معرفی
Niko Geldner is a Full Professor in the Department of Plant Molecular Biology (DBMV) at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne (UNIL), where he has been a faculty member since 2007. His research group is based at the Biophore building on the Dorigny campus, a vibrant scientific hub adjacent to EPFL. He leads cutting-edge research in plant root biology, focusing on the endodermis and root immunity.
His educational background includes a Vordiplom in Biology from the University of Mainz (1995), a Master's in Cell Biology and Physiology from the University of Bordeaux (1996), and a Diplom-Biology from the University of Tübingen (1998). He completed his PhD in 2003 at Tübingen on auxin transport and plant embryogenesis, followed by postdoctoral work at the Salk Institute (2004–2007).
Geldner's research centers on the molecular and genetic mechanisms governing root endodermal barrier formation, particularly the Casparian strip. His lab combines genetic screening, molecular biology, and advanced imaging to study root development, plasticity, and immune responses. He discovered the 'Schengen' mutants, revealing new insights into root barrier regulation. His work bridges fundamental plant science with potential applications in agriculture, such as improving nutrient uptake and pathogen resistance in crops like rice and wheat.
His recent publications, including a 2025 Nature article on cryo-imaging of sodium accumulation, reflect a strong trend in high-resolution imaging, ion transport, and stress physiology in plants. His research increasingly integrates systems-level approaches and cross-kingdom interactions.
- ERC Starting Grant
- ERC Consolidator Grant
- ERC Advanced Grant
- AAAS Fellow (2022)
Geldner has secured significant grant support, notably from the European Research Council across three major grant types, indicating sustained excellence and leadership in his field. There is no mention of student advising in the provided texts, but his lab's size and publication record suggest active mentorship. The Geldner Lab operates within one of Switzerland’s largest dedicated plant molecular biology departments, benefiting from close ties to EPFL and a dynamic research environment at UNIL.
