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Lukas VogelView profile

Researcher

• Microbial Ecology
• Marine Chemistry
• Organic Trace Substance Analysis
• +3 more

Lukas Vogel is a doctoral researcher at the University of Rostock, affiliated with the Environmental Microbiology group at the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research (IOW) and Ocean Technology Campus Rostock. His work focuses on analyzing organic trace pollutants in aquatic systems using advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods. Education: Doctoral student, University of Rostock / Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research (IOW) M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences, University of Greifswald B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences, University of Greifswald His research investigates the entry routes and ecological risks of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and UV filters in the Baltic Sea urban estuary. He employs solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) to generate high-resolution pollutant datasets. Publications: Dr. Vogel has co-authored three peer-reviewed publications in 2025, including a dataset in PANGEA, a computational methods paper in Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal , and a pollution risk assessment in Environmental Pollution . Professional Experience: Internship at Alfred Wegener Institute (Microbial Ecology Group) Research Assistant in Bacterial Physiology Group, University of Greifswald Student Assistant at University of Greifswald

• Evolutionary Biology
• Mycology
• Fungal Ecology
• +4 more

Dr. Martin Kemler serves as a Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hamburg within the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, specifically in the Institute of Plant Sciences and Microbiology's Organismic Botany and Mycology group. His research activities are centered at Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Room CvL 3.509, where he conducts specialized work on fungal systematics and ecology. Dr. Kemler's research program focuses on the evolution and ecology of smut fungi and plant-associated fungal communities , with particular expertise in fungal taxonomy, host specificity, and microbial community dynamics. His work bridges molecular phylogenetics with ecological field studies, examining how fungal pathogens interact with their host plants across different environments. He has made significant contributions to understanding the systematics of smut fungi genera including Anthracoidea and Microbotryum , while also investigating endophytic fungal communities in olive trees and across ecological gradients in African ecosystems. His research methodology integrates DNA sequencing, morphological analysis, and ecological modeling to address fundamental questions in fungal evolution and plant-microbe interactions. Analysis of Dr. Kemler's recent publication record (2023-2024) reveals three major research thrusts: (1) fungal systematics and taxonomy, demonstrated through his participation in the Global Consortium for Fungal Classification and Fungal Planet description sheets; (2) evolutionary biology of smut fungi, particularly examining convergent evolution patterns between distantly related lineages; and (3) microbial ecology of plant-associated fungi, with emphasis on how land use change and host domestication affect fungal community structure. His collaborative approach is evident through extensive co-authorship networks spanning multiple continents, reflecting the international nature of modern mycological research. Dr. Kemler actively contributes to the broader scientific community through his methodological innovations in studying fungal evolution and ecology. His work on endophytic communities in olive trees has provided important insights into how agricultural practices affect microbial biodiversity, while his taxonomic work has helped clarify classification systems for challenging fungal groups. His research demonstrates consistent methodological rigor and addresses questions of both theoretical significance and practical application in fungal biodiversity conservation.

Nombuso NgubaneView profile

Researcher

• Ecology of plant-associated fungi
• Population genetics
• Phylogeny
• +5 more

Dr. Nombuso Ngubane serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Hamburg within the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences (MIN Faculty). She is affiliated with the Department of Biology, specifically working in the Institute of Plant Sciences and Microbiology (IPM) and the Organismic Botany and Mycology research group. Her research centers on the ecology of plant-associated fungi, with particular expertise in population genetics, phylogeny, metabarcoding and genomics of endophytic, saprotrophic and parasitic fungi. Dr. Ngubane investigates complex plant-fungal relationships through modern molecular approaches, examining both symbiotic and pathogenic interactions that influence plant health and ecosystem dynamics. Based in the Carl von Linné House (Room CvL 3.507) at Ohnhorststrasse 18 in Hamburg, she contributes to the university's research initiatives in organismic botany and mycology. Her work forms part of the broader research efforts in fungal biodiversity and plant-microbe interactions at one of Germany's leading research institutions.

