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Amy E. Fraley is an Assistant Professor at ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, and leads the Medicinal Chemistry Research Group. Her cross-disciplinary work bridges natural products biosynthesis, pharmaceutical sciences, and environmental sustainability through enzymatic chemistry and biotechnology. BSc in Chemistry, Millersville University of Pennsylvania (2014) PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy (2019) Postdoctoral work at ETH Zürich Institute of Microbiology under Prof. Jörn Piel Her research focuses on harnessing biosynthetic enzymes (e.g., halogenases, monooxygenases, Diels-Alderases) to create sustainable bioactive metabolites. She explores natural product biosynthesis in fungi and marine bacteria, targeting disease mechanisms and green chemistry applications. Recent work includes metagenomic studies of Lake Chilika microbial mats and polyketide synthase engineering. Notable scientific awards include the 2024 JSP Fellow at Bürgenstock Conference, 2018 Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship, and multiple University of Michigan honors. Her group secured funding from the ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grant and Messerli Foundation . Collaborations span structural biology, synthetic chemistry, and microbiology, with key contributions to flavoenzyme characterization and bioactive compound libraries . The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training and innovation in biocatalytic tools for organic synthesis.

• Natural Products Biosynthesis
• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• +6 more

Lucas Paoli is a Researcher and Course Instructor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. He leads the Paoli Lab (Microbiome Immunity and Ecology) within the Global Health Institute (GHI) under the School of Life Sciences (SV). His roles include scientific collaboration and teaching responsibilities in life sciences engineering. Paoli holds a PhD in Microbiome Research from ETH Zürich (2018-2023), an M.Phil. in Environmental Policy from the University of Cambridge (2017-2018), and an M.Sc. in Ecology and Evolution from École normale supérieure (2015-2017). Research Focus: His work bridges microbial immunity and ecology, investigating how microbes defend against viral infections across ecosystems like oceans and human microbiomes. Techniques include global-scale metagenomics and functional genomics to study immune strategies and ecological interactions. Key themes involve microbial community dynamics, viral defense mechanisms, and the impact of environmental factors on microbial immunity. Lab & Education: The Paoli Lab explores microbiome-immunity interactions with a focus on ecological contexts. Paoli supervises PhD students in Life Sciences Engineering. His research outputs span microbial ecology, metagenomic tool development, and marine microbiome studies. Contact: lucas.paoli@epfl.ch, AAB 1 39, +41 21 693 16 99.

• Microbiome Research
• Microbial Immunity
• Ecological Genomics
• +4 more

Simone Fior is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science , ETH Zürich , focusing on ecological genetics and plant adaptation. Their research integrates genomic, quantitative genetics, and ecological field experiments, particularly on Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae) along altitudinal and climatic gradients. Recent work explores climate-induced range shifts, local adaptation, and genomic responses to environmental changes. Professional experience includes roles at ETH Zürich since 2013 (Senior Assistant, Postdoc) and prior positions at the Edmund Mach Foundation (2009-2012) and University of Insubria (2007-2008). Education spans a PhD in Plant Biology (University of Milan, 2007) and an MSc in Natural Sciences (University of Milan, 2003). Simone co-organizes the Bioinformatics for Adaptation Genomics Winter School . Key research areas include adaptive divergence , polygenic adaptation , climate change biology , and phylogenomics . Articles emphasize genomic selection signatures, functional-structural modeling, and ecological-genetic interactions. Notable collaborations involve Jake Alexander, Alex Widmer, and interdisciplinary teams at ETH Zurich.

• Ecological Genetics
• Plant Adaptation
• Population Genomics
• +5 more

Tom Ian Battin is a Full Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC). He holds roles in three departments: the River Ecosystems Research Laboratory (RIVER), the Laboratory of Management of Infrastructures, Networks and Construction (LIMNC-GE), and the SSIE Teaching Unit (ENS). His research focuses on aquatic ecosystems, microbial communities in glacier-fed streams, climate change impacts, and biogeochemical processes in alpine environments. He advises numerous doctoral students and has supervised over ten theses at EPFL. Battin teaches courses such as 'Fundamentals in Ecology,' 'Aquatic Ecosystems,' and 'Global Change Ecology and Fluvial Ecosystems.' He is actively involved in academic governance, serving on the EPFL Academic Strategic Committee (ASC) and the ENAC Academic Evaluation Committee (CEA). His work investigates how glacier retreat affects stream microbiomes, dissolved organic carbon dynamics, and ecosystem resilience. Key themes include microbial metabolism, biofilm functionality, and the interplay between hydrology and biogeochemistry. Battin leads research projects on global glacier-fed stream biogeography and the resistome of stream biofilms. His interdisciplinary approach bridges ecology, microbiology, and environmental engineering, addressing critical questions about mountain ecosystems under climate change.

