Bernd Sures

Prof. Dr. Bernd Sures is a full Professor of Aquatic Ecology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, where he has been a leading academic since 2006. He serves as the Head of the Aquatic Ecology research group and holds several high-level administrative roles, including Chairman of the Graduate Center Plus, Member of the University Council, and Speaker of the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1439 RESIST. His research integrates ecological, toxicological, and parasitological approaches to understand aquatic ecosystems under stress.

• Professor (W3), Aquatic Ecology, University of Duisburg-Essen (since 2006)
• Associate Professor (C2), Zoology I, University of Karlsruhe (2004–2006)
• Assistant Professor (C1), University of Karlsruhe (1999–2004)
• Habilitation in Zoology, University of Karlsruhe (2002)
• PhD in Zoology, University of Karlsruhe (1996)
• Teacher Training in Chemistry and Biology, Ruhr-University Bochum (1993)

His research focuses on host-parasite interactions, ecotoxicology, heavy metal bioaccumulation, climate change effects on aquatic systems, and water ecosystem restoration. He investigates how parasites serve as bioindicators of environmental health and contributes to biodiversity assessment and neozoa dynamics. His work bridges fundamental ecology with applied environmental management.

With over 250 peer-reviewed publications, an h-index of 62 (Google Scholar), and more than 80 invited talks, Prof. Sures has established international recognition. His research spans diverse aquatic systems and integrates molecular, physiological, and ecological methods to assess ecosystem stress responses.

• Karl-Asmund-Rudolphi Medal, German Society of Parasitology (2004)
• Environmental Protection Award, University of Karlsruhe (1994)
• Extraordinary Professor, North-West University, South Africa (2022)
• Visiting Professorships in South Africa and Czech Republic

Prof. Sures has supervised 30 PhD candidates, 10 postdoctoral researchers, and over 120 diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s theses. He has secured more than 8.5 million euros in third-party funding, supporting extensive research projects and training initiatives. His leadership in academic administration includes roles in the Graduate Center Plus, Research Advisory Board, and Senate Commission for Research and Young Scientists.

He leads the research group in Aquatic Ecology at the University of Duisburg-Essen, which focuses on stress responses in stream ecosystems, parasite ecology, and water quality. The group is central to the CRC 1439 RESIST and the Research Center 'One Health Ruhr', fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across institutions in the Ruhr region.