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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

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

Prof. Shana Sturla is a Full Professor at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) at ETH Zurich. Her research focuses on understanding human toxicity through the lens of chemical structure-reactivity relationships, with a particular emphasis on dietary chemicals and nucleic acid interactions. Her work bridges toxicology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, aiming to elucidate mechanisms linking chemical exposure to cancer initiation and treatment. Research interests include Mechanisms of mutagenesis via DNA-damaging agents Biomarkers for precision cancer therapy Safety assessment of nanomaterials Gut microbiota-mediated chemical toxicity Systems toxicology approaches for exposure modeling Recent studies highlight her lab's work on DNA repair pathways (e.g., MGMT protein function), microbiome-driven metabolism of dietary carcinogens, and PBK modeling to predict internal exposure. Her interdisciplinary approach combines synthetic chemistry, bioanalytical techniques, and computational modeling to address translational toxicology challenges. Key methodologies include Genome-wide DNA damage mapping In vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation High-content imaging for toxicity assessment Physiologically based kinetic modeling No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text, but her extensive publication record reflects significant contributions to toxicology and cancer biology.

• Toxicology
• Molecular Toxicology
• Environmental Toxicology
• +6 more

Roman Stocker is a Full Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich, where he leads an interdisciplinary research group combining engineering, physics, biology, and mathematics. His laboratory develops cutting-edge microfluidic and imaging technologies to study microbial processes in aquatic environments at the single-cell level. His research spans Microbial Ecology , Ecohydraulics , Biofilms , and Phytoplankton-Bacteria Symbiosis , with emphasis on how microscale processes drive ocean-scale biogeochemical cycles. Key methodologies include microfluidics, video microscopy, and mathematical modeling to investigate bacterial motility, chemotaxis, and environmental responses. His recent publications reveal fundamental mechanisms like shear-induced bacterial conjugation hotspots (PNAS 2025) and starvation motility trade-offs (Nature Microbiology 2025), demonstrating how physical forces shape microbial behavior. His work consistently bridges laboratory observations with environmental-scale implications. Major awards include: Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems Initiative Investigator Award (Moore Foundation) Simons Collaboration on Microbial Ecosystems Golden Owl Teaching Award (ETH Zurich) Milton Van Dyke Award (American Physical Society) Stocker teaches Hydraulics I and Ecohydraulics courses while leading field deployments worldwide. His lab comprises specialized teams including the Ecohydraulics Group (led by Luiz G.M. Silva) and bioMatter Microfluidics Unit (led by Eleonora Secchi), supported by SNSF, GBMF, and NCCR Microbiome grants. Current projects focus on coral microbiome dynamics, soil-water interfaces, and fish passage engineering.

• Microbial Ecology
• Ecohydraulics
• Aquatic Microbiology
• +7 more

Dr. Patricia Sanches is a Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Her research focuses on ecological interactions, particularly plant responses to herbivory, microbial symbiosis effects, and pest management strategies. She investigates how plants utilize defensive volatiles and chemical signals to combat herbivores and pathogens, with applications in sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Her work bridges entomology, microbiology, and plant physiology, addressing topics such as aphid-plant symbiosis, parasitoid attraction mechanisms, and fungal-viral synergies in plant stress responses. Recent studies include the modulation of virus effects on aphid-plant interactions and the role of jasmonic acid in sugarcane pest resistance. Dr. Sanches collaborates on projects involving beneficial rhizobacteria for root pest resistance and large-scale rearing of fruit fly species for biological control. Her research highlights the complexity of trophic interactions and the potential for ecological solutions in crop protection.

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• +3 more

Consuelo De Moraes is a Full Professor at the Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich. Her research centers on chemical signaling in ecological interactions, particularly plant-insect relationships, with applications in sustainable agriculture, conservation, and human health. She teaches courses in insect biology, plant-insect interactions, and ecological communication for Environmental Systems Science and Biology students. Research Focus: Her work explores sensory cues in shaping multi-trophic interactions, including olfactory signaling, disease transmission by vectors, and plant defense mechanisms. Current projects address ecological questions with implications for agroecosystems and public health. Scientific Awards: Nan-Yao Su Award for Innovation and Creativity in Entomology (2018) Fellow of the Entomological Society of America (2013) International Society of Chemical Ecology Silverstein-Simeone Award Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2011) National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2007) Beckman Foundation Young Investigator Award (2003) David and Lucile Packard Foundation Award (2002) Academic Leadership: She oversees the ETH Zurich Entomological Museum, managing over two million specimens. The museum supports research, education, and public outreach through digitization efforts and guided tours.

