Christian Fankhauser

Christian Fankhauser is a Professor at the Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne. He specializes in plant development, particularly the role of light-regulated photoreceptors like phytochromes and phototropins in modulating growth under environmental conditions. His research focuses on how plants adapt to light quality, quantity, and directional cues to optimize growth and compete in dense vegetation.

Education:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Lausanne (1994)
• Postdoctoral research at UCSD with Dr. Marty Yanofsky and Salk Institute with Dr. Joanne Chory

Research Interests:

• Phytochrome and phototropin signaling pathways
• Shade avoidance and light competition strategies
• Regulation of plant growth by light and temperature
• Mechanisms of phototropism and hypocotyl elongation

Awards:

• Elected to the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (2019)

Funding & Labs:

• Swiss National Science Foundation grants
• Funding from the Velux Foundation and University of Lausanne
• Led research teams investigating photoreceptor signaling and plant-environment interactions