Find Academic Supervisors

Janani DurairajView profile

Research Fellow

• Structural Biology
• Computational Biology
• Machine Learning for Proteins
• +4 more

Dr. Janani Durairaj is a Research Fellow at the Biozentrum, University of Basel , where she focuses on integrating biochemical context into deep learning models to study protein structure and interaction variability. Her work bridges computational biology with drug discovery, emphasizing accurate prediction of protein behavior and therapeutic targeting. Key research areas: Structural Biology , Machine Learning , and Protein Engineering Current projects: Context-aware computational models of molecular interactions, protein-ligand co-folding, and structural analysis of viral proteins Her recent publications in Protein-Ligand Docking and AlphaFold Applications highlight her contributions to automated benchmarking and computational modeling. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams at the Biozentrum, leveraging exascale computing for drug discovery.

Constantin ZohnerView profile

Lecturer

• Ecology
• Climate Change Biology
• Plant Phenology
• +3 more

Dr. Constantin Zohner is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich. His research focuses on plant phenology, climate change impacts, and ecosystem responses to global environmental changes. He investigates how temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric conditions influence plant growth cycles, carbon dynamics, and species interactions across ecosystems. Affiliation: ETH Zürich, Department of Environmental Systems Science Key Research Themes: Phenological shifts in temperate and boreal forests Soil organic carbon dynamics Climate change mitigation strategies His work integrates field observations, remote sensing data, and modeling to address questions about plant adaptation to environmental stressors. Recent studies highlight the role of leaf senescence timing, phosphorus dynamics, and species composition in shaping ecosystem resilience. He collaborates on global assessments of forest restoration potential and urban tree phenology.

Rebecca BullerView profile

Professor

• Biocatalysis
• Enzyme Engineering
• Computational Protein Design
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Rebecca Buller is a leading researcher at the ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management , specializing in biocatalysis and enzyme engineering. Her work bridges computational methods with industrial applications, focusing on sustainable chemical synthesis and food safety. Research Interests : Biocatalysis, enzyme design, halogenation reactions, mycotoxin reduction, 3D bioprinting inks, machine learning-driven enzyme optimization. Key Projects : National Competence Center of Research Catalysis , Microbial Epimerases for Drug Synthesis , Reduction of Mycotoxins in Food Streams , and Excelzyme (university-industry collaboration). Publications highlight advancements in: Temperature-induced enzyme stabilization (2025) Computational protein design (2024) Mutational path enrichment (2024) Mycotoxin detoxification (2024) Industrial biocatalysis (2023-2024) Collaborations span institutions like the University of Basel, ETH Zurich, and industry partners in Switzerland. Her work integrates computational analysis, directed evolution, and real-world applications in pharmaceuticals and food safety.

• Evolutionary Microbial Ecology
• Computational Biodiversity
• Environmental Microbiomes
• +3 more

Dr. Adrian-Stefan Andrei is a Group Leader and SNSF Ambizione Fellow at the University of Zurich’s Limnological Station. He leads the Microbial Evogenomics Lab (MiEL), focusing on microbial ecology and evolution. His research integrates computational biology and omics technologies to study biodiversity drivers, speciation, and genetic diversity maintenance in aquatic systems. Research Interests: Evolutionary Microbial Ecology, Computational Biodiversity, Environmental Microbiomes, and Microbial Genomics. Expertise includes metagenomics, bioinformatics, and microbial community analysis. Grants & Awards: SNSF Ambizione Grant (2021), and collaborative projects on freshwater microbiome resilience and mitochondrial evolution. Current projects include studying elusive bacteria during lake blooms and exploring the evolutionary history of Asgard archaea. Students & Advising: Supervises Ph.D. candidates (Lucas Serra Moncadas, Cyrill Hofer, Alisa Shakurova) and Master’s student Dale Hager. Research teams focus on CPR lineages, genome-reduced bacteria, and novel cultivation techniques. Labs/Teams: MiEL at the University of Zurich combines computational and experimental approaches, collaborating with Prof. Jakob Pernthaler on multi-omics workflows. Research spans freshwater, saline, and Arctic environments.