• Chemical Ecology
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• Multi-Trophic Interactions
• +5 more

Dr. Tristan Cofer is a Researcher at the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, focusing on plant interactions with the environment and biotic factors. His work centers on plant volatile emissions, defense mechanisms, and ecological interactions, particularly in maize, Arabidopsis, and Xyris species. He investigates how plants respond to herbivory, stress, and microbial interactions through biochemical and physiological pathways. Research interests include: plant defense signaling, volatile organic compound (VOC) dynamics, plant-microbe-insect interactions, and the ecological consequences of plant responses to biotic/abiotic stressors. His studies often integrate molecular biology, biochemistry, and ecological field observations. Key research trends from his publications show focus on: (1) Herbivore-induced plant volatiles' ecological roles, (2) Enzymatic conversion of VOCs in Arabidopsis, (3) Leaf size's role in volatile emission patterns, and (4) Fungal-insect-plant symbiotic systems. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with ecological outcomes, emphasizing plant communication and defense strategies. Currently based at the Biotic Interactions group, his research contributes to understanding how plants adapt and interact in complex ecosystems. Office: T 017, main building ground floor.

• Plant Ecology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Plant Defense Mechanisms
• +3 more

James Sims is a Professor holding the Professorship for Biocommunication and Ecology at ETH Zürich's Institute of Agricultural Sciences. His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, phytoalexin biosynthesis, and ecological signaling mechanisms. Key areas include plant defense responses to pathogens and herbivores, the role of volatile organic compounds in plant communication, and the discovery of bioactive natural products from marine environments. His work bridges plant biology, microbiology, and chemical ecology, with applications in crop protection and drug discovery. Notable contributions include studies on maize innate immunity pathways and the identification of novel compounds with anti-cancer properties. Recent research highlights include investigations into how elevated CO2 levels affect plant defense mechanisms, and the elucidation of genetic pathways governing phytoalexin production. Sims has also explored sensory biases in pollinators and the ecological implications of floral scent components. His interdisciplinary approach integrates computational methods with field and lab experiments, advancing understanding of plant stress responses and ecological interactions.

• Plant Biology
• Ecology
• Microbiology
• +4 more

Prof. Hansruedi Maurer is a Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Earth Sciences, holding a position in the Institute of Geophysics where he leads the Applied and Environmental Geophysics Group. His research focuses on geophysical tomography and statistical experimental design for environmental and engineering applications, with significant contributions to CO2 storage monitoring, geothermal energy exploration, and glaciology. Maurer earned his Diploma and Doctorate in Geophysics from ETH Zurich in 1993, completing his thesis on microseismicity and seismotectonics of the western Swiss Alps. He received his Habilitation in 2002 and was awarded the title of Professor in 2007. His academic journey includes visiting positions at the Geological Survey of Canada (1996) and the University of British Columbia (2005). His research centers on tomographic inversion techniques and experimental design optimization for geophysical data acquisition. Recent work examines seismic anisotropy in crystalline rock, hydraulic stimulation monitoring, and CO2 mineralization processes, with applications spanning underground laboratories, alpine environments, and geothermal reservoirs. His methodologies enhance subsurface characterization for energy and environmental projects. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals strong emphasis on multidisciplinary monitoring of hydraulic stimulations in the Bedretto Underground Laboratory, CO2 storage validation in Iceland, and glacier hydrology studies. Key trends include integration of distributed acoustic sensing with traditional seismic methods, advanced full-waveform inversion techniques, and cross-disciplinary approaches combining geophysics with geomechanics and hydrology. Scientific recognition includes: Best Poster Award of the Society of Exploration Geophysics (1998) Best Paper Award in Geophysics (2004) Maurer serves as Associate Editor for the journal Geophysics and participates in the Swiss Geophysical Commission. He teaches graduate courses including Seminar in Applied and Environmental Geophysics and Exploration and Environmental Geophysics, mentoring students through research projects in the Applied and Environmental Geophysics Group. His work receives support from Swiss and international grants focused on geothermal energy development and carbon storage validation projects like VALTER and EASYGO. He directs research activities at the Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies, coordinating multidisciplinary teams for hydraulic stimulation experiments and reservoir characterization. Current efforts involve dense seismic monitoring arrays, tracer flow reconstruction in fractured rock, and development of real-time inversion techniques for subsurface process monitoring.

