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Stefanie Wienkoop is a University Professor at the University of Vienna's Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology within the Life Sciences faculty. She serves as Vice-Director of Studies for Ecology and Evolution and is part of the Directorate of Doctoral Studies. Her research focuses on plant-microbe interactions using advanced proteomic and metabolomic approaches. Her primary research interests center on molecular plant-microsymbiont interactions, particularly examining how legumes interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria under environmental stress conditions. She investigates drought stress responses, symbiotic nitrogen fixation mechanisms, and the molecular systems biology of plant-microbe relationships using mass spectrometry and other omics technologies. Her work bridges fundamental plant biology with practical applications for improving crop resilience in changing climate conditions. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on plant stress responses, particularly drought tolerance mechanisms in various plant species including legumes, maize, and barley. Her research integrates proteomics, metabolomics, and systems biology approaches to understand how plants adapt to environmental challenges at the molecular level. A recurring theme is the investigation of symbiotic relationships between plants and microbes as a strategy for enhancing stress tolerance while maintaining growth performance. Professor Wienkoop leads the SYMPROFERR project (P 33930), funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), which investigates the role of ferritin in nodule formation, symbiosis functioning, and priming of drought tolerance. This project runs from March 2021 to February 2024 and represents a significant research investment in understanding plant-microbe interactions under climate stress. She actively supervises multiple PhD and Master's students, including Carlos Perez-Rizquez, Sebastian Schneider, and others who have made notable contributions to the field. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on molecular ecology of plants, proteomics in systems biology, and biodiversity research. She is also involved in organizing major international conferences in plant proteomics and nitrogen fixation research, demonstrating her leadership in the international scientific community.

• Plant-Microbe Symbiosis
• Molecular Plant-Microsymbiont Interaction
• Plant Proteomics
• +7 more

Sabine Seidel is a full Professor at the Institute of Crop Production, Department of Agrarwissenschaften, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her research integrates plant modeling, sustainable agriculture, and digital farming to enhance climate-resilient and resource-efficient crop systems. Her research interests focus on the development and testing of innovative, diverse (organic) cultivation systems, particularly mixed cropping and intercropping. She investigates ecosystem services such as yield and greenhouse gas emissions through measurements and modeling. Her work emphasizes the interactions between genotype, environment, and management (G×E×M), especially concerning water, nitrogen, and root dynamics. She also explores root growth responses to nutrient deficiency and drought stress, and leads initiatives in digital farming, including AI tools for pollinator detection and digital twin development in agriculture. Analysis of her recent publications (2024–2025) reveals a strong trend in interdisciplinary research combining field experiments with advanced modeling. Her work spans agroecosystem modeling, intercropping systems (especially wheat and faba bean), soil-crop interactions, and the application of AI and machine learning in agriculture. She frequently contributes to multi-model studies and calibration protocols, emphasizing model accuracy and validation. Her research is highly collaborative, involving teams across Germany and Austria. Root:shoot ratio under conservation tillage Phenotypic plasticity in winter wheat Resource acquisition in intercropping Digital crop growth simulation using GANs Soil carbon sequestration and organic matter dynamics She has been actively involved in the PhenoRob Cluster of Excellence as a junior research group leader (2020–2025), focusing on optimizing plant mixtures through field experiments and modeling. Prior to this, she conducted postdoctoral research on subsoil management at the University of Bonn. Her work bridges ecology, plant science, soil science, and digital technologies. She earned her doctorate on plant modeling and irrigation from the Technical University of Dresden and studied agricultural sciences at the Technical University of Munich. She is based in Vienna and maintains an active presence in knowledge transfer, with media contributions in print and online outlets discussing sustainable farming practices.

• Organic Farming
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Crop Production
• +13 more

Gabriele Gollner is a Researcher at the Department of Soil and Cultivation Systems (ANBAU) within the Institute of Organic Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (iOELA) at BOKU University in Vienna. Her work focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in organic farming systems, with an emphasis on soil health, crop management, and agroecological innovations. Research Areas: Cover crop systems and reduced tillage practices Biological nitrogen fixation in legumes Climate-resilient cropping strategies Allelopathic interactions in agroecosystems Organic fertilizer and soil physical trait optimization Recent Research Trends: Her work emphasizes practical applications of regenerative agriculture, including roller-crimper no-till methods, allelopathic weed management, and intercropping systems to enhance system resilience. Over 15 peer-reviewed articles since 2010 highlight her contributions to organic farming systems research. Labs/Teams: Leads the ANBAU Soil & Cultivation Systems group, collaborating on projects related to soil fertility, crop ideotype development, and agroecological transition strategies. Her office is located at Mendelhaus South Wing, 3rd Floor, Room 10.1.