Caroline JunqueiraView profile

Researcher

• Immunology
• Malaria
• Parasitology
• +6 more

Caroline Junqueira is a Group Leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Switzerland, where she directs the Laboratory of Immunobiology . Her career spans institutions including Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA), University of Notre Dame (USA), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Brazil), and Harvard Medical School (USA), where she worked until 2023. She was awarded the best PhD thesis in Brazil (2012) for her work on a cancer vaccine using Trypanosoma cruzi as a vector and became an Affiliate Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2019) . Education: Master’s in Biochemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais PhD in Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais Her research focuses on immunobiology, particularly the cell biology of immune effector mechanisms in malaria, Chagas disease, and cancer immunotherapy. She explores CD8+ T cells, NK cells, inflammasome activation, and gasdermin proteins in parasitic and tumor immunity. Scientific Awards: Best PhD thesis in Brazil (2012) Affiliate Member, Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2019) She has published extensively on Trypanosoma cruzi-based vaccines , immune cell interactions with pathogens , and pyroptosis in disease . Her work bridges infectious disease immunology and cancer vaccine development , with recent studies on Malaria , Leishmania , and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Junqueira leads the Laboratory of Immunobiology at IRB, focusing on cellular mechanisms of immunity and translational applications for infectious and neoplastic diseases.

Richard NeherView profile

Research Fellow

• Virology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Computational Biology
• +4 more

Richard Neher is a research group leader at Biozentrum, University of Basel , focusing on the molecular evolution of rapidly adapting pathogens like influenza viruses, HIV, and bacteria. His work combines bioinformatics , population genetics , and statistical physics to develop algorithms for analyzing genomic data and predicting evolutionary trajectories. Key Research Areas: Virus evolution, phylogenetics, computational modeling of pathogen adaptation Projects: Predicting influenza evolution via phylogenetic trees, real-time viral genome analysis, HIV mutation dynamics Tools: Nextclade, TreeTime, PanGraph for genomic and epidemiological data analysis His research has significant implications for vaccine design, public health strategies, and understanding the interplay between pathogens and host immunity. He actively contributes to open-data initiatives and surveillance platforms, emphasizing the importance of real-time pathogen tracking .

• Food process engineering
• Food physics
• Alternative proteins
• +7 more

Michael Beyrer is a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland Valais-Wallis, School of Engineering, leading the Sustainable Food Systems research group. His work focuses on non-thermal food preservation technologies, plant-based protein engineering, and food extrusion systems. Research areas: Food process engineering, alternative proteins, non-thermal processing, and equipment design Affiliation: Department of Life Sciences Engineering, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences His research investigates non-thermal preservation methods like pulsed electric field (PEF) and cold plasma treatments for protein-rich food matrices. Key studies include: Microbial stability enhancement in plant protein extracts Sublethal bacterial damage mechanisms Texture optimization in meat analogues through pectin-protein interactions Flavor retention models for high-protein foods Sustainable microalgae integration in plant-based foods Recent publications analyze anisotropic structure formation in plant-based meat alternatives via high-moisture extrusion, biofilm mitigation using cold plasma, and functional property preservation during multiple extrusion cycles. His team develops innovative extrusion nozzles (patent WO2022018084A1) to enable shear-controlled fibrous structures.

Volker HeusslerView profile

Professor

• Malaria
• Parasitology
• Plasmodium
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Volker Heussler is a full Professor in Molecular Parasitology and Cell Biology at the Institute of Cell Biology , University of Bern, and has served as Acting Director of the Institute since 2014. His research focuses on the pre-blood stages of malaria parasites , particularly the liver stage of Plasmodium , aiming to develop live attenuated vaccines and drug-based interventions . He employs advanced microscopy and transgenic parasite models to study parasite-host interactions. PhD in Parasitology (1993, University of Bern) Postdoctoral work at University of Bern, ILRI Nairobi, and Bernhard-Nocht-Institute. Research Interests revolve around molecular mechanisms of Plasmodium liver stage proliferation, autophagy interactions, and organelle segregation. His lab investigates how host autophagy proteins are subverted, how dormant liver stages persist, and how parasites egress from hepatocytes. Techniques include confocal microscopy , live cell imaging , and CRISPR genomics . Recent publication trends emphasize host-pathogen molecular interactions , autophagy modulation , and innovative imaging methods . His team includes key collaborators like Dr. Reto Caldelari and Dr. Jacqueline Schmuckli. Funding sources include Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) , Novartis , and EU Framework 7 . Advising includes mentoring PhD students Kodzo Atchou and Melanie Schmid. His work contributes to global malaria eradication efforts through the MalarX consortium and Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme . The lab’s multidisciplinary approach bridges cellular biology , computational modeling , and translational medicine .