• Geophysical tomography
• Statistical experimental design
• Environmental geophysics
• +4 more

Dr. Peter A. von Ballmoos is a Researcher and Scientific Consultant at the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern. He specializes in plant metabolic processes, particularly sulfate assimilation, plant stress responses, and information retrieval systems for scientific databases. His work integrates biochemistry, molecular biology, and ecological studies to understand plant adaptation mechanisms. He holds a PhD and is affiliated with the Faculty of Science. Research Interests: His research focuses on sulfur metabolism in plants, environmental stress impacts (e.g., chilling, CO2 enrichment), and metabolic interactions between carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur pathways. He also contributes to database development for scientific information management. Publications Overview: His work spans studies on Quercus species acclimation to CO2 springs, Arabidopsis root sulfate reduction, maize chilling tolerance, and transgenic potato metabolism. Key themes include enzyme regulation, metabolic cross-talk, and stress-induced biochemical changes. Affiliations: Based at the Plant Sciences Library, he supports research through data management and collaborates on projects involving plant physiology and biochemistry. His office is located at T 110, main building, 1st floor, Universität Bern.

• Plant Physiology
• Metabolic Biology
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Paolo Perona is a Full Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) and the Laboratory of Environmental Hydraulics (PL-LCH). He holds the title of Professeur titulaire and serves as the Academic Director of the PL-LCH. His roles also include membership in the ENAC Faculty Council. His research focuses on the eco-morphodynamics of rivers, integrating fluid mechanics, ecology, and environmental engineering. Key areas include riparian vegetation dynamics, sediment transport, hydropower management, and sustainable water allocation. He examines how vegetation interacts with flow and sediment, particularly in restored river corridors and alpine environments. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in experimental and modeling work on vegetation uprooting, flow-vegetation interactions, environmental flow optimization, and the ecological impacts of hydropower. These studies span disciplines such as hydrology, geomorphology, ecology, and environmental engineering, often using a combination of laboratory experiments, field data, and stochastic modeling. Scientific Awards: No specific awards were mentioned in the provided text. Perona has advised several PhD students, including Katharina Maria Edmaier, Lorenzo Gorla, Amin Niayifar, and Samuel Vorlet. He teaches courses such as Water Resources Engineering and Management, River Eco-Morphodynamics and Bioengineering, and Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. He leads a research group focused on environmental hydraulics and river restoration, contributing to both fundamental science and practical water management solutions.

• Environmental Hydraulics
• River Eco-Morphodynamics
• Riparian Vegetation
• +7 more

Dr. Rie Shimizu-Inatsugi is a researcher at the University of Zurich , affiliated with the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies . Her work focuses on the evolutionary and genomic implications of polyploidization in plants, particularly its role in environmental adaptation and stress response. University: University of Zurich Department: Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies Academic Rank: Researcher Research Interests: Polyploidization, Transcriptomics, Environmental Adaptation, Stress Tolerance, Evolutionary Genomics Her research employs transcriptomic analyses using next-generation sequencing to study homeolog expression in polyploid species like Arabidopsis kamchatica and Cardamine . Collaborations span bioinformatics, ecology, and cytology to address evolutionary significance. Key trends in her publications include genomic responses to environmental stress , homeolog expression dynamics , and interdisciplinary applications of molecular techniques . Her work bridges molecular genetics with ecological adaptation. She leads a research group within the University of Zurich, engaging in projects related to polyploid plant evolution and stress tolerance. Collaborative networks include bioinformaticians, ecologists, and cytologists.

