معرفی
Monika Maurhofer Bringolf serves as a Titular Professor and Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zürich, where she leads the research group focused on Biological Control. Her academic career at ETH Zürich spans over 25 years, beginning as an assistant researcher (1996-1999) and progressing to her current position as senior researcher and lecturer since 2000.
Her educational background includes a Dipl. sc. nat. from ETH Zürich (1988) and a Dr. sc. nat. from the Institute of Phytopathology/Plant Sciences at ETH Zürich (1993). These qualifications established the foundation for her extensive research in plant-microbe interactions and biological control mechanisms.
Professor Maurhofer Bringolf's research centers on the ecological properties of biocontrol pseudomonads and the complex interactions between crop plants and microorganisms inhabiting the rhizosphere. Her work spans microbial ecology, plant pathology, and biological pest control, with particular emphasis on how plant-beneficial bacteria can improve soil health and plant resistance against pathogens and pests. She investigates the mechanisms governing interactions among biocontrol bacteria, phytopathogens, pest insects, plants, and non-target microbiota. Her research employs approaches ranging from field studies to comparative genomics and transcriptomics to understand how biocontrol bacteria can switch between different ecological niches.
Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on entomopathogenic bacteria, microbial consortia for pest control, and the suppressive properties of composts against soilborne pathogens. The research shows an increasing trend toward understanding microbial communities and their collective effects on plant health and pest management, with particular attention to how different biocontrol organisms can work synergistically.
- Winner of the 'golden owl' teaching award from ETH Zurich students in 2014
- Winner of the 'golden owl' teaching award from ETH Zurich students in 2017
She actively contributes to scientific policy as a member of the Swiss Expert Committee for Biosafety (SECB) and the Swiss Society for Phytiatry. Her research has been supported by grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation, including projects on microbial consortia for pest control and molecular determinants of insect-plant associated lifestyles of beneficial pseudomonads.
Professor Maurhofer Bringolf teaches Plant Pathology I and Plant Pathology III courses at ETH Zürich, maintaining her commitment to educating future plant pathologists and environmental scientists while continuing her active research program.