• Plant Conservation Biology
• Ecological Genetics
• Alpine and Arctic Plant Adaptation
• +4 more

Gregor Kozlowski serves as Director of the Botanic Garden and Adjunct Professor at the University of Fribourg's Department of Biology. He also holds a Lecturer role at the Faculty of Science and Medicine. His primary affiliations include the Interfacultary Environmental Sciences and Humanities Institute, where he actively contributes to interdisciplinary research initiatives. His research focuses on plant conservation biology, particularly the genetic adaptation of alpine and arctic species to climate change. Key areas of investigation include the phylogeography of relict tree species like Zelkova abelicea and Ulmus laevis, as well as the ecological impacts of afforestation practices in mountainous regions. Recent work emphasizes genomic analyses to understand evolutionary processes and conservation strategies for endangered flora. Publications highlight trends in genetic diversity studies of plant species at their distribution margins, including Calamagrostis stricta and Clematis alpina. His work frequently integrates field surveys with molecular techniques to assess biodiversity hotspots and habitat suitability under changing climatic conditions. As a conservation advocate, Dr. Kozlowski collaborates on guidelines for protecting narrow endemic species and participates in habitat modeling projects to identify priority conservation areas. His expertise spans plant taxonomy, phylogenetics, and the application of genomics to ecological challenges.

• Genome Evolution
• Plant Speciation
• Ecological Adaptation
• +4 more

Christian Parisod is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Fribourg, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Medicine. His research focuses on understanding interactions between genome dynamics and environmental adaptation in plants, particularly in alpine species like Biscutella laevigata. He holds a PhD from the University of Lausanne and has conducted postdoctoral research in France, Norway, and Switzerland, expanding expertise in transposable elements (TEs) and genome evolution. Key research themes include TEs as drivers of genome restructuring, polyploid speciation, and integrating high-resolution environmental data with genomic analyses. He explores how genomic variation and transcriptional plasticity enable alpine plants to adapt to environmental gradients, with a focus on ecological niche conservation and climate-driven range shifts. Parisod collaborates with institutions like the Swiss Botanical Society and edits the journal Alpine Botany . His work bridges molecular genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology, addressing questions of speciation, hybridization, and genomic responses to environmental pressures.

Andreas WagnerView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetic Robustness
• Evolvability
• +4 more

Andreas Wagner is a Full Professor at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Switzerland. He has held academic positions since 1991, including Director of his department (2016–2020) and fellowships at institutions such as the Santa Fe Institute and Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study. His research focuses on evolutionary innovation, genetic robustness, and systems biology, particularly in genes, genomes, and molecular networks. He explores how organisms adapt through mechanisms like gene duplication, cryptic variation, and transposable elements. Wagner's educational background includes a Ph.D. and M.Phil. from Yale University (1991–1995), and an M.Sc. from the University of Vienna (1990). His work combines experimental evolution, comparative genomics, and computational modeling to study genotype-phenotype relationships and the origins of evolutionary innovations. His research interests span molecular networks, regulatory circuits, and metabolic systems, aiming to bridge gaps in understanding how genetic changes translate into phenotypic adaptations. Notable themes include the role of mobile DNA in gene regulation, the evolutionary impact of transposable elements, and the interplay between robustness and evolvability. Wagner leads a research group at the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and collaborates with institutions like the Santa Fe Institute. His publications emphasize adaptive landscapes, evolutionary rescue, and the mechanistic basis of innovation in biological systems.

Maja WeilenmannView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biodiversity
• Ecology
• Animal Behavior
• +4 more

Maja Weilenmann is a part-time Assistant Professor at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies , University of Zurich, Switzerland. She also serves as a Fachreferentin (subject specialist) at the same institution. Her work focuses on data handling, analysis, and presentation across diverse ecological contexts. Education: M.Sc. in Zoology (Animal Behavior) with a minor in Psychology (Cognition) from the University of Zurich (2001) Research interests span biodiversity experiments in grasslands and forests, movement patterns of leopards and house mice, feeding behavior of minke whales, and communication in orcas. Her work integrates data analysis with ecological and behavioral studies for conservation and ecosystem management. Selected publications highlight her contributions to biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships, tropical forest restoration, wildlife translocation strategies, and ecological forecasting. These studies emphasize data-driven approaches across terrestrial and marine systems. Labs and teams include collaborations with the Owen Petchey Group and Andy Hector Group at the University of Zurich, as well as ORES (The Ocean Research and Education Society) in Solothurn, Switzerland. Her roles involve fieldwork, database management, and computational analysis.