• Polyploidization
• Evolutionary Genomics
• Transcriptomics
• +3 more

Prof. Christelle A. M. Robert is a Professor and Head of the Chemical Ecology Group at the University of Bern's Institute of Plant Sciences. Her work focuses on plant defense mechanisms against herbivores, particularly the chemical and ecological interactions between plants, insects, and microbes. She leads research on how plants produce and utilize secondary metabolites like glucosinolates and benzoxazinoids to resist herbivory and pathogen attack. Her studies also explore how root herbivores exploit plant defenses or induce volatile signals that attract natural enemies. Prof. Robert collaborates extensively with international teams and publishes in top journals such as Science and PNAS . Her research spans plant-insect interactions, entomopathogenic nematodes, and the role of environmental factors like light and drought on plant defense strategies. Notable contributions include uncovering how insect herbivores sequester plant toxins for self-defense and how plant volatiles mediate communication between organisms in ecological communities. Prof. Robert's recent work emphasizes root exudation dynamics, microbial interactions in soil, and the application of chemical ecology to sustainable agriculture. Her lab integrates field experiments, biochemical analysis, and genomic approaches to understand multitrophic interactions in natural and managed ecosystems.

• Plant Ecology
• Chemical Ecology
• Insect-Plant Interactions
• +3 more

Thomas Staubli is a Lecturer in Fluid Mechanics and Hydro Machines at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Technology (IME) at Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture (HSR), part of Hochschule Luzern. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from ETH Zurich and has conducted post-doctoral research at Lehigh University. His career includes roles at Sulzer Hydro and heading the Hydro Machinery Laboratory at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on hydraulic machinery, hydro-abrasive erosion in Pelton turbines, flow-induced vibration, and acoustic discharge measurement techniques. He has authored/co-authored over 100 publications in journals like Journal of Fluid Mechanics and Renewable Energy . Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, ETH Zurich MSc in Mechanical Engineering, ETH Zurich Research Interests: Hydro-abrasive erosion mechanisms and mitigation strategies in hydropower turbines Flow dynamics and instability phenomena in pump-turbines Acoustic and ultrasonic flow measurement technologies CFD simulation of turbine performance and fluid-structure interactions Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes Pelton turbine erosion analysis, sediment impact modeling, and efficiency optimization in hydropower plants. His 2024 studies explore jet deflector torque and partial jet cutting control, advancing turbine regulation techniques. Ongoing projects include erosion monitoring at HPP Fieschertal and acoustic measurement improvements in non-ideal conditions. Labs/Teams: Leads research at IME's Fluid Mechanics and Numerical Methods group, collaborating with industry partners like Andritz Hydro and Swiss hydropower operators.

• Fluid Mechanics
• Hydraulic Machinery
• Hydro-abrasive Erosion
• +6 more

Dr. Gabriella Pessi is a Lecturer at the University of Zurich's Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, leading research on beneficial plant-microbe interactions, particularly nitrogen-fixing symbioses involving Paraburkholderia species. Her work integrates functional genomics (Tn-Seq, RNA-Seq, proteomics) to elucidate mechanisms of symbiosis establishment, bacterial competitiveness, and environmental resilience. Key projects include SNF-funded studies on beta-rhizobia symbiosis and ESA-backed research on space farming applications. Collaborators include institutions like ETH Zurich and the James Hutton Institute. Her lab explores how Paraburkholderia strains outcompete pathogens, adapt to climate change stresses, and thrive in microgravity. Teaching roles include courses on microbiology, bacterial social behavior, and systemic microbiology. Research interests focus on rhizobia-legume interactions, bacterial stress responses, and biofilm formation. Recent studies highlight T6SS systems' roles in symbiotic competitiveness and microgravity-induced metabolic shifts. While no formal awards are listed, her grants reflect significant academic recognition. Future work aims to translate findings into sustainable agricultural practices and extraterrestrial crop systems.

• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +5 more