Aletta BonnView profile

Professor

• Biodiversity Conservation
• Ecosystem Services
• Nature-based Solutions
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Aletta Bonn is Head of Department at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, affiliated with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig. She leads research in Conservation Biology & Social-Ecological Systems within the Research Unit Ecosystems of the Future, focusing on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human-environment interactions. Her research interests span Biodiversity Conservation , Ecosystem Services , Nature-based Solutions , Citizen Science , Urban and Landscape Ecology , and Climate Change Adaptation . She investigates how human well-being is interconnected with biodiversity and how participatory science can bridge research, policy, and society. Recent publications highlight trends in urban biodiversity , nature-health connections , thermal comfort in forests , and the use of emerging technologies in citizen science. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches integrating ecology, social sciences, and public health. She has co-authored influential books including Citizen Science – Innovation in Open Science, Society and Policy (2018), Nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation in urban areas (2017), and Peatland Restoration and Ecosystem Services (2016), which are widely recognized in the field. Aletta Bonn actively supervises graduate and postdoctoral researchers and promotes opportunities in her Ecosystem Services group. She is deeply engaged in science-policy interfaces and public outreach, advancing integrative biodiversity research for a sustainable future.

Sven Patrik Tobias-HunefeldtView profile

Researcher

• Microbial Ecology
• Aquatic Ecology
• Plankton Dynamics
• +4 more

Sven Patrik Tobias-Hunefeldt is a Doctoral Candidate at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Fisheries (IGB) , affiliated with the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology . His research is conducted within the Aquatic Microbial Ecology group.

Panagiotis TheodorouView profile

Associate Professor

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Entomology
• +3 more

Dr. Panagiotis Theodorou is an Associate Professor at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg within the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, General Zoology. His research focuses on ecological and evolutionary processes across genes to ecosystems, particularly examining the impacts of global change on biodiversity and pollination services. His research interests include Insect Biodiversity Evolutionary Biology Plant-Pollinator Networks Host-Parasite Interactions Urban and Agricultural Ecology Analyzing the 15 most recent publications , his work spans genomics, pollination dynamics, urban ecology, and parasite effects on pollinators. Key methodologies include metabarcoding, RAD-sequencing, and network analysis. His scientific memberships include the Urban Eco Evo network, iDiv, and several ecological and evolutionary biology societies.

Christian AlbrechtView profile

Associate Professor

• Invertebrate diversification
• Species invasions in freshwater ecosystems
• Freshwater mollusk biogeography
• +3 more

Christian Albrecht is an Associate Professor at Justus Liebig University Giessen, leading the Aquatic Biodiversity & Biogeography Group within the Systematics & Biodiversity Lab. His academic journey includes a Diploma in Biology from Friedrich Schiller University Jena (2001), a PhD from Goethe University Frankfurt (2005), and postdoctoral research at Giessen. He has held positions including Senior Research Scientist (2010), Assistant Professor (2012), and Associate Professor (2021). His research focuses on invertebrate diversification patterns, freshwater mollusk biogeography, and neglected tropical diseases. He has conducted fieldwork in Africa, Europe, and Asia, with particular emphasis on ancient lakes and tropical ecosystems. Albrecht is also a Visiting Professor at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (Uganda), contributing to capacity-building in freshwater research. Publications span invasion biology, schistosomiasis modeling, and mollusk systematics. He has received awards such as the Young Scientists Award (2007) and held leadership roles in organizations like SIAL (Speciation in Ancient Lakes). His teaching includes global change biology and African field schools, emphasizing practical fieldwork and biodiversity informatics. Albrecht collaborates internationally, leading projects like the DAAD-funded CEMarin initiative and EU’s PRIDE program. He advises six PhD students and mentors researchers across African institutions, contributing to freshwater conservation and disease control efforts globally.

