Florian Schiestl

Florian Schiestl is an Associate Professor and Director at the University of Zurich, where he leads a research group focused on evolutionary biology and plant ecology. His laboratory investigates the complex interactions between plants and their biotic and abiotic environments, with particular emphasis on plant-pollinator and plant-herbivore relationships.

His educational background includes:

• 1995: Magister in Biology, University of Vienna
• 1999: PhD in Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna
• 1999-2001: Postdoctoral Fellow at The Australian National University, Canberra
• 2001-2005: Oberassistant at Geobotanical Institute, ETH Zürich
• 2005: Habilitation in Evolutionary Ecology, ETH Zürich
• 2007: Assistant Professor with tenure track at University of Zürich
• 2012: Promotion to Associate Professor at University of Zürich

Professor Schiestl's research targets the question of how and why diversity evolves, with a focus on plant interactions with their biotic and abiotic environment. His laboratory employs field experiments, greenhouse experimental evolution, genomic tools, and analytical chemical methods such as gas chromatography and HPLC. They also conduct behavioral experiments with pollinator insects and herbivores to study how insect behavior impacts selection on plants. The group investigates coadaptation of plants and pollinators, herbivores, as well as plant adaptation to abiotic factors such as soil and climate. They are particularly interested in the function and evolution of floral signals, rewards, and defense against herbivores.

Analysis of Professor Schiestl's recent publications reveals a strong focus on experimental evolution approaches to understand plant adaptation. His work frequently examines the interplay between pollination, herbivory, and environmental factors like soil composition and temperature. Much of his recent research utilizes Brassica rapa as a model system to study rapid evolutionary changes. Key trends include examining how biotic interactions promote local adaptation to soil, how temperature changes affect plant-pollinator-herbivore systems, and the genomic basis of adaptation to different environmental pressures.

Professor Schiestl actively mentors several graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. His current research team includes PhD students Zhirou Zhou, Simone McNamara, and Tyler Figueira, as well as postdoctoral fellows Corinne Hertäg and Ding Yanqian. Quirinus Sebastianus Rusman serves as a Senior Teaching and Research Assistant in the group. The laboratory also includes technical assistants Laura Dällenbach and Martha Cardini who support the research operations.

The Schiestl laboratory maintains a strong experimental approach, utilizing greenhouse facilities for experimental evolution studies, chemical analysis equipment for floral scent research, and field sites for ecological studies. Their work bridges molecular, organismal, and ecological levels to understand evolutionary processes in real time.