Gunnar W. Bergström

Gunnar W. Bergström is a Professor of Ethological Chemistry at the University of Gothenburg (GU), with a career spanning over four decades. His work bridges Chemistry and Biology, focusing on chemical communication between organisms, particularly olfactory signals in plants and insects. A member of prestigious academies (Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Academia Europaea), Bergström has held leadership roles such as Chairman of the Department of Chemical Ecology (1973–2002) and Volvo Environment Prize Committee (1990–2006).

Education:

• B.Sc. (Fil.kand.) in Chemistry, Biology, and History of Science, GU (1961)
• Biochemistry, Lund University (1962)
• Ph.D. in Ecological Chemistry/Biochemistry, GU (1973)
• Docent (Associate Professor) in Ecological Chemistry/Biochemistry, GU (1973)

His research areas include analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry intersecting with ethology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. He pioneered studies on chemical signals in biological systems, developing analytical techniques to decode behavior-guiding olfactory cues in plants and insects. His work spans basic and applied perspectives, including sustainable pest control via pheromones.

Scientific awards and memberships:

• The Letterstedt Prize (1978)
• ISCE Medals (1989, 2008)
• Fellow of Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (1994)
• President of International Society of Chemical Ecology (1985–1986)

Bergström led major research initiatives like the NFR/SJFR program on forest pest control (1978–1987) and served on editorial boards for Journal of Chemical Ecology and Insect Biochemistry. He also contributed to EU projects (e.g., PHERODIP) and international grant evaluations.