• Organic Farming Systems
• Soil Science
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +4 more

Reinhard Neugschwandtner is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Agronomy , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna . His research focuses on sustainable crop production, soil science, and precision agriculture in Pannonian climates. Key projects: Agri-photovoltaic systems, digitalization in agriculture, drought-tolerant legumes, autonomous robotics in crop technology Leadership roles: Project leader in 8+ research initiatives since 2014 Research Interests : Dr. Neugschwandtner specializes in: Soil health and earthworm ecology under different tillage systems Nitrogen dynamics in legume-cereal intercropping systems Digital tools for canopy parameter estimation and precision farming Life cycle assessment of agricultural practices Climate-smart crop management strategies Scientific Awards : Awardee of five prestigious honors including: Kardinal-Innitzer-Förderungspreis (2017) Klaus Fischer Innovationspreis für Technik und Umwelt (2016) Walter-Kubiena-Preis (2008) BISi Award (2003) Publications & Presentations : Over 171 publications and 102 presentations focusing on: Long-term tillage experiments Winter crop adaptation Intercropping efficiency Digital agriculture tools Soil nutrient dynamics

• Agronomy
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Crop Production
• +5 more

Giulia De Lorenzo is a Full Professor of Plant Physiology at Sapienza University of Rome since 2000, with prior roles as Associate Professor at Sapienza University of Rome (1994-1999) and University of Bari (1991-1994). Her research focuses on plant immunity, molecular recognition, and cell wall dynamics, particularly in plant-pathogen interactions involving damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and their role in signal transduction. Education: Laurea in Biology (1980, Sapienza University of Rome, cum laude), PhD in Evolutionary Biology (1987, Sapienza University of Rome) Her work explores the structural and functional basis of plant defense mechanisms, including the inhibition of cell wall-degrading enzymes and engineering plant resistance through chimeric receptors. Articles highlight her contributions to understanding DAMPs, PGIP proteins, and their applications in crop protection and bioconversion. Notable scientific awards include the 2011 Sapienza University of Rome Award for Excellence in Research , 1997 Giovanni Armenise-Harvard Foundation Award , and the 1983 Fondazione V.V. Landi Award from the Accademia dei Lincei. She has served on editorial boards and organized international conferences in plant science.

• Plant immunity
• Plant-pathogen interactions
• Molecular recognition
• +5 more

Thomas Neubauer is a PostDoc Researcher at the Department of Information Systems Engineering, Technische Universität Wien. His research focuses on Smart Farming, Explainable AI, and Digital Agriculture with applications in precision livestock farming and sustainable agricultural systems. He leads projects on Precision Livestock Farming (PLFDoc), Legume-cereal intercropping, and Agricultural Photovoltaics integration (PlusIQ). Key projects include: Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety & Innovation (2025–2028) Austrian Science Fund (FWF)-funded work on legume-cereal intercropping (2023–2027) EU-funded ICT4DecisionMaking in Farming (2017–2021) His research spans Digital Twin development for agriculture, machine learning in crop rotation planning, and data security solutions for e-Health. He has supervised over a dozen PhD and Master’s students since 2007. Notable publications include work on reinforcement learning for crop optimization and digital twin frameworks in smart farming.

• Smart Farming
• Explainable Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Agriculture
• +7 more

Dirk Inzé is a global leader in plant biology and Full Professor at Ghent University. He serves as Science Director and Head of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, driving advanced research in plant systems biology since 2002. Research spans molecular networks regulating plant growth, crop productivity, and climate resilience Key initiatives include EU-SAGE (European Sustainable Agriculture through Genome Editing) Chair of the LS9 panel for Advanced ERC Grants and frequent advisor to international institutes Research Focus: Dirk Inzé's work addresses molecular mechanisms controlling plant organ growth and stress responses. His team develops genetic engineering strategies to enhance crop yield under climate stress, contributing to food security for a growing global population. Scientific Recognition: He has received numerous accolades including the Francqui Prize ("Belgian Nobel Prize") World Agriculture Prize (GCHERA) Double ERC Advanced Grant awardee AAAS Fellow Highly-cited researcher (H-index 131) Dirk Inzé has delivered over 150 invited lectures and leads policy advocacy for genome-edited crops in Europe through EU-SAGE. His lab at Ghent University comprises ~300 researchers, making it one of the world's premier plant science centers.

