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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

Michael W.I. Schmidt is a Full Professor of Physical Geography in the Department of Geography at the University of Zurich (UZH) . He has been a faculty member since 2002, advancing from Assistant to Full Professor in 2014. His research focuses on soil biogeochemistry, particularly soil carbon cycling under climate change, microbial carbon use efficiency, and the stability of pyrogenic organic matter. Research Interests: His work investigates how deep soils respond to warming, the role of microbes in carbon sequestration, and the long-term fate of biochar in soils. He leads the Swiss National Science Foundation project Deep C: Deep soil carbon cycling in a warming world (2017–2023) and collaborates with international institutions including the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, and Cornell University. Publication Trends: His recent articles (2019–2025) reflect a strong focus on climate change impacts on soil carbon, with frequent publications in high-impact journals such as Nature , Nature Geoscience , and Global Change Biology . Key themes include microbial carbon use efficiency, deep soil warming, peatland carbon dynamics, and the stabilization of organic matter. His work increasingly integrates field experiments, molecular analysis, and global synthesis. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Mercator Fellow, German Research Foundation (DFG), 2021 Teacher of the Hour 2020 (student election) Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, he leads major funded research projects and has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s theses. He has served as Program Director for five Bachelor and Master programs at UZH (2018–2020), indicating strong academic leadership. His research is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and international collaborations. Labs and Teams: He is affiliated with the Department of Geography at UZH and participates in international networks such as the National Hub of the European Joint Program Soil and the Deep Soil Warming Experiment Network. His work involves interdisciplinary teams focusing on soil biogeochemistry, climate change, and sustainable land use.

• Soil Biogeochemistry
• Soil Carbon Cycling
• Climate Change Impacts on Soils
• +7 more

Prof. Kristopher McNeill is a Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Environmental Systems Science, where he heads the Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics. Born in 1970 in Tucson, Arizona, he earned his BA in Chemistry from Reed College (1992) and PhD from UC Berkeley (1997), followed by postdoctoral work at MIT. His academic career includes positions as Assistant and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota and Visiting Professorship at Stanford. McNeill's research focuses on environmentally relevant chemical reactions, particularly catalytic and photocatalytic transformations in aquatic systems. Key areas include environmental fate of emerging contaminants, photochemistry in surface waters, and metal-mediated dehalogenation reactions. His group emphasizes mechanistic studies using modern spectroscopic techniques like NMR and time-resolved laser spectroscopy to understand degradation pathways of contaminants. His publication trends show consistent focus on photochemical processes in environmental systems, with recent work expanding into polymer degradation, DNA photochemistry, and atmospheric chemistry. The research demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary integration of analytical chemistry, materials science, and environmental modeling. McNeill teaches multiple courses including: Introduction to Environmental Organic Chemistry Organic Chemistry Term Paper seminars Human Health, Nutrition and Environment

• Environmental Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• Catalysis
• +2 more

Marie Schölmerich is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Microbiology at ETH Zurich's Department of Environmental Sciences , affiliated with the Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics. Her research focuses on anaerobic microorganisms and their roles in greenhouse gas cycling, particularly the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway in anoxic ecosystems. She employs metagenomics, fieldwork, and biochemical methods to study microbial physiology and biogeochemical processes. Education: B.Sc. Biochemistry (Leipzig University, 2011), M.Sc. Molecular Biosciences (Frankfurt University, 2013), Ph.D. Biology (Frankfurt University, 2018). Postdoctoral training included positions at Hamburg University (2018–2020) and UC Berkeley (2021–2023). Research Interests: Anaerobic microbiology, environmental metagenomics, microbial physiology, and protein biochemistry. Her lab investigates methane and CO₂ conversion mechanisms in anaerobic archaea, leveraging extrachromosomal elements and genomic diversity. Awards: SNSF Starting Grant (2025) Walter Benjamin Fellowship (DFG, 2020) Postdoc Plus Stipend (Claussen-Simon Foundation, 2019) Advising & Grants: Leads the Schölmerich Lab at ETH Zurich, mentoring students and securing grants like the SNSF Starting Grant. Her work bridges environmental microbiology with applied biotechnology. Labs/Teams: Schölmerich Lab, ETH Zurich. Focus areas include anaerobic metabolism, microbial symbiosis, and biogeochemical modeling.

