Sara Diana Leonhardt

Prof. Sara Diana Leonhardt is a Professor of Plant-Insect Interactions at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), within the TUM School of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on chemical and ecological mechanisms in plant-insect interactions, particularly involving bees and flowering plants. She investigates how habitat diversity and biodiversity gradients influence bee health and fitness, combining ecological field studies with physiological, behavioral, and chemical analysis techniques (GCMS, HPLC).

Education and Career:

• Bachelor's/Master's in Biology at University of Würzburg and Duke University (USA)
• PhD in Biology at University of Würzburg (2007–2010)
• Postdoctoral research at Leuphana University (Germany) and University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia)
• Founded her research group at University of Würzburg in 2013
• Appointed to TUM in 2019 as Professor for Plant-Insect Interactions

Research Interests:
Prof. Leonhardt’s work bridges ecology and chemistry, examining nutrient perception in pollinators, the role of floral rewards, and how environmental stressors (e.g., pesticides, habitat loss) affect bee populations. Her studies emphasize global biodiversity patterns and practical applications for conservation, including agroecology and urban beekeeping.

Awards:

• BiodivERsA EU Grant (2019)
• Bosch Fast Track Career Development Fellowship (2017)
• GSLS PostDocPlus Research Award (2014)
• Eon Culture Prize Bavaria (2011)

Grants and Advising:
Her research has been supported by EU grants and international fellowships. While specific grant details are not listed, her work frequently addresses conservation and agricultural sustainability. No explicit student advisees are mentioned in the text.

Labs and Teams:
Her research group at TUM focuses on integrative approaches to pollinator ecology, collaborating globally on field studies in Europe, Australia, and tropical regions. The group employs advanced chemical and statistical methodologies to study plant-pollinator interactions.