Alexander ProbstView profile

Professor

• Environmental Microbiology
• Bioinformatics
• Aquatic Ecosystems
• +4 more

Prof. Alexander Probst is a W3 Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, leading the Environmental Metagenomics group within the Research Center One Health Ruhr. He is a member of the University Alliance Ruhr collaboration. His research bridges microbiology and bioinformatics, focusing on microbial ecophysiology, One Health, and ecosystem health in subsurface environments. He investigates deep groundwater, aquatic microbial biodiversity, and virus-microbe interactions using metagenomics and microscopy. His work has been supported by prestigious grants, including an ERC Synergy Grant (2023) for the Archean Park project and DFG funding for CRC RESIST. He was recognized as a 'Highly Cited Researcher 2024' by Clarivate. Probst collaborates internationally, such as with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA) and the China University of Geosciences (Beijing). His lab’s projects include GENIAL (DOE-funded) for algae biodiversity and MultiKulti for cultivating uncultivated microbes. Research interests include subsurface microbial life, CRISPR-Cas systems, and biotechnological applications of extremophiles. He coordinates data management in the CRC RESIST consortium and leads initiatives like the IQ-Wasser project linking AI to water quality monitoring. His lab’s future work emphasizes microbial interactions in extreme environments and One Health interdisciplinary research. Scientific Awards: Highly Cited Researchers 2024 (Clarivate). Advising and grants: Supervises doctoral researcher Rena (Project A01, CRC RESIST). His grants total over €70 million, including contributions from German federal and state funding for the ACTIVE SITES research building. He collaborates on projects addressing climate change impacts on water systems, microbial symbiosis, and pathogen control in drinking water. Labs/Teams: Probst Lab, part of the Research Center One Health Ruhr, and involved in the University Alliance Ruhr. Active in international networks like the Joint Genome Institute (LBL, USA) and the One Health initiative.

Anke KrempView profile

Researcher

• Phytoplankton Ecology
• Marine Biology
• Harmful Algal Blooms
• +5 more

Anke Kremp is a Senior Scientist and Head of the Working Group at the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) in Rostock, Germany, since 2018. She holds a PhD in Hydrobiology (2000) from the University of Helsinki and a Master's in Biology (1993) from the University of Rostock. Her research focuses on phytoplankton biodiversity, harmful algal blooms (HABs), and environmental adaptation, with an emphasis on sediment archives and DNA-based monitoring methods. She has led projects such as PHYTOARK and HABBAL, exploring the Baltic Sea's ecological dynamics and climate impacts. Academic Roles: Adjunct Professor at University of Helsinki (2007), Academy of Finland Research Fellow (2011–2016). Current Projects: Investigating HAB expansion, eDNA methods, and sediment-based ecological reconstructions. Key Research Themes: Phytoplankton response to environmental change, genetic diversity, and Baltic Sea ecosystem health. Her work integrates experimental ecology, molecular biology, and paleoenvironmental studies. Notable contributions include resurrecting ancient diatoms from sediments and developing PCR-based detection tools for toxic species. She collaborates widely, contributing to HELCOM assessments and international climate change guidelines. Scientific Awards: Academy of Finland Research Fellowship (2011–2016). Advises on Baltic Sea policy through ecological assessments and monitoring frameworks.

• Paleoecology
• Sedimentary DNA
• Arctic Vegetation Dynamics
• +3 more

Ulrike Herzschuh leads the Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems section at the Alfred Wegener Institute. Her research examines ecosystem changes across decadal to glacial time scales using sedimentary ancient DNA, pollen analysis, and geochemical proxies to reconstruct past Arctic vegetation dynamics and climate feedbacks. Research Focus: Arctic and boreal vegetation responses to climate change Sedimentary DNA applications in paleoecology Pollen-based climate reconstructions Permafrost ecosystem dynamics

• Paleoecology
• Climate Change
• Biodiversity
• +3 more

Sisi Liu is a Researcher at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) within the Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems department. Her work focuses on reconstructing past ecosystems and biodiversity changes in high-latitude and high-altitude regions using sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) and paleoenvironmental proxies. She investigates plant community dynamics, climate impacts on vegetation, and human-environment interactions across regions like the Tibetan Plateau, Siberia, and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Key projects include analyzing sediment cores to trace post-glacial vegetation trajectories, glacial retreat effects, and the sensitivity of alpine ecosystems to warming. Her research combines molecular biology techniques with traditional paleoecological methods, contributing to understanding long-term ecological responses to climate change. Liu's studies highlight the application of sedaDNA to reveal shifts in plant diversity, including woody encroachment in Arctic regions and biodiversity collapses linked to cryosphere loss. She explores links between lake water chemistry and DNA preservation, optimizing proxy reliability. Her work also addresses human impacts, such as pastoralism effects on vegetation in the Qinghai Lake Basin. Methodologically, she contributes to developing metabarcoding and shotgun sequencing approaches for ecological reconstructions. Publications emphasize Tibetan Plateau ecosystems, Siberian treeline dynamics, and the integration of pollen and DNA data for vegetation reconstructions. Her research informs conservation strategies amid global warming, revealing vulnerabilities of alpine habitats and cold-adapted species. Collaborations span international projects, enhancing interdisciplinary approaches to paleoenvironmental science.

