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Teresa Steininger-Mairinger serves as an Assistant Professor at the Institute for Analytical Chemistry within the Department of Chemistry at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She earned her doctoral degree from BOKU in 2017 with a dissertation focused on mass spectrometry-based analysis of primary metabolites in 13C-based metabolic flux analysis experiments. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Senior Scientist at BOKU's Institute for Analytical Chemistry (2020-2023) and completed a PostDoc at eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology in Dübendorf. Her research focuses on advanced mass spectrometry techniques, particularly in non-targeted analysis, metabolomics, and environmental applications. She has published extensively on topics including plant metabolomics, food authenticity, water analysis, and ion mobility mass spectrometry. Her recent work demonstrates expertise in dual column chromatography, LC-IM-TOFMS analysis, and the development of analytical methods for environmental contaminants and food quality assessment. Dr. Steininger-Mairinger leads and participates in multiple significant research projects, including a Christian Doppler Laboratory for the biological degradation of water-soluble polymers, food authenticity marker development, and PFAS bioremediation research. Her analytical chemistry expertise spans both environmental and food applications, with particular emphasis on method development and validation. Agnes and István Halász Young Scientist Award (2017) JunganalytikerInnen-Preis (young analytical chemist award) from the Austrian Society of Analytical Chemistry (ASAC) (2017) She actively contributes to the scientific community through service on the scientific advisory board for the 18th International Conference on Chemistry and the Environment (2023) and as an organizing committee member for the 38th Agilent Forum Analytik (2024). Her professional memberships include the European Chemical Society (EuChemS), Swiss Chemical Society (SCS), Austrian Society for Analytical Chemistry (ASAC), American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS), and the Austrian Chemical Society (GÖCH).

• Mass spectrometry
• Metabolomics
• Non-targeted analysis
• +7 more

Robert Peticzka serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Regional Research at the University of Vienna, where he also directs geography studies. His research integrates physical geography, soil science, and geoecology with specialized focus on loess regions of Lower Austria. His primary research domains include: Loess-paleosol stratigraphy and quaternary landscape evolution Soil hydrology and microdialysis techniques in dry soils Geoarchaeological investigations of anthropogenic landforms Peatland carbon cycling and root exudate dynamics Environmental monitoring in urban and agricultural settings Recent publications reveal methodological innovation in soil solution analysis and paleoenvironmental reconstruction, with strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches combining geological, archaeological, and hydrological perspectives. His work frequently examines human-environment interactions in Central European landscapes. Professor Peticzka supervises bachelor and master students through dedicated preparatory seminars while teaching core courses in soil geography, geoecology, and field methods. He maintains active affiliation with the Physiogeographical Laboratory (http://www.univie.ac.at/physiogeographisches_labor/), conducting field research in the Vienna Basin and Lower Austrian loess regions.

• Physical Geography
• Soil Geography
• Geoecology
• +5 more

Stephan M. Krämer is a Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Geosciences at the University of Vienna. He also serves as Vice Director of Studies in Environmental Geosciences and Vice Director of the Doctoral School VDS-MES within the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science. His research focuses on biogeochemical processes at the interface of living and non-living materials, including pollutant transport, nutrient dynamics, and mineral weathering. His team employs advanced techniques like non-traditional stable isotope geochemistry and synchrotron spectroscopy to study molecular-scale interactions. Key research areas include environmental DNA (eDNA) preservation mechanisms, mineral-nucleic acid interactions, and pollutant behavior in soils and sediments. The group collaborates with anthropologists through the MINERVA platform to explore ancient DNA (aDNA) preservation in mineral matrices. Recent projects investigate copper mobilization via methanobactin and the redox reactivity of asbestos minerals. Group members include Anita Brijit, Aliz Szekeres, and Dr. Wenhao Wang. Current initiatives address maximizing aDNA recovery from sediments and understanding microbiome-driven planetary health through the Cluster of Excellence.

• Environmental Biogeochemistry
• Geochemistry
• Surface Chemistry
• +4 more

Dr. Mathias Mayer is a Lecturer at ETH Zurich since 2023, with prior postdoctoral roles at WSL (2020-2023) and BOKU Vienna. His research focuses on carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems, emphasizing soil microbial communities (particularly fungi) and their roles in plant-soil interactions. Mayer's work examines disturbances like windthrow, bark beetle infestations, logging, and climate change impacts across European Alps, Dinarian Mountains, Northern Scandinavia, and Himalayan forests. Key Research Areas: Forest disturbance ecology, mycorrhizal symbiosis, carbon flux modeling, microbial biogeochemistry Methodologies: Stable isotope analysis, DNA-based techniques, field experiments, meta-analyses His recent publications reveal trends in post-disturbance carbon dynamics, fungal community shifts following windthrow, and interactions between defoliation events and soil processes. Mayer has received multiple awards including the UV-Forschungsstipendium (2019) and Walter Kubiena Forschungspreis (2017). Scientific Awards: UV-Forschungsstipendium - Dissertation (2019) Förderungspreis der Stiftung 120 Jahre Universität für Bodenkultur (2017) Walter Kubiena - Forschungspreis (2017) Dr.in Wilfrieda Lindner Wissenschaftspreis (2014) Topstipendium für Niederösterreich (2010) Mayer actively contributes as reviewer for journals like New Phytologist and Functional Ecology , and has chaired sessions at EGU General Assembly (2021) and GfÖ conferences (2018). His work bridges field experiments with computational modeling across alpine and boreal forest systems.