• Anaerobic Microbiology
• Environmental Metagenomics
• Microbial Physiology & Metabolism
• +3 more

Moritz Lehmann is a Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences , University of Basel , specializing in Aquatic and Isotope Biogeochemistry . His research spans Aquatic Biogeochemistry , Stable Isotope Geochemistry , and Microbial Ecology , with a focus on lake and marine systems. Education: PhD in Environmental Geochemistry/Stable Isotope Geochemistry from ETH Zurich (2002). Professional Roles: Full Professor (2017–present), Head of Department (2019–2023), Cox Visiting Professor at Stanford University (2018). Research Trends: Recent publications highlight his work on lake sediment priming effects , oxygen isotope calibration , nitrous oxide kinetics , and methanogenesis in oxic waters . Collaborative projects with institutions like ETH Zurich and Stanford emphasize stable isotope analysis and biogeochemical modeling . Leadership & Grants: Served on the Department Board of Directors (2017–2023) and as Dean of Research (2014–2017). Led projects funded by agencies including the Federal Office for Agriculture and Zurich Basel Plant Science Centre .

• Aquatic Biogeochemistry
• Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
• Organic Geochemistry
• +2 more

Professor Daniel Ariztegui is a leading researcher in limnogeology and geomicrobiology at the University of Geneva. His work focuses on reconstructing paleoenvironments using lacustrine and marine sediments, with particular emphasis on biogeochemical cycles, microbial processes, and subsurface biosphere dynamics. He has supervised multiple PhD students and leads international drilling projects like the Dead Sea Deep Drilling Project (DSDDP) and the ICDP Towuti Drilling Project. His research integrates fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and genomic techniques to understand climate change impacts and environmental evolution. Teaching: Limnogeology, Global Change, Quaternary Paleoclimatology, Paleogeography Administrative Roles: President of the International Sedimentological Commission (ISC), Associated Editor for Sedimentology and Swiss Journal of Geosciences Research highlights include studies on microbialite formation in Patagonia, arsenic enrichment in Dead Sea microbial mats, and strontium bioremediation using green algae. His fieldwork spans Argentina, Guatemala, Chile, and Indonesia, with ongoing projects in Lake Petén-Itza and Lake Chad. Key contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed publications since 2020, focusing on paleohydrology, microbial biomineralization, and climate-ecosystem interactions. Current grants support investigations into Dead Sea lake levels, Pampean lake systems, and subsurface biosphere dynamics.

• Limnogeology
• Geomicrobiology
• Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
• +4 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. Boris Kolvenbach is a Research Associate in environmental biotechnology at the Institute for Ecopreneurship, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). His research focuses on developing sustainable solutions for environmental contamination through microbial processes. Kolvenbach's core research explores: Biodegradation mechanisms for plastics and pharmaceuticals Wastewater treatment technologies using microbial communities Environmental fate of contaminants like sulfamethoxazole Novel bioremediation approaches including 3D bioprinting applications His recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on: Marine plastic degradation (2024) Pharmaceutical removal in agricultural systems (2024) Zeolite-enhanced wastewater treatment (2024) Microbial community dynamics in bioreactors (2023) with consistent focus on practical applications of microbial ecology for pollution mitigation.

• Environmental Biotechnology
• Biodegradation
• Wastewater Treatment
• +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.