• Lab-to-field-to-lab concept
• Plant phenotyping
• Plants and climate emergency
• +3 more

Melina Kerou is a Researcher in the Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology within the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Vienna. Her work focuses on archaeal ecology, particularly ammonia-oxidizing archaea and their role in nitrogen cycling processes. She actively contributes to multiple research projects including AOP (Ammonia Oxidation Process in Archaea), ACTIONr (Reducing Reactive Nitrogen Losses), and TACKLE (TACK Superphylum Evolution), with funding extending through 2027. Her research interests center on microbial ecology, specifically ammonia-oxidizing archaea physiology, nitrification processes, soil microbiome dynamics, and sustainable agricultural applications. Kerou investigates how microbial communities influence nitrogen cycling in various environments, with particular emphasis on biological nitrification inhibition in agricultural systems. Her work bridges fundamental microbial ecology with practical applications for sustainable food production and environmental protection, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and responsible consumption. Recent publications demonstrate her focus on archaeal carbon metabolism, wheat root exudate chemistry, and laboratory sustainability practices. Kerou actively participates in scientific discourse through conference presentations, workshop panels on biological nitrification inhibition, and media engagements promoting sustainable research practices. She contributes to initiatives like Green Labs Austria and participates in European networks focused on sustainable life science research infrastructure. Kerou's collaborative approach is evident in her extensive network of co-investigators across multiple institutions. Her research activities include field studies in diverse environments from agricultural soils to French Guiana's caiman habitats, examining microbiome contributions to environmental processes. She also engages in science communication through radio appearances and public discussions about extremophiles and sustainable research practices.

• Microbiology
• Archaea Ecology
• Nitrification Processes
• +4 more

Christoph Rosinger is a researcher at the Institute of Agronomy (iPBAU) within the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His work focuses on soil microbiology, conservation farming, and carbon-nutrient dynamics in agricultural and forest soils. Research Themes: Soil organic carbon stabilization, microbial community responses to amendments, and agricultural pollution mitigation using struvite/zeolites Methodologies: On-farm studies, multi-model simulations, and biogeochemical stoichiometry analysis Publication Trends emphasize microbial pathways in carbon sequestration, amendment effects on nutrient cycling, and seasonal soil processes. Recent work explores AI vs. process-based modeling for SOC prediction and volcanic ash pedogenesis. Earlier studies address subtropical soil nutrient limitations and post-disturbance fungal dynamics.

• Soil Science
• Microbial Ecology
• Conservation Farming
• +4 more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad M. Manschadi is a leading researcher at the Institute of Agronomy within the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . With a focus on Crop Growth Modelling , Smart Farming , and Climate Change Adaptation , his work bridges mechanistic plant models with AI and remote sensing technologies. Current projects include CropSense , digital.twin.plant , and COMBIRISK , funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) and European Commission. His research explores nitrogen use efficiency , root system dynamics , and digital phenotyping in crops like wheat, maize, and soybean. Scientific Awards : Queensland Premier’s Excellence Award for Innovation and Creativity (2005) Key Contributions : Supervised 18 theses, developed climate-adaptive crop management tools, and pioneered integration of APSIM and SSM-iCrop models in Austrian agriculture.

• Crop Growth Modelling
• Cropping Systems Simulation
• Smart Farming
• +4 more

Privatdozent Dr. Ulrich Morawetz is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Sustainable Economic Development within the Department of Economic and Social Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. He holds a doctorate in Natural Resources and Life Sciences (2011) and a degree in Economics from the University of Vienna (2004). His work focuses on agricultural economics, environmental economics, and sustainable development, with significant contributions to climate change adaptation, policy evaluation, and consumer behavior in agrarian markets.

• Agricultural Economics
• Environmental Economics
• Sustainable Development
• +6 more

Dr. Pia Euteneuer is a researcher at the Experimental Farm Groß-Enzersdorf , affiliated with the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her work focuses on sustainability in conventional and organic agriculture, climate-adapted management systems, and the role of soil biology in enhancing soil and plant health. Research Interests Earthworm ecology and its ecosystem services in arable farming Soil health assessment under climate change scenarios Interaction between agroecology and plant-pathogen dynamics Climate-adapted tillage and crop production systems Article Trends : Her publications emphasize earthworm monitoring methodologies, climate change mitigation through soil management, nitrogen application optimization using LCA, and the impact of cover crops on earthworm populations and soil stability. She integrates digital tools (e.g., smartphone apps) with traditional soil ecology research. Scientific Contributions Principal Investigator for EU-funded project on soil moisture management Lead researcher for FWF project on soil biodiversity and citizen science Key findings linking earthworm activity to reduced Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pathogen effects Academic Leadership : Supervises multiple Master's theses on soil-plant interactions and sustainable farming practices. Actively contributes to conferences and media outreach on soil health and climate-resilient agriculture.

