Ewald Langer

Professor Ewald Langer serves as Head of the Department of Ecology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Kassel, Germany. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he has established himself as a leading authority in mycology, fungal ecology, and forest pathology. His research focuses on wood-inhabiting fungi, particularly their taxonomy, ecological roles, and relationships with forest trees.

Professor Langer's research interests encompass fungal biodiversity across diverse ecosystems, from European old-growth forests to tropical regions in Africa and South America. He specializes in the systematics of Hymenochaetales and related wood-decay fungi, employing both traditional morphological approaches and modern molecular techniques. A significant portion of his work addresses forest health issues, particularly emerging diseases affecting economically important tree species like European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior).

His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on fungal pathogenesis, with particular attention to ash dieback caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and sooty bark disease (Cryptostroma corticale). Professor Langer's research integrates field studies with laboratory analyses, including next-generation sequencing for mycobiome characterization and geometric morphometrics for spore shape analysis to improve fungal identification.

Professor Langer maintains an extensive international collaboration network, with co-authors from institutions across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. His work bridges fundamental taxonomic research with practical applications in forest management and conservation biology, contributing significantly to our understanding of forest ecosystem health and resilience in the face of emerging diseases and environmental change.