academic ranks at The University of Queensland from Lecturer to Associate Professor (2004-2014) following postdoctoral research at Imperial College London (2002-2004). Professor Buckley's research spans multiple ecological domains with particular expertise in: Macroecology and global biodiversity patterns Population biology and demography Conservation biology and biodiversity management Population genetics and evolutionary ecology Applied ecology and invasion biology Quantitative approaches to ecological questions Her publication record demonstrates exceptional scholarly impact with over 120 peer-reviewed papers since 2001, appearing in premier journals including Nature, Science, and PNAS. With more than 7,600 Web of Science citations and an h-index of 47, her work focuses on plant and animal life history strategies, species distributions, and environmental change impacts on biodiversity. Professor Buckley's scientific excellence is recognized through prestigious awards: 2021 Irish Research Council Researcher of the Year 2021 British Ecological Society President's Medal 2019 Member of the Royal Irish Academy 2018 ISI Highly Cited Researcher 2017 Sir John Burnett Memorial Medal 2016 Trinity College Dublin Professorial Fellowship She demonstrates significant academic leadership as Co-Director of Nature+: Trinity Centre for Biodiversity & Sustainable Nature-based Solutions (2017-2021), former Head of Zoology at Trinity College Dublin (2014-2020), and Founding President of the Irish Ecological Association (2015-2019). Currently, she coordinates the international research network 'Plantpopnet' with 41 collaborators worldwide. Professor Buckley is deeply committed to academic mentorship, having supervised 11 completed PhDs, 1 Research Master student, and 18 postdocs as primary supervisor, with 2 current PhD students. Her teaching portfolio includes Theoretical and Field Ecology, Statistics for Biologists, Biodiversity, Plant-Animal Interactions, and cross-disciplinary sustainability education.

• Macroecology
• Population biology
• Conservation
• +9 more

Colin Ruprecht is a Researcher at the Institute of Organic Chemistry , part of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . His career spans roles at prestigious institutions including the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology . Ruprecht holds a PhD in Molecular Plant Physiology from the Max Planck Institute and a Diploma in Biology from Georg-August University of Göttingen. His research focuses on organic synthesis of carbohydrates , plant cell wall biochemistry , and glycosyltransferase characterization . He utilizes chemoenzymatic methods to create synthetic plant polysaccharide fragments for studying enzyme-substrate interactions and has developed glycan array technologies for high-throughput analysis of carbohydrate modifications. Ruprecht's publications highlight expertise in synthetic carbohydrate chemistry , plant glycan analysis , and cell wall dynamics . Key contributions include methodologies for producing azido-modified sugar nucleotides , defined arabinoxylan structures , and tools for enzyme active site mapping . His work bridges chemical synthesis, structural biology, and plant physiology to advance understanding of biomass composition and modification.

• Organic Chemistry
• Plant Biochemistry
• Glycobiology
• +3 more

Jane Parker is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne. She has held prestigious positions including Max-Planck Fellow (2004-2009) and Senior Group Leader at the Max-Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research. Her career spans institutions like the Sainsbury Laboratory and John Innes Centre, focusing on plant-microbe interactions. Education: BSc in Applied Biology (1st class hons, 1983) from University of Bradford, PhD in Botany/Microbiology (1987) from University of Wales, Swansea. Her research centers on plant innate immunity, NLR receptor signaling, and biotic stress networks. She investigates how plants reprogram transcription during pathogen attacks and studies natural variation in defense mechanisms using Arabidopsis. Jane has received significant recognition, including election to EMBO and the Leopoldina Academy. She serves on editorial boards for Science , Current Opinion in Plant Biology , and Trends in Plant Science . Her leadership roles include co-coordinating the CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence (2013-2018) and reviewing grants for major international funding bodies.