• Forest Ecology
• Soil Microbiology
• Carbon Cycle
• +5 more

Stefan Gorka is a Researcher at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science , active since 2019. His work focuses on soil microbial ecology, root exudation dynamics, and biogeochemical interactions in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil Microbiology Microbial Ecology Environmental Systems Science Plant-Soil Interactions Fatty Acid Analysis Mycorrhizal Networks His research involves innovative methodologies like microdialysis and high-throughput lipid extraction to study microbial metabolite dynamics, carbon allocation, and nutrient cycling. Recent publications highlight microbial preference for organic acids over sugars, temporal metabolite shifts in rhizospheres, and advancements in soil microbial community analysis. Stefan has contributed to 9 peer-reviewed publications and delivered 12 academic activities (talks/posters) since 2016, including collaborations with institutions like University of Vienna and international research teams. His work bridges microbial physiology with ecosystem-scale carbon dynamics.

• Soil Microbiology
• Microbial Ecology
• Environmental Systems Science
• +3 more

Wolfgang Wanek is a Professor at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science. His research focuses on soil biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling, tropical and temperate forest ecosystems, and the impacts of global change on ecosystems. He has led multiple research projects, including studies on soil organic matter dynamics, microbial necromass estimation, and the effects of climate anomalies on tree growth. Key research themes include nutrient cycling in soils, plant-microbe interactions, and the application of isotopic techniques to trace element fluxes. Wanek has contributed to over 265 publications and actively participates in international conferences, such as the European Geosciences Union (EGU) meetings. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and life on land. Recent projects include investigating the effects of moss leachates on soil organic matter dynamics (2022–2026) and exploring the impacts of global warming on forest soil processes (2019–2022). He collaborates with global institutions, contributing to studies on tropical forest dynamics, soil carbon sequestration, and microbial community responses to environmental stressors.

• Microbiology
• Environmental Systems Science
• Soil Science
• +4 more

Erich Inselsbacher serves as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Soil Research within the Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). With over 97 publications to his name, his research spans multiple aspects of soil science, with particular expertise in soil nutrient dynamics, microdialysis techniques, and the effects of environmental changes on soil processes. His ORCID identifier is 0000-0001-5490-8768 and ResearcherID is C-3727-2012. Dr. Inselsbacher's research focuses on understanding soil processes at the microscale, particularly examining how root exudation influences soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling. His work employs advanced techniques like microdialysis to measure nutrient fluxes in soils under various conditions, including soil warming scenarios and different land management practices. He investigates how agricultural practices such as cover cropping affect microbial carbon use efficiency and soil carbon sequestration across European pedoclimatic gradients. His research also extends to wildlife ecology, where he applies FTIR spectroscopy to analyze bird foraging behavior and food selection. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on climate change impacts on soil processes, with multiple studies examining long-term soil warming effects on microbial phosphorus utilization, carbon cycling, and nutrient dynamics. He has also published extensively on the technical aspects of microdialysis in soil science, particularly its applicability in dry soil conditions and how soil water content affects measurement accuracy. Dr. Inselsbacher actively supervises doctoral and master's students working on topics related to soil warming effects, wild ungulate impacts on forest soils, organic farming fertilization effects, and root exudate influences on silicon availability. His research has secured funding from diverse sources including the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), European Commission, and industry partners, demonstrating the interdisciplinary relevance and practical applications of his work.