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

Malte Jochum is a Professor of Above-belowground Interaction Ecology at the University of Würzburg. His research focuses on global change impacts on multitrophic communities and ecosystem functioning, with a particular emphasis on energy flux dynamics and anthropogenic drivers like climate change and land-use transformation. He holds a PhD from Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (2016) and a diploma in Biology from TU Darmstadt (2012). His academic career includes postdoctoral positions at iDiv, Leipzig University, and the University of Bern. Current Role: Junior Professor, Department of Ecology (University of Würzburg) Key Research Themes: Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning, food web theory, invasive species impacts Research Interests: Jochum investigates how global change factors—such as warming, land-use intensification, and invasive earthworms—alter community structures and ecosystem services. His work bridges theory (e.g., metabolic theory, stoichiometry) with empirical studies spanning terrestrial, marine, and freshwater systems. Recent projects include the Global Change Experimental Facility and EcoStressWeb experiments. Publications Highlight: Over 45 peer-reviewed articles, including influential studies on earthworm invasion effects, energy flux quantification, and biodiversity experiment validity. Notable recent works include the StoichLife global dataset (2025) and analyses of sustainable land-use impacts (2024). Awards: Recipient of the Werner und Inge Grüter-Preis (2025) and Transfer Preis (2024) for science communication and research impact. Recognized for early-career contributions, including a GfÖ award (2016). Advising & Grants: Supervised over 20 theses (PhD, MSc, BSc) and contributed to major projects like the Bug-Network and MultiCrossBEF . Active in grant initiatives linking experimental and observational ecology. Labs/Teams: Leads the Würzburg-based Above-belowground Interaction Ecology group and collaborates with iDiv, UFZ, and international networks.

• Global Change Ecology
• Community Ecology
• Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning
• +4 more

Professor Anneleen Foubert is a faculty member in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Fribourg , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Medicine . Her research focuses on sedimentology, tectonics, and geochemical processes in extreme environments. Key areas of expertise include continental rift systems (e.g., Danakil Depression), cold seep ecosystems, and carbonate diagenesis. She leads studies on the interplay between biotic activity and geologic processes, particularly in submarine environments. Recent work explores Evaporite dynamics in Afar rift basins Gas migration mechanisms in Mediterranean sedimentary systems High-pH hydrothermal mineralization at Lost City Stratigraphic architecture of Jurassic Opalinus Clay Her fieldwork spans Ethiopia, Turkey, Spain, and the Mediterranean Sea, combining geological mapping, core analysis, and geochemical modeling. Current projects investigate Afar's magma-rich rifting and Mediterranean cold-water coral mound archives.

• Geosciences
• Sedimentology
• Alpine Geomorphology
• +7 more

Guido Lars Bruno Wiesenberg is a Researcher at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, where he has been employed since 2014. He previously held research and teaching positions at the University of Cologne, University of Bayreuth, Applied University Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, and Université Pierre et Marie Curie. His work focuses on biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly using molecular proxies and stable isotopes to understand environmental change across time. 1993–2000: Diplom-Geologist (MSc), University of Cologne 2000–2004: Dr. rer. nat., University of Cologne 2008–2013: Habilitation in Geoecology, University of Bayreuth 2013–2014: Habilitation in Physical Geography, University of Zurich His research centers on element and nutrient cycling in plant-soil systems, peatlands, and sedimentary archives. He specializes in lipid biomarkers (e.g., n-alkanes, lignin, pigments), branched tetraether lipids, and stable isotope techniques (δ 13 C, δ 2 H, 14 C labeling) to study carbon sources, decomposition, and paleoenvironmental conditions. He also applies modeling and field experiments to assess climate and land-use impacts. The most recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong trend in understanding soil carbon dynamics under climate change, particularly using biomarker and isotopic tools to trace plant-derived carbon, assess warming effects on peatlands, and reconstruct paleoenvironments. Key journals include Nature Communications , Science Advances , Global Change Biology , and Biogeosciences , indicating high-impact interdisciplinary research in biogeochemistry and climate science. Active in DFG Gepris and SNSF Data Portal projects Involved in long-term ecological experiments (e.g., 30-year fertilization, whole-soil warming) Co-supervises students and early-career researchers through collaborative publications Engaged in science communication via podcasts, soil movies, and virtual lab tours Wiesenberg leads research activities within the Physical Geography Laboratory (PhysLabs) at the University of Zurich, focusing on method development in biomarker analysis, isotopic tracing, and soil organic matter characterization. His team integrates fieldwork, lab experiments, and data synthesis to address questions of carbon cycling, ecosystem resilience, and paleoenvironmental change.

