Guido Lars Bruno Wiesenberg

Guido Lars Bruno Wiesenberg is a Researcher at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, where he has been employed since 2014. He previously held research and teaching positions at the University of Cologne, University of Bayreuth, Applied University Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, and Université Pierre et Marie Curie. His work focuses on biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly using molecular proxies and stable isotopes to understand environmental change across time.

• 1993–2000: Diplom-Geologist (MSc), University of Cologne
• 2000–2004: Dr. rer. nat., University of Cologne
• 2008–2013: Habilitation in Geoecology, University of Bayreuth
• 2013–2014: Habilitation in Physical Geography, University of Zurich

His research centers on element and nutrient cycling in plant-soil systems, peatlands, and sedimentary archives. He specializes in lipid biomarkers (e.g., n-alkanes, lignin, pigments), branched tetraether lipids, and stable isotope techniques (δ¹³C, δ²H, ¹⁴C labeling) to study carbon sources, decomposition, and paleoenvironmental conditions. He also applies modeling and field experiments to assess climate and land-use impacts.

The most recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong trend in understanding soil carbon dynamics under climate change, particularly using biomarker and isotopic tools to trace plant-derived carbon, assess warming effects on peatlands, and reconstruct paleoenvironments. Key journals include Nature Communications, Science Advances, Global Change Biology, and Biogeosciences, indicating high-impact interdisciplinary research in biogeochemistry and climate science.

• Active in DFG Gepris and SNSF Data Portal projects
• Involved in long-term ecological experiments (e.g., 30-year fertilization, whole-soil warming)
• Co-supervises students and early-career researchers through collaborative publications
• Engaged in science communication via podcasts, soil movies, and virtual lab tours

Wiesenberg leads research activities within the Physical Geography Laboratory (PhysLabs) at the University of Zurich, focusing on method development in biomarker analysis, isotopic tracing, and soil organic matter characterization. His team integrates fieldwork, lab experiments, and data synthesis to address questions of carbon cycling, ecosystem resilience, and paleoenvironmental change.