Western Switzerland University of Applied SciencesSwitzerland
Wilfried Andlauer is a Professor at the Institute of Life Sciences within HES-SO Valais-Wallis School of Engineering. His research focuses on bioactive compounds , non-thermal food processing , and bioavailability studies , particularly in agricultural by-products like grape cane, walnut press cake, and Spirulina algae. He has developed advanced methods for solid-state fermentation , cold plasma decontamination , and bioactives fingerprinting . Key projects include optimizing microwave-assisted extraction for stilbenoids, analyzing iron absorption from insect flour , and developing microfluidic antioxidant assays . His work integrates nutraceutical research with practical applications in food safety and sustainable processing . Collaborations span Switzerland and Asia , with expertise in analytical chemistry and bioprocessing .
Martin Steinegger is a researcher affiliated with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and previously held roles at institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and Technical University of Munich. His research focuses on bioinformatics, protein structure prediction, and computational methods for analyzing large genomic datasets. He has contributed to tools like MMseqs2, ColabFold, and Foldseek, advancing fields like metagenomics and structural biology. His work emphasizes scalable algorithms and open-source software development. Education includes a Master of Computer Science from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2013-2014) and a Ph.D. from Technical University of Munich (2014-2018). He has also held visiting scholar positions at Seoul National University, Centre for Genomic Regulation, and University of California, San Francisco. Key research interests revolve around protein structure prediction, metagenomic analysis, and developing machine learning frameworks for biological data. His publications highlight innovations in protein language models, structural phylogenetics, and database management systems. Notable contributions include the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database, MMseqs2 sequence search tool, and ColabFold for accessible protein folding predictions. His work bridges computational methods with biological discovery, addressing challenges in structural biology and genomic data interpretation.
Professor Jeffrey W. Bode serves as Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and maintains a secondary affiliation with the Institute of Transformative Biomolecules at Nagoya University, Japan. His internationally recognized research laboratory develops novel chemical reactions that operate under physiological conditions, bridging synthetic organic chemistry with biological applications. The Bode Research Group specializes in creating chemical methodologies that function in water and biological environments, including proteins, cells, and tissues. Their major research thrusts include acylboronate chemistry (particularly potassium acyltrifluoroborates or KATs), protein synthesis through ketoacid-hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation, synthetic fermentation for drug discovery, and SnAP chemistry for N-heterocycle synthesis. These innovations enable applications in wound healing, drug delivery, cellular encapsulation, and artificial tissue development. The group's work on chemoselective ligation reactions has fundamentally advanced amide bond formation without traditional coupling reagents. Recent publications demonstrate a strong trajectory toward automated synthesis platforms, protein engineering, advanced bioconjugation techniques, and applications in chemical biology. The group has successfully commercialized SnAP chemistry through Sigma Aldrich and developed KAHA ligation into a robust method for synthesizing large proteins. Their research consistently focuses on creating molecules inaccessible through existing technologies, with particular emphasis on physiological compatibility and biological relevance. Professor Bode leads an international research team of approximately thirty PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from twenty different countries. The Bode Research Group maintains extensive collaborations across disciplines, contributing significantly to chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. Their laboratory is equipped with advanced automation platforms for organic synthesis and maintains strong connections with pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries for translational applications of their chemical methodologies.
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 .
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
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.
Prof. Andrea Migliano is a Professor in Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Zurich, leading the Human Evolutionary Ecology Group. Her work focuses on hunter-gatherer populations, particularly in the Philippines, Congo, Brazil, and Nepal, examining socioecology, cooperation, and cultural evolution. She investigates how foraging strategies shape human adaptations like sociality and cumulative culture, using network analysis and experimental methods. Key projects include COLLABORO (studying socio-cognitive development in hunter-gatherers) and HEE CARBON FREE (combating deforestation through agroforestry). She collaborates internationally with institutions like the Isabela State University (Philippines) and the University of Cambridge. Her research also addresses threats to indigenous communities, such as land encroachment and climate impact. She advises numerous PhD and Master’s students and has mentored prominent researchers now at institutions like the University of Cambridge and UCL. Her fieldwork spans multiple continents, with a focus on Agta foragers in the Philippines. Projects like the AGTA BOOK preserve indigenous storytelling, while CACAO GATHERERS promotes sustainable livelihoods through agroforestry. Prof. Migliano’s work integrates anthropology, genetics, and ecology to understand human evolution, emphasizing the role of multilevel social structures in fostering cumulative culture. She has secured grants from ERC and Swiss funding bodies, and her findings have been published in high-impact journals like Science and Nature . Research Themes: Hunter-gatherer socioecology, cultural evolution, cooperation mechanisms, and human-environment interactions. Key Collaborations: ISU (Philippines), University of Cambridge, and institutions in Congo and Brazil. Fieldwork Locations: Philippines, Congo, Brazil, Vanuatu, and Nepal.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Dr. Tamar Kohn is a Full Professor at EPFL, leading the Laboratory of Environmental Virology (LEV) within the Institute of Environmental Engineering (IIE), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC). She holds additional roles as Director of the IIE-GE unit and serves on the ENAC School Direction. Her expertise focuses on environmental virology, waterborne pathogens, and disinfection mechanisms. Education: 2000–2004: PhD in Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University 1999: Diploma in Environmental Sciences, ETH Zurich 2004–2006: Postdoc at UC Berkeley Research Interests: Her work investigates viral behavior outside hosts, particularly in water and air. Key areas include viral inactivation mechanisms, environmental stability of pathogens, and applications in wastewater surveillance. She explores how factors like pH, salinity, organic compounds, and microbial interactions influence virus survival and transmission. Key Contributions: Recent studies highlight aerosol pH's role in influenza stability, bacterial promotion of viral inactivation in lakes, and mpox monitoring via wastewater. Her lab also models virus transport in Lake Geneva under climate change scenarios. Advising & Grants: Supervised over 20 PhD students, including Chaojie Li (2023), Aline Schaub (2024), and Margot Olive (2022). Her research leverages advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and metagenomics for pathogen detection. Labs/Teams: Leads the LEV lab, collaborating on projects combining virology, environmental chemistry, and engineering to combat waterborne and airborne diseases.