• Biogeochemistry
• Soil Organic Matter Dynamics
• Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
• +7 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.

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

Sebastian Bonhoeffer is a Full Professor in Theoretical Biology at ETH Zurich, where he has been serving since July 1, 2005. He is affiliated with the Department of Environmental Systems Science and serves as Head of Collegium Helveticum. His research focuses on using population biological models to understand fundamental biological processes, with particular expertise in mathematical modeling of virus infections within infected individuals, providing important insights into the pathogenesis of viral infections, especially HIV. Prof. Bonhoeffer was born in Tübingen, Germany. His academic journey began with Music studies in Basel, followed by Physics studies in Munich and Vienna. He then moved to Oxford for his PhD with Martin Nowak and Robert May at the Department of Zoology. After completing his PhD, he remained in Oxford as a Research Fellow of Wolfson College and worked as a visiting scientist with David Ho at the Rockefeller University in New York. Prior to his appointment at ETH Zurich in 2001 as an SNF Research Professor, he was a junior group leader at the Friedrich Miescher Institut in Basel. His research interests span theoretical biology, population dynamics, evolutionary ecology of infectious diseases, mathematical modeling of viral infections, and antimicrobial resistance. He has made significant contributions to understanding the population dynamics of virus infections within infected individuals, particularly HIV. His work has provided important insights into the pathogenesis of viral infections and the evolutionary dynamics of pathogens. Prof. Bonhoeffer's recent publications demonstrate a diverse research portfolio spanning microbial ecology, epidemiology, evolutionary biology, and antimicrobial resistance. His work shows a strong focus on applying mathematical and computational approaches to understand complex biological systems, from viral dynamics to microbial communities and pandemic responses. His research often involves interdisciplinary collaborations addressing pressing public health challenges. Prof. Bonhoeffer has supervised numerous students and mentored early-career researchers in theoretical biology and mathematical modeling. His work has been supported by various research grants, though specific details are not provided in the available information. He is actively involved in teaching, offering courses such as "Seminar in Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious Diseases" and "Ecology and Evolution: Term Paper" at ETH Zurich.

• Theoretical Biology
• Population Dynamics
• Evolutionary Ecology
• +6 more

Dr. Lucie Malard is a microbial ecologist and Principal Investigator at the University of Geneva, where she leads the MicroAdapt Lab as an SNSF Ambizione Group Leader. Her research focuses on microbial biogeography and diversity in extreme environments, particularly Alpine and Polar regions. She integrates fieldwork with advanced molecular techniques to study microbial community assembly, adaptation, and responses to climate change. Her research interests include: Microbial ecology in extreme environments Biogeography and distribution of microorganisms Metagenomics and metatranscriptomics of soil and airborne communities Microbial adaptation to environmental change Climate change impacts on polar and alpine ecosystems The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on microbial community dynamics across environmental gradients, with an emphasis on bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protists in cold ecosystems. Her work combines field sampling across the Arctic, Antarctic, and Alps with high-throughput sequencing to uncover patterns in microbial diversity, niche partitioning, and dispersal mechanisms. A strong trend in modeling and predicting microbial distributions under climate change is evident. Scientific awards include: SNSF Ambizione Fellowship Dr. Malard advises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and her lab is involved in externally funded projects such as the SNSF-funded 'Secret Invasions' project on microbial invasions in the Arctic. She has received funding from the EU (Horizon2020), SNSF, British Antarctic Survey (BAS), and SPI, supporting extensive field campaigns in Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland, and South Georgia. Her collaborative network includes institutions in Switzerland, the UK, and internationally. She leads the MicroAdapt Lab at the University of Geneva, which investigates how microbial communities adapt to extreme and changing environments, with a focus on gene expression shifts and colonization dynamics.

• Microbial Ecology
• Biogeography
• Environmental Microbiology
• +12 more