Simon van VlietView profile

Researcher

• Microbial Ecology
• Systems Biology
• Bacterial Biofilms
• +4 more

Simon van Vliet is a Junior Group Leader at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, and the Department of Molecular and Functional Biology at the University of Lausanne (DMF-UNIL). Originally trained as a physicist, he transitioned to biology to study the ecology and evolution of complex microbial systems. His research focuses on understanding how interactions between bacterial cells affect the dynamics of multispecies biofilms, which are critical to human health, planetary biogeochemical cycles, and industrial applications. His research spans several interconnected areas: Systems ecology of bacterial biofilms and emergent community properties Spatial organization and patterning in microbial communities Metabolic interactions and dependencies in multispecies communities Evolution of cooperation and cross-feeding in spatially structured environments Application of interdisciplinary approaches combining experimental and computational techniques Dr. van Vliet's recent publications reveal an integrated research program that bridges physics, ecology, and microbiology. His work demonstrates how cell-cell interactions through molecular exchange significantly alter biofilm properties, with particular focus on how spatial structure influences evolutionary processes and community dynamics. His lab combines single-cell microscopy, transcriptomics, and mathematical modeling to quantify and predict biofilm behavior, with important implications for understanding and addressing chronic infections caused by multispecies biofilms. He is actively engaged in the scientific community through initiatives like the Alma Dal Co School on Collective Behaviour and the SAME18 conference on Aquatic Microbiomes. His laboratory (vanvlietlab.ch) currently includes PhD student Giulia Bottacin, demonstrating his commitment to training the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists.

Daniel CrollView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Genomics
• Plant Pathology
• +4 more

Daniel Croll is a Full Professor at the University of Neuchâtel, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and the Institute of Biology. His research focuses on evolutionary genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics, particularly in plant pathogens and fungal adaptation to environmental pressures. Key Research Areas: Evolutionary genetics, transposable elements, plant pathogen interactions, fungicide resistance, computational genomics, and microbial ecology. Daniel's recent work explores the role of transposable elements in fungal genome dynamics, the genetic basis of pathogen adaptation to hosts and climate, and the development of computational tools like LOCO for ancestry inference. His studies on Zymoseptoria tritici and other pathogens have uncovered mechanisms of resistance evolution and strain heterogeneity through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and population genomics. His publications highlight trends in fungal pathogen evolution, including TE-driven mutations, low-coverage sequencing applications, and continent-scale resistance mapping. Collaborative projects span agricultural genomics, symbiosis, and functional validation of resistance genes like SdhC1 and β-tubulin. Notable Contributions: Development of microfluidics-based GMO detection assays, identification of TE-mediated resistance mechanisms, and creation of a fungicide resistance atlas.

Anand SharmaView profile

Researcher

• Calcium Sensor Proteins
• Insulin Signaling
• Futile Cycles
• +3 more

Dr. Anand Sharma is a Researcher at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Professorship for Translational Nutrition Biology. He holds a PhD from CSIR-CCMB India, where he studied biochemical properties of calcium sensor proteins, particularly focusing on Secretagogin (SCGN) and its role in insulin stability and signaling. Since joining the Translational Nutrition Biology (TNB) group in May 2019, his research has centered on exploring the biological utility of futile cycles, with current emphasis on the 'Futile Lipid Cycle' and its physiological role in regulating core body temperature via non-shivering thermogenesis. His work bridges fundamental biochemistry with translational applications in metabolic health. Education: Anand completed his PhD at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), India. His doctoral research explored calcium sensor proteins, including SCGN's biochemical properties and interactions. Prior to his PhD, his academic background likely included advanced degrees in biochemistry or molecular biology, though specific details are not explicitly provided. Research Interests: His areas of focus include calcium sensor proteins, insulin signaling pathways, futile cycles (both lipid and creatine), adipocyte biology, mitochondrial fatty acid utilization, and the physiological mechanisms of thermogenesis. He investigates how these processes contribute to metabolic regulation and their implications for conditions like obesity and diabetes. Advising & Grants: No formal advisees or grant details are listed, though his research contributions align with funding priorities in metabolic biology and translational medicine. He actively collaborates with the TNB group and other interdisciplinary teams at ETH Zürich. Labs/Teams: He is part of the Translational Nutrition Biology research group at ETH Zürich, contributing to studies on metabolic pathways and their therapeutic applications. His work leverages cutting-edge techniques like single-nucleus transcriptomics and functional cell line development to dissect adipocyte heterogeneity and futile cycle dynamics.