Knut Drescher

Prof. Knut Drescher is an Associate Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, leading a research group focused on bacterial biofilms, swarming, and microbial multicellularity. Previously, he served as a Professor of Biophysics and Max Planck Research Group Leader at Philipps-Universität Marburg (2015-2021) and conducted postdoctoral research at Princeton University.

Research Interests:

• Physical and biological mechanisms of biofilm formation
• Cell-cell interactions in microbial communities
• Antibiotic resistance in biofilms
• Hydrodynamics of bacterial swarms
• Evolution of cooperation in multispecies biofilms
• Development of bioimaging software (BiofilmQ, BacStalk)

Scientific Awards:

• 2023: SNSF Consolidator Grant
• 2019: Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize (DFG), VAAM Research Prize, IUPAP Young Scientist Prize
• 2016: ERC Starting Grant

Advising & Grants:

• Advises PhD and Master's students in microbiology, biophysics, and bioinformatics
• Secured major grants from ERC, HFSP, and DFG