• Environmental Sciences
• Aquatic Ecosystems
• Microbial Ecology
• +7 more

Dr. Andre Kahles is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zürich, specializing in biomedical informatics. His research focuses on computational methods for analyzing large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data, with applications in cancer genomics, metagenomics, and precision medicine. He has contributed to the development of tools such as SplAdder for alternative splicing analysis, MetaGraph for petascale genomic data exploration, and SECEDO for subclone detection in cancer genomes. His work bridges algorithmic innovation with biological insights, addressing challenges in single-cell analysis, genome graph alignment, and multi-omics integration. Key research themes include: Developing scalable algorithms for processing nanopore sequencing and metagenomic data Characterizing somatic mutations and non-coding drivers in cancer genomes Advancing genome graph-based alignment and annotation methods Integrating multi-omics data for clinical decision-making and tumor profiling His publications span topics like RNA-seq analysis, chromothripsis in cancers, and global urban microbiome tracking through the MetaSUB consortium. Kahles has collaborated on landmark projects including the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) and the Tumor Profiler Study.

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Cancer Genomics
• +7 more

Dr. Anton Lavrinienko is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Biotechnology of Food Systems group. His research focuses on microbiome studies, environmental health, and the impact of pollution and radiation on ecosystems and microbiota. He is based in Zurich, Switzerland, and teaches the course Applied Bioinformatics: Microbiomes (Autumn Semester 2025). His work integrates molecular biology, ecology, and public health to address challenges in food systems and environmental sustainability. Research interests include microbial diversity in polluted environments, radiation effects on wildlife, and the application of genomics to biodiversity conservation. He collaborates on projects such as the European Reference Genome Atlas and studies microbial responses to anthropogenic contamination in urban and natural ecosystems. Dr. Lavrinienko’s studies often involve fieldwork in regions like Chernobyl, investigating how chronic radiation and metal pollution alter microbiota and organismal health. His findings contribute to understanding ecological resilience and human health implications of environmental stressors. He emphasizes open data standards and FAIR principles in microbiome research.

• Microbiology
• Environmental Health
• Biotechnology
• +4 more

Ueli Grossniklaus is an Ordinary Professor at the University of Zurich within the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Plant and Microbiology . His work focuses on plant developmental biology, particularly epigenetic and genetic mechanisms governing reproduction and adaptation. Key Courses: Epigenetics, Plant Biology Workshop, Group Seminars on Current Research Laboratory Techniques: Advanced methods in plant cell mechanics, transcriptomics, and genome editing Research Interests span plant epigenetics, reproductive biology, and the interplay between environmental stress and genetic regulation. He investigates: Mechanistic control of gametogenesis and fertilization Epigenetic contributions to plant adaptation Evolutionary implications of asexual reproduction Biophysical forces in plant cell growth Publication Trends (2025–2018) reveal expertise in: Arabidopsis and fern model systems Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone dynamics) Apomixis and hybrid seed failure mechanisms Biomechanics of pollen tubes and carnivorous plants Genome editing tools (CRISPR) and long-read sequencing Scientific Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects on: Microfluidic devices for plant cell analysis Gene drive ecology and ethics 3D imaging of plant reproductive structures Advising and Grants focus on mentoring through research internships in developmental biology, genetics, and systems biology. His lab engages in: Epigenetic response to environmental stress Cell wall mechanics in reproduction Computational modeling of plant growth Laboratory Teams integrate plant biologists, bioengineers, and computational scientists to study: Mechanistic gene regulation Evolutionary developmental biology Microrobotics for cellular force measurement

• Plant Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics
• Plant Genetics
• +5 more