• Plant innate immunity
• Host-microbe interactions
• NLR receptor signalling
• +6 more

Dr. Paul Meulenbroek is an active researcher at the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences in Vienna, Austria. His work focuses on freshwater biodiversity , fish ecology , and genetic conservation , with a strong emphasis on environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and riverine connectivity in both temperate and tropical ecosystems. Research keywords include: Conservation Biology Genetics Fish Biology Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems Freshwater Biodiversity Taxonomy of Fish His recent work spans eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring , hydropower impacts on fish communities , and machine learning applications in morphological differentiation studies . Collaborations include institutions like the Christian Doppler Laboratory and Plant Science and Biodiversity .

• Conservation Biology
• Genetics
• Fish Biology
• +3 more

Sabine Strauss-Goller is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Fungal Analysis at the Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Microbial Genetics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She is actively involved in research and teaching, with a focus on fungal molecular biology and genetics. Her research interests include microbial genetics, fungal metabolism, transcriptional regulation, nitrate assimilation, and cell biology. She has contributed significantly to understanding the molecular mechanisms of nitrate signaling and gene regulation in Aspergillus nidulans . The two most recent articles highlight her work on the role of nitrates and GATA factors in the activation and translocation of the NirA transcription factor in Aspergillus nidulans , demonstrating her long-standing expertise in fungal gene regulation and signaling pathways. Scientific Awards: BOKU Teaching Award: Schwanninger Teaching Award for innovative teaching materials (3D virtual reality film "Inside a Fungal Cell") She has served as a project leader and research associate at BOKU and previously held scientific positions at the Austrian Institute of Technology and Ecowork Laboratories. She has delivered lectures at international conferences such as ECFG and the International Symposium on Nitrate Assimilation. No formal student supervision is currently listed. She leads an ongoing research project on "The Nitrate Utilization in Fungi: a Model System for Studying Transcription Factors and Cellular Defense Mechanisms", funded by Social Insurance institutions, indicating active research engagement.

• Microbial Genetics
• Fungal Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +4 more

Monika Kriechbaum is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Integrative Nature Conservation Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her work focuses on biodiversity conservation, plant-pollinator interactions, and sustainable land management. She has contributed extensively to studies on vineyard ecosystems, endangered species like Gentianella bohemica and Colchicum autumnale , and urban ecology projects. Her research integrates field ecology, molecular techniques (e.g., DNA metabarcoding), and spectroscopy (FT-IR) to analyze plant-animal interactions and inform conservation strategies. She collaborates across Europe on projects examining how agricultural practices affect biodiversity and ecosystem services. Recent publications highlight her expertise in applying FT-IR spectroscopy to wildlife diet analysis and evaluating the role of green infrastructure (e.g., vineyard margins, urban transport corridors) in supporting pollinators. Her work bridges ecological research with practical conservation measures. Community Services: Organizer of 'Beweidung von Trockenlebensräumen als Maßnahme in der Naturschutzpraxis' (2007)

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Plant Ecology
• +3 more

Dr. Gudrun Wallentin serves as Associate Professor for Geoinformatics and Ecology at the Department of Geoinformatics (Z_GIS) within the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences at the University of Salzburg. She is Program Director of the UNIGIS distance learning programs and heads the Research Group "Spatial Simulation". Her academic work bridges ecological theory with advanced spatial modeling techniques. Dr. Wallentin's research focuses on spatial simulation in ecology , individual-based modeling , and complex systems . Her work integrates geographical information science with ecological modeling to understand spatial patterns and processes in natural and urban environments. She has developed innovative approaches to model ecological dynamics, animal behavior, and urban transportation systems using agent-based and hybrid modeling frameworks. Analysis of her publication record from 2008-2017 reveals consistent research themes centered on spatial modeling approaches applied to ecological and urban systems. Her work demonstrates a progression from ecological modeling (particularly alpine tree line dynamics and invasive species) toward urban applications (especially bicycle traffic and safety), while maintaining a strong methodological focus on individual-based and agent-based modeling techniques. The interdisciplinary nature of her work spans ecology, computer science, transportation engineering, and geography. Dr. Wallentin actively contributes to the academic community through service roles including Guest Editor for the ISEM 2019 special issue in "Ecological Modelling" and membership on program committees for major conferences such as AGILE, AGIT, and GI_Forum. As Program Director for UNIGIS, she oversees distance learning programs in Geographical Information Science and Systems, and supervises master's theses across multiple programs including Geography, Applied Geoinformatics, and Ecology. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on Spatial Simulation, Modeling Geographical Systems, and GIS applications in ecological research. She leads the "Spatial Simulation" research group, which focuses on developing and applying individual-based modeling approaches to complex spatial systems, with particular applications in ecological dynamics and urban transportation networks.