Monika Maurhofer is a Professor at the Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich , specializing in multitrophic interactions within the rhizosphere. Her research bridges plant pathology, microbial ecology, and biological control of plant diseases and insect pests. 1988: Dipl. sc. nat., ETH Zurich 1993: Dr. sc. nat., ETH Zurich Research focuses on biocontrol pseudomonads and their molecular interactions with plants, fungi, and insects. Key projects include: Understanding Pseudomonas protegens mechanisms in rhizosphere colonization Comparative genomics of entomopathogenic bacteria Developing disease-suppressive compost diagnostics Investigating microbial consortia for pest control 2024-2025 publications highlight her work on entomopathogenic pseudomonads and nematode-bacteria symbiosis , with applications in sustainable agriculture. She received the Golden Owl Award for teaching excellence in 2014 and 2017. Current collaborations include Syngenta Crop Protection and interdisciplinary teams at University of Zurich and University of Basel.
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.
Marc Robinson-Rechavi is a Professor at the University of Lausanne, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Department of Ecology and Evolution. He leads the Evolutionary Bioinformatics Group , focusing on genome evolution and developmental biology (Evo-Devo) through the creation of databases like Bgee and MoultDB . Core projects: Bgee (gene expression database), MoultDB (arthropod molting genetics), SelectomeDB (positive selection) Collaborations: Paleontology, genome biology, and experimental Evo-Devo groups Research interests include linking developmental processes to genome evolution , with emphasis on gene duplication, regulatory sequence evolution, and molecular convergence. His work has significant applications in cancer research , agriculture , and biomedical studies . The group's publications (2020-2025) demonstrate expertise in single-cell transcriptomics , ontologies , and computational methods . Projects often involve ray-finned fishes , amphioxus , and arthropod diversity , with tools like OMAmer and Bio-SODA expanding bioinformatics capabilities. Current students and former group members have contributed to diverse projects including: Arthropod molting mechanisms Venom gland evolution Sex-biased gene expression Positive selection in human evolution
Prof. Dr. Bruno Studer is a Full Professor at the Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, and Head of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center. His research focuses on plant genetics, genomics, and agricultural innovation, particularly in crop improvement, disease resistance, and microbiome interactions. He leads projects on genomic selection, plant breeding, and phenotyping technologies, addressing challenges in food security and environmental resilience. Affiliations: Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich; Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center Research interests span plant-microbe interactions, genetic diversity in forage crops, and the development of tools for precision agriculture. His work integrates genomic prediction, digital phenotyping, and machine learning to enhance crop yields and environmental adaptability. Recent studies address bacterial leaf spot diseases, stomatal trait variation, and root rot resistance mechanisms in plants. Publications highlight advancements in genomic approaches for apple and ryegrass breeding, as well as microbial community dynamics linked to plant health. He contributes to initiatives like the Swiss Apple Core Collection and develops technologies like the FruitPhenoBox for rapid fruit trait analysis.
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 .
Federica Sallusto is a Full Professor in Medical Immunology at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) and ETH Zurich. She leads the Cellular Immunology Laboratory at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) and founded the Center of Medical Immunology. Her work focuses on T cell biology, host-pathogen interactions, and autoimmune diseases. Key contributions include methods for dendritic cell culture, chemokine receptor profiling in T cells, and defining memory T cell subsets. Education: PhD in Biology from University of Rome (1988) Postdoctoral work at Istituto Superiore di Sanità and Basel Institute for Immunology Leadership roles: President of European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS), member of Swiss National Science Foundation's National Research Council Research interests emphasize immunological memory, cytokine signaling (e.g., IL-23, IFN-γ), and translational applications in vaccines and autoimmune diseases. Notable discoveries include TH17 cell subsets, skin-homing Th22 cells, and mechanisms of T cell migration in neuroinflammation. Over 200+ publications, including seminal work on SARS-CoV-2 immunity, narcolepsy pathogenesis, and malaria vaccine development. Awards include Behring Lecture Prize (2009) and EMBO membership (2011). Current projects explore T cell plasticity, autoimmunity mechanisms, and therapeutic targeting of immune pathways in chronic diseases.
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)Switzerland
Dr. Beatrice Kulli Honauer is a researcher at the Institute of Natural Resource Sciences , part of the ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management . Her work focuses on soil science and environmental engineering, particularly in circular economy practices, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), and sustainable agriculture. Key Affiliations: Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Soil Science Society of Switzerland. Research Interests: Dr. Honauer investigates soil compaction, waste valorization through HTC, and the impact of pollutants like PFAS on soil health. She specializes in sustainable solutions for organic residue treatment, phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge, and soil fertility enhancement. Recent Publications: Her recent work includes advancements in HTC technology for fertilizer production (2023), analysis of alpine grassland restoration (2022-2023), and challenges in road drainage systems (2022). Earlier studies focus on soil compaction (2004) and flow pattern analysis (2003). Projects: She leads projects on circular economy in agriculture, soil fertility, and water treatment filters. Notable completed projects include the LCA of substrates and faecal waste treatment via HTC.