• Soil Science
• Soil Nutrient Dynamics
• Microdialysis Technique
• +7 more

Melina Kerou is a Researcher in the Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology within the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Vienna. Her work focuses on archaeal ecology, particularly ammonia-oxidizing archaea and their role in nitrogen cycling processes. She actively contributes to multiple research projects including AOP (Ammonia Oxidation Process in Archaea), ACTIONr (Reducing Reactive Nitrogen Losses), and TACKLE (TACK Superphylum Evolution), with funding extending through 2027. Her research interests center on microbial ecology, specifically ammonia-oxidizing archaea physiology, nitrification processes, soil microbiome dynamics, and sustainable agricultural applications. Kerou investigates how microbial communities influence nitrogen cycling in various environments, with particular emphasis on biological nitrification inhibition in agricultural systems. Her work bridges fundamental microbial ecology with practical applications for sustainable food production and environmental protection, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and responsible consumption. Recent publications demonstrate her focus on archaeal carbon metabolism, wheat root exudate chemistry, and laboratory sustainability practices. Kerou actively participates in scientific discourse through conference presentations, workshop panels on biological nitrification inhibition, and media engagements promoting sustainable research practices. She contributes to initiatives like Green Labs Austria and participates in European networks focused on sustainable life science research infrastructure. Kerou's collaborative approach is evident in her extensive network of co-investigators across multiple institutions. Her research activities include field studies in diverse environments from agricultural soils to French Guiana's caiman habitats, examining microbiome contributions to environmental processes. She also engages in science communication through radio appearances and public discussions about extremophiles and sustainable research practices.

• Microbiology
• Archaea Ecology
• Nitrification Processes
• +4 more

Christoph Rosinger is a researcher at the Institute of Agronomy (iPBAU) within the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His work focuses on soil microbiology, conservation farming, and carbon-nutrient dynamics in agricultural and forest soils. Research Themes: Soil organic carbon stabilization, microbial community responses to amendments, and agricultural pollution mitigation using struvite/zeolites Methodologies: On-farm studies, multi-model simulations, and biogeochemical stoichiometry analysis Publication Trends emphasize microbial pathways in carbon sequestration, amendment effects on nutrient cycling, and seasonal soil processes. Recent work explores AI vs. process-based modeling for SOC prediction and volcanic ash pedogenesis. Earlier studies address subtropical soil nutrient limitations and post-disturbance fungal dynamics.

• Soil Science
• Microbial Ecology
• Conservation Farming
• +4 more

Dr. Stephanie A. Eichorst is a Senior Scientist at the University of Vienna's Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, specifically within the Division of Microbial Ecology (DOME). She joined the University of Vienna in 2012 after completing her PhD at Michigan State University, followed by postdoctoral work at Los Alamos National Lab and research at the Joint BioEnergy Institute in the USA. Her research program centers on the physiology of soil microorganisms, with particular emphasis on members of the Acidobacteriota phylum. This ubiquitous bacterial phylum comprises astonishing diversity across soils worldwide, yet its functions remain largely unknown due to limited cultivated representatives. Dr. Eichorst's work seeks to elucidate the ecophysiology of Acidobacteriota to understand their success and ubiquity in soil environments. Her research employs a multidisciplinary approach combining genomics, transcriptomics, growth-based experiments, enzyme kinetics, and molecular analyses. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on microbial survival mechanisms under energy limitation, particularly atmospheric gas oxidation (including H 2 ) and the role of different terminal oxidases in soil microbes. Her work demonstrates how these physiological capabilities explain the success of Acidobacteriota in heterogeneous soil environments. She has also pioneered single-cell method development for exploring soil microbial activity using techniques like FISH, NanoSIMS, and Raman microspectroscopy combined with stable isotope tracers. Dr. Eichorst leads active research projects including 'Faktoren, die mikrobielle terminale Oxidasen beeinflussen' (2025-2028), demonstrating her continued leadership in the field. Her work contributes to understanding soil microbial communities that play crucial roles in biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem functioning.

• Soil Microbiology
• Microbial Physiology
• Acidobacteriota Research
• +7 more

Michael Santangeli is a researcher at the Institute of Soil Research, Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He holds an MSc and is actively engaged in research on root exudation, plant-soil-microbiome interactions, and rhizosphere processes, particularly in maize and rapeseed. His work bridges plant physiology, soil biogeochemistry, and sustainable agriculture, with a strong emphasis on field-based studies and methodological innovation. His research focuses on understanding how root exudation changes during plant development and under environmental stress, how root traits like root hairs influence nutrient acquisition, and how rhizodeposits are utilized by soil microbes. He has contributed to refining root exudate sampling techniques and has investigated phosphorus mobilization in the rhizosphere using advanced imaging methods. His studies often involve collaborations across disciplines and institutions, particularly within EU-funded research projects. The recent publications highlight a consistent trend in plant-soil interactions, with a strong methodological and ecological orientation. His work spans from fundamental plant physiology to applied agricultural science, with recurring themes in carbon cycling, nutrient dynamics, and stress resilience. Key methodologies include non-targeted metabolomics, spectrophotometric analysis, and in situ visualization techniques. Michael Santangeli has supervised at least two Master’s theses on root exudation and maize root geometry. He is involved in multiple research projects funded by the European Union, focusing on root exudation and rhizosphere processes. His work contributes to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture and soil health. He collaborates closely with Dr. Eva Oburger and other researchers at BOKU, particularly within the Institute of Analytical Chemistry and the Institute of Soil Research. His research is supported by EU institutions under public law, indicating active project funding and institutional engagement.