Professor Sebastian Hiller is a Full Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, where he leads a research group focused on structural biology and biophysics. His laboratory specializes in using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to elucidate the structures and functions of proteins and their interactions at the atomic level. His research spans several key areas including molecular chaperones and protein folding mechanisms, outer membrane protein biogenesis in bacteria, and kinase signaling pathways. Notably, his group has made significant contributions to understanding how chaperones like trigger factor function, the mechanisms of outer membrane protein assembly through the Bam complex, and dynamic kinase interactions. Their work has direct implications for neurodegenerative diseases and antibiotic development. The Hiller lab's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on NMR methodology development, protein folding dynamics, and structural mechanisms of antibiotic action. Their research on darobactin's mechanism of action against Gram-negative bacteria represents a significant advance in antibiotic discovery. The group frequently publishes in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, and Nature Communications. ICMRBS Founder's Medal (2018) EMBO Young Investigator (2014) ERC starting grant (2011) SNSF professorship (2010) SNSF scholarship for young researchers (2008) Professor Hiller supervises numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with many alumni having secured prestigious positions in academia and industry. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations across multiple institutions and has received significant funding through ERC grants and other competitive mechanisms. The Hiller group also operates advanced NMR facilities that serve the broader research community at the University of Basel.

• Structural Biology
• NMR Spectroscopy
• Protein Folding
• +4 more

Reto Nyffeler , PD Dr., has been Lecturer and Curator of Phanerogams at the University of Zurich since 2002. He leads the Institute of Systematic Botany’s herbarium activities and heads the Nyffeler research group, collaborating closely with the Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich. Education & Career Diploma in Systematic Botany, University of Zurich (1988-1991) Ph.D., Institute of Systematic Botany, University of Zurich (1994-1997) Post-doctoral researcher & Mercer Fellow, Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University (1997-2000) Post-doctoral researcher, Stanford University (2000-2001) Lecturer and Herbarium Curator, University of Zurich (2002-present) Research Focus Nyffeler’s work integrates plant systematics, biogeography, and phylogenetic methodology. Empirically, he concentrates on the diversification of succulent plants—especially Cactaceae—using molecular phylogenetics to untangle taxonomy, growth-form evolution, and biogeographic history. Parallel interests include the floristics of alpine regions and the systematics of Campanulaceae, Asteraceae, and Ranunculaceae. Across dozens of peer-reviewed papers (2010-2025) he has advanced family-wide phylogenies for Cactaceae and Caryophyllales, documented repeated succulent radiations, and created online taxonomic backbones such as Caryophyllales.org . His current projects combine next-generation sequencing with classical morphology to revise genera like Parodia and to understand adaptation in high-altitude Callianthemum . Students & Mentoring PhD advisee: Anita Lendel (systematics of Trichocereeae) Master advisees: 16 students (2006-2018) working on alpine ecology, cactus morphology, and floristic change Research Group & Collaborations The Nyffeler group comprises a scientific assistant (Dr. Heike Hofmann), technical and IT staff, and rotating Master students. The team maintains close collaborations with the Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich, Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum (Mercer Fellowship network), and multiple international cactus specialists.

• Plant systematics
• Biogeography
• Phylogenetics
• +7 more

Dr. Paul B. Tchounwou is a Presidential Distinguished Professor at Jackson State University, affiliated with the Department of Biology in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. He directs the RCMI Center for Health Disparities Research and leads the Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratory and Environmental Toxicology Research Laboratory within the NIH-Center for Environmental Health. His research focuses on environmental health , gene-environment interactions , environmental toxicology , and ecological risk assessment , with applications to health disparities and environmental medicine . Recent work includes systematic reviews on nanoplastics and parabens in aquatic systems, AI's role in healthcare during pandemics, and apoptosis induction in cancer cells via natural compounds. Key publications span disciplines such as Environmental Toxicology , Pharmacology , and Public Health , with subfields including Microplastics , Oxidative Stress , and AI Applications . He collaborates extensively with institutions like Morgan State University and researchers including Anita Patlolla and Clifton Addison.

