Stefan Lüpold

Stefan Lüpold is a Professor at the University of Zurich's Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies. His research focuses on sexual selection, reproductive physiology, and gamete evolution, with a strong emphasis on understanding trade-offs in reproductive strategies and behavioral ecology. He holds the SNSF Professorship since 2018 and has previously held roles such as Group Leader (SNSF Ambizione) and Independent Research Fellow at institutions including the University of Manchester and Syracuse University. His work integrates experimental and theoretical approaches, often using Drosophila as a model system.

Education: PhD in Zoology from the University of Sheffield (2005–2009), MSc in Biology from the University of Zurich (2002–2003). Postdoctoral training included positions at the University of Sheffield and Syracuse University.

Research interests span evolutionary trade-offs between sexual traits and ejaculate investment, mechanisms of sperm competition, and the role of environmental factors in shaping reproductive strategies. His studies often employ phylogenetic analyses and meta-analyses to explore broader evolutionary patterns.

Recent publications highlight his work on socio-ecological influences on territorial behavior in Drosophila, primate ornamentation evolution, and the interplay between male quality and female choice in mating systems. He has also explored the impacts of environmental stressors like pesticides and cigarette smoke on insect physiology and behavior.

As an Associate Editor for BMC Evolutionary Biology, he contributes to academic publishing. His research group focuses on experimental evolution, behavioral ecology, and molecular approaches to study reproductive biology. Collaborative projects include studies on cognition and camouflage evolution, as well as the genomic basis of COPD modeling in Drosophila.