• Paleogenetics
• Paleoecology
• Environmental DNA (eDNA)
• +3 more

Dr. Kathleen Stoof-Leichsenring is a Researcher at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in the department of Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems. Her work focuses on paleogenetics and paleoecology, utilizing environmental DNA (eDNA) from sediments and soils to study past ecosystems. She leads the Paleogenetic and Palynological Laboratories at AWI Potsdam, concentrating on genetic diversity of phytoplankton and diatoms, as well as morphological and genetic responses to environmental changes. Her research spans topics like glacial-interglacial transitions, plant-mammal interactions, and climate impacts on Arctic and alpine ecosystems. Key contributions include studies on ancient DNA preservation, Holocene vegetation dynamics, and the role of permafrost thaw in ecosystem shifts. Dr. Stoof-Leichsenring has published extensively on paleoenvironmental reconstructions and collaborates on international projects like the PANABIO dataset.

Bettina MeyerView profile

Professor

• Marine Biology
• Climate Change Biology
• Ecophysiology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Bettina Meyer is a Professor at the University of Oldenburg and heads the Ecophysiology of pelagic key species working group at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI). Her research focuses on Antarctic krill and other polar pelagic species, investigating their adaptation to climate change, biological clocks, and ecological interactions. She explores how environmental changes impact krill physiology, population dynamics, and ecosystem roles, with emphasis on circadian rhythms and climate-driven mismatches. Meyer advises international bodies like the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) on krill fisheries and conservation. Her work bridges fundamental biology with applied conservation, using field studies, molecular tools, and modeling to predict future ecosystem shifts. Key contributions include understanding krill lifecycle adaptations and their implications for Southern Ocean food webs.

Karen WiltshireView profile

Professor

• Coastal Ecology
• Climate Change Impacts
• Marine Biodiversity
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Karen Wiltshire is a coastal and climate researcher serving as former Vice Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) and Director of AWI's Helgoland and Sylt sites until July 2024. Her work focuses on coastal ecosystems' resilience to climate change and human impacts, emphasizing sustainable ocean use. She leads initiatives like Marine Protected Areas strategies and advises international bodies (IPCC, UN Ocean Assessments). Key research interests include North Sea dynamics, shelf sea ecology, and ecostructure development. Notable contributions include advancing observation systems and policy frameworks for ocean governance. Education: Studied coastal and climate sciences, with expertise in marine ecosystems. Awards include recognition for her scientific and administrative contributions. Active in global committees addressing ocean sustainability and policy. Her research integrates physical, chemical, and biological oceanography to assess ecosystem responses to warming, eutrophication, and human activities. She advocates for coordinated marine management, innovative eco-infrastructures, and real-world laboratories to balance conservation and resource use.

• Zooarchaeology
• Proteomics
• Stable Isotopes
• +12 more

Dr. Mariya Antonosyan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, specializing in biomolecular archaeology. She leads the 'TRANSECArmenia' project, focusing on human-environment interactions during key transitional periods in Armenian history, and coordinates ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry) initiatives for collagen peptide marker development. B.Sc. in Biochemistry, Yerevan State University M.Sc. in Zoology and Conservation, Yerevan State University Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, NAS Armenia Her research integrates traditional zooarchaeology with proteomics and stable isotopes to explore human subsistence economies, faunal diversity, and environmental stability in the Caucasus and beyond. Recent work examines collagen peptide markers, obsidian trade networks, and Late Pleistocene climate dynamics. Dr. Antonosyan's publications highlight interdisciplinary applications of biomolecular proxies. She has received recognition for her doctoral work and contributes to excavations at Karin Tak Cave and Yeghegis-1 Rockshelter, advancing understanding of Palaeolithic to Chalcolithic transitions. Best Young Scientist Youth Award (2019) Excellence Fellowship for PhD research (2019) She represents the MPI of Geoanthropology in the Max Planck Society's Human Sciences Section, advocating for collaborative research. Her expertise spans ancient DNA, ZooMS, and multi-proxy environmental analysis, with fieldwork leadership in Armenian archaeological sites.