• Soil Biology
• Agroecology
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +3 more

Andreas Spornberger is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Viticulture and Fruit Growing, Department of Crop Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He heads the Working Group on Sustainable Fruit and Viticulture and has been active in academic and applied research since 1996. His work spans organic fruit production, breeding, rootstock evaluation, and climate adaptation in horticulture. PhD in Technical Natural Sciences Diploma in Agricultural Sciences, BOKU Vienna His research interests focus on organic and sustainable fruit production , including the development of robust cultivars, genetic conservation of regional fruit varieties, pollination biology, rootstock performance, and climate change adaptation in orchards. He emphasizes agroecological approaches, biodiversity, and the preservation of traditional and high-altitude fruit systems. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in climate-resilient fruit growing , organic breeding (especially peaches and apples), rootstock trials (e.g., Geneva series), pollination compatibility , and phytochemical analysis of fruit. His work bridges fundamental plant science with practical applications for organic farmers and conservationists. No scientific awards are listed in the provided text. He actively supervises student theses and leads multiple research projects, often in collaboration with national and international partners. His outreach includes advising organic farming associations, public lectures, and participation in media to promote sustainable fruit cultivation. Andreas Spornberger is involved in long-term field trials, germplasm conservation initiatives, and interdisciplinary projects related to agroforestry and community gardening. His team conducts molecular, physiological, and agronomic studies to improve the sustainability and resilience of fruit systems in Austria and beyond.

• Organic Fruit Production
• Sustainable Viticulture
• Fruit Breeding
• +7 more

Michael Hauser is an Associate Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), affiliated with the Department für Agrarwissenschaften and the Institute of Development Research. His research spans sustainable agriculture, agroecology, climate change adaptation, and rural livelihoods in fragile and developing contexts. He has held significant international roles at institutions such as ICRISAT and the World Agroforestry Center. His research interests focus on understanding and facilitating transitions to sustainable food systems, particularly in regions affected by conflict, climate change, and poverty. He investigates how individuals and organizations manage complex risks in agricultural systems, the psychological and institutional factors influencing cooperative behavior during crises, and the conditions that enable resilience and system transformation. His work contributes to humanitarian aid, ecosystem restoration, and the integration of displaced communities. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary, systems-based approaches to food security, resilience, and sustainability. Key themes include agroecology's role in disaster risk management, stakeholder participation in policy, livelihood transitions, and the integration of social and ecological factors in agricultural development. His work is applied across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, with a focus on participatory methods and institutional innovation. WITH J-WAFS Water and Food Seed Grant Vienna Diversity Prize, nomination and shortlist in the category 'Science' BOKU Teaching Award 2012 (2nd prize) Sustainability Award in the field of research - BOKU award for the CDR Projects Michael Hauser has supervised numerous master’s and doctoral students and led multiple research projects funded by national and international agencies. His projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity-building in partner countries. He is actively engaged in knowledge transfer through lectures, media contributions, and public outreach, advocating for transformative research and development paradigms that bridge science and practice. He leads or contributes to research initiatives focused on building resilience in agro-pastoral systems, scaling sustainable agriculture, and strengthening transdisciplinary research. His work emphasizes the importance of social innovation, institutional change, and participatory processes in achieving sustainable development goals.

• Development Research
• Agroecology
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +16 more

Barbara Steiner is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Crop Breeding and Genomics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her research focuses on enhancing resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat through advanced genomic and breeding approaches, addressing critical food safety concerns related to mycotoxin contamination. Her primary research interests encompass plant breeding, crop genomics, and the genetic dissection of Fusarium resistance in cereals. She investigates quantitative trait loci (QTL), the role of plant morphology in disease resistance, and mycotoxin detoxification mechanisms. Her work has pioneered the functional characterization of resistance genes like UDP-glucosyltransferases and the pyramiding of QTLs from wild relatives into cultivated wheat. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics) for predicting FHB resistance and developing genomic selection tools. She has made significant contributions to understanding the genetic architecture of resistance in durum and bread wheat, with emphasis on practical breeding applications for reducing mycotoxin accumulation in grain.

• Plant Breeding
• Crop Genomics
• Wheat Genetics
• +3 more