• Rhizosphere Biology
• Root Exudation
• Plant-Soil-Microbiome Interactions
• +7 more

Dr. Rebecca Hood-Nowotny is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Soil Research , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. She holds a PhD in Soil Science from the University of Reading (1990-1993) and an MBA from the Open University (2004-2006). Research Focus : Stable isotope applications in soil-plant systems, biochar for carbon sequestration, heavy metal remediation in post-mining soils, and climate change impacts on agroecosystems. Publications : 15+ recent works examine soil regeneration in Indonesia, drought stress detection in forests, and UAV-based greenhouse gas monitoring. Scientific Recognition : Recipient of the Elisa Richter Fellowship for nitrogen cycling research. Led WWTF-funded projects like the Nitrogenome Project (2006-2008).

• Soil Science
• Environmental Science
• Stable Isotope Analysis
• +5 more

Walter Wenzel is a Full Professor of Soil Protection and Soil Management at the Institute of Soil Research, Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna, Austria. With a career spanning over three decades at BOKU, he has established himself as a leading expert in soil science, particularly in soil carbon dynamics, phosphorus cycling, and remediation of contaminated sites. His research addresses critical challenges in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. Prof. Wenzel's research interests focus on soil protection, soil management, plant nutrition, soil carbon sequestration, and remediation of contaminated sites. His work bridges fundamental soil science with practical applications for sustainable land management. He employs advanced analytical techniques including chemical imaging to study nutrient dynamics at microscale levels, particularly in the rhizosphere. His research has significant implications for climate change mitigation through soil carbon management and sustainable nutrient cycling in agricultural systems. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on soil health monitoring, particularly in Lower Austria, with emphasis on carbon sequestration potential, phosphorus dynamics, and the development of innovative analytical methods for studying soil processes. His work increasingly integrates advanced imaging techniques to visualize biogeochemical processes at microscale levels, providing new insights into nutrient availability and contaminant behavior in soils. Innovation Award Plant Nutrition, Groupe Roullier (2018) Two Elsevier Frequently Cited Author Awards for articles in Environmental Pollution (2010) Professor honoris causa, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague (2009) Co-memorial medal, 50th Anniversary of the Czech Agricultural University, Prague (2002) Soil Culture Prize of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (1993) Prof. Wenzel leads numerous research projects, primarily funded by Austrian federal and state governments, the European Commission, and the Austrian Science Fund. His current projects focus on soil health monitoring in Lower Austria, carbon sequestration potential, phosphorus dynamics, and the development of methods for plastic and microplastic detection in soils. He actively collaborates with multiple institutes within BOKU and international partners. His leadership extends to advising on European soil policy, as evidenced by his analysis of the European Commission's proposal for a Soil Health Directive.

• Soil science
• Soil protection
• Soil management
• +7 more

Palak Chaturvedi is a researcher at the Faculty of Life Sciences, specializing in Functional and Evolutionary Ecology. Her work focuses on plant stress physiology, metabolomics, and multi-omics approaches to sustainable agriculture. Fields of Interest: Plant Biochemistry, Metabolomics, Stress Physiology, Microbial Ecology Her research explores biological nitrification inhibition, root exudate dynamics, and genomic responses to abiotic stresses like heat and drought. Key themes include crop improvement, plant-microbe interactions, and climate-resilient agroecosystems. Recent publications emphasize multi-stress tolerance in crops, metabolic profiling, and evolutionary adaptations in plants. She employs systems biology and omics technologies to decode stress mechanisms across species like wheat, potato, and millets. Scientific Awards: Young Investigator Award (2019) Palak collaborates on projects related to biological nitrogen fixation, soil microbiome, and climate-proof crops, contributing to global Sustainable Development Goals in agriculture and environmental protection.

• Plant Biochemistry
• Molecular Ecology
• Stress Physiology
• +3 more

Dr. Lucia Fuchslueger is a Junior Group Leader at the University of Vienna , affiliated with the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science and the Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science . She holds roles as academic project staff and external lecturer. Her research focuses on terrestrial ecosystem responses to global change, particularly soil biogeochemistry, tropical forest dynamics, and plant-microbe interactions. She leads projects investigating nutrient cycling in Amazonian forests and the impacts of climate change on subarctic grasslands. Her work emphasizes understanding how drought, warming, and nutrient availability shape root traits, microbial activity, and carbon-nutrient feedbacks. Notable projects include the Amazon rainforest phosphorus dynamics and REWIRE initiative supporting women in research. She collaborates globally on tropical root databases (TropiRoot) and integrates field experiments with modeling to advance ecosystem understanding. Key themes across her research include carbon sequestration, nutrient limitation in tropical systems, and microbial resilience to environmental stress. Her findings contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and life on land.

• Soil Biogeochemistry
• Tropical Forest Ecology
• Root Dynamics
• +5 more