• Environmental Medicine
• Environmental Health
• Gene-Environment Interaction
• +7 more

Prof. Tina Perica is an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Zurich, joining in July 2021. Her research focuses on understanding how biochemical properties of proteins encode systems-level functions in signal transduction and gene regulation. Her lab integrates protein biochemistry, biophysics, functional genomics, and computational biology to study cellular regulation mechanisms. Education: B.Sc. in Biology, University of Zagreb (2008) Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Cambridge (2013) Postdoctoral training at University of California, San Francisco (2013–2021) Research Interests: Systems Biochemistry Allosteric Regulation in GTPases and Kinases Genotype-to-Phenotype Mapping Functional Genomics and Computational Biology Her team explores how molecular mechanisms of proteins interact within cellular networks to regulate complex processes, aiming to predict therapeutic effects and disease mutations. Lab Activities: Develops experimental and computational tools to map functional interactions in signaling pathways Focuses on targeted perturbations of proteins to study systems-level effects Emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches blending biochemistry with systems biology

• Biochemistry
• Systems Biology
• Protein Biochemistry
• +5 more

Dr. Aurélien Bailly is affiliated with the University of Zurich in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology . His research focuses on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as signaling molecules in plant-microbe communication, particularly in mediating growth and immune responses. Research Interests Molecular mechanisms of VOC-mediated cross-kingdom signaling Plant perception of bacterial volatiles Trade-offs between growth and immunity via phytohormones Functional characterization of microbial VOC bouquets Publication Trends highlight work on Arabidopsis thaliana and rhizobacteria, with emphasis on auxin transport , systemic resistance , and biocontrol strategies . His articles span disciplines including microbial ecology , plant physiology , and chemical biology .

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in plant-microbe interactions
• Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Induced systemic resistance in plants
• +9 more

Dr. Tamar Kohn is a Full Professor at EPFL, leading the Laboratory of Environmental Virology (LEV) within the Institute of Environmental Engineering (IIE), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC). She holds additional roles as Director of the IIE-GE unit and serves on the ENAC School Direction. Her expertise focuses on environmental virology, waterborne pathogens, and disinfection mechanisms. Education: 2000–2004: PhD in Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University 1999: Diploma in Environmental Sciences, ETH Zurich 2004–2006: Postdoc at UC Berkeley Research Interests: Her work investigates viral behavior outside hosts, particularly in water and air. Key areas include viral inactivation mechanisms, environmental stability of pathogens, and applications in wastewater surveillance. She explores how factors like pH, salinity, organic compounds, and microbial interactions influence virus survival and transmission. Key Contributions: Recent studies highlight aerosol pH's role in influenza stability, bacterial promotion of viral inactivation in lakes, and mpox monitoring via wastewater. Her lab also models virus transport in Lake Geneva under climate change scenarios. Advising & Grants: Supervised over 20 PhD students, including Chaojie Li (2023), Aline Schaub (2024), and Margot Olive (2022). Her research leverages advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and metagenomics for pathogen detection. Labs/Teams: Leads the LEV lab, collaborating on projects combining virology, environmental chemistry, and engineering to combat waterborne and airborne diseases.

• Environmental Virology
• Waterborne Pathogens
• Airborne Pathogens
• +5 more

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

• Symbiosis
• Mycorrhizal Fungi
• Plant Ecology
• +3 more

Dr. Sandra Milena Bernal Ulloa is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zürich , Switzerland. Her research focuses on reproductive biology and embryonic diapause in wildlife species, particularly the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Position: Lecturer Department: Environmental Systems Science Institution: ETH Zürich, Switzerland Her work explores the molecular mechanisms of embryonic dormancy, fetal development anomalies, and assisted reproductive technologies. She has developed novel cryopreservation protocols for pig embryos and pioneered stem cell research in roe deer. Publications span topics including: Embryonic Diapause: Follicular dynamics, cell proliferation rates, and endocrine interactions Genomics: Pangenome analysis of bovine depigmentation traits Wildlife Conservation: Reproductive anomalies and their implications for captive breeding programs Recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate her expertise in wildlife reproductive physiology and embryology. Key collaborations include Dr. Susanne E. Ulbrich and international researchers in veterinary and computational biology. Contact: sandra.bernal@usys.ethz.ch

• Reproductive Biology
• Embryonic Diapause
• Wildlife Conservation
• +3 more