• Spatial simulation
• Individual-based modeling
• Ecology
• +4 more

Michael Santangeli is a researcher at the Institute of Soil Research, Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He holds an MSc and is actively engaged in research on root exudation, plant-soil-microbiome interactions, and rhizosphere processes, particularly in maize and rapeseed. His work bridges plant physiology, soil biogeochemistry, and sustainable agriculture, with a strong emphasis on field-based studies and methodological innovation. His research focuses on understanding how root exudation changes during plant development and under environmental stress, how root traits like root hairs influence nutrient acquisition, and how rhizodeposits are utilized by soil microbes. He has contributed to refining root exudate sampling techniques and has investigated phosphorus mobilization in the rhizosphere using advanced imaging methods. His studies often involve collaborations across disciplines and institutions, particularly within EU-funded research projects. The recent publications highlight a consistent trend in plant-soil interactions, with a strong methodological and ecological orientation. His work spans from fundamental plant physiology to applied agricultural science, with recurring themes in carbon cycling, nutrient dynamics, and stress resilience. Key methodologies include non-targeted metabolomics, spectrophotometric analysis, and in situ visualization techniques. Michael Santangeli has supervised at least two Master’s theses on root exudation and maize root geometry. He is involved in multiple research projects funded by the European Union, focusing on root exudation and rhizosphere processes. His work contributes to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture and soil health. He collaborates closely with Dr. Eva Oburger and other researchers at BOKU, particularly within the Institute of Analytical Chemistry and the Institute of Soil Research. His research is supported by EU institutions under public law, indicating active project funding and institutional engagement.

• Rhizosphere Biology
• Root Exudation
• Plant-Soil-Microbiome Interactions
• +7 more

Gerhard Adam is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Microbial Genetics, Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His research focuses on mycotoxin metabolism, plant-fungal interactions, and microbial genetics, with a strong emphasis on Fusarium species and their impact on food safety. He leads and participates in numerous national and international research projects, including those funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), EU, and industry partners. His academic work centers on understanding the molecular mechanisms of mycotoxin production, detoxification, and resistance, particularly in cereals. Key areas include the role of UDP-glucosyltransferases in deoxynivalenol (DON) resistance, the formation of masked mycotoxins, and the metabolic fate of toxins in plants and animals. He has made significant contributions to the development of biological assays and genetic tools for studying Fusarium virulence and plant resistance. The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on metabolomics, enzyme characterization, and the biochemical transformation of mycotoxins. Trends show increasing use of stable isotope-assisted techniques, LC-HRMS, and functional genomics to dissect detoxification pathways. Research spans from fundamental fungal biochemistry to applied food safety solutions, including bioremediation strategies using bacterial lactonases and engineering plant resistance. Selected Scientific Contributions: Project leadership in FWF-funded SFB F37-Fusarium program (2009–2019) Development of yeast bioassays for Fusarium mycotoxins Characterization of UDP-glucosyltransferases involved in DON detoxification Discovery of novel Fusarium metabolites (e.g., gramiketides) Investigation of fumonisin self-resistance mechanisms in fungi Adam actively supervises research theses and collaborates widely within BOKU and international consortia such as FFoQSI and the World Mycotoxin Forum. He regularly presents at major scientific conferences and contributes to public science communication through media and outreach reports. Laboratories and Research Teams: Institute of Microbial Genetics, BOKU Tulln Collaborative work with Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics FFoQSI – Competence Centre for Food and Biotechnology International Fusarium research network

• Mycotoxin Research
• Fungal Secondary Metabolites
• Plant-Fungal Interactions
• +9 more