Wolfgang Bilger

Wolfgang Bilger is a Professor of Plant Ecophysiology at the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Germany, where he has been a faculty member since 2001. He is affiliated with the Department of Plant Ecophysiology within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Prior to his current role, he served as Full Professor and Associate Professor at the Norwegian Agricultural University, Ås, Norway. His academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the Carnegie Institution of Washington and research roles at Julius-Maximilians-University, Würzburg.

His educational background includes:

• Habilitation (Dr. rer. nat. habil.), Julius-von-Sachs-Institute for Biosciences, University of Würzburg (1995)
• PhD (Dr. rer. nat.), Botanical Institute, University of Würzburg (1987)
• Master of Biology (Dipl. Biol.), Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität Frankfurt and University of Würzburg (1976–1982)

Wolfgang Bilger's research focuses on plant responses to environmental stress, particularly UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, desiccation, and photoprotection mechanisms. His work investigates chlorophyll fluorescence, screening pigments like anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids, and stress tolerance in plants, algae, and lichens. He has made significant contributions to understanding non-photochemical quenching and photoprotective strategies across diverse photosynthetic organisms.

His recent publications (2014–2019) reflect a strong emphasis on plant-environment interactions, especially UV-B and low-temperature effects on photosynthesis and photoprotection. The studies span model plants like Arabidopsis, agricultural species, algae, and lichens, demonstrating a broad ecological and physiological scope. Common themes include pigment-based screening, stress-induced gene regulation, and the interplay between abiotic stressors and photosynthetic efficiency.

His scientific awards include:

• Feodor Lynen Fellowship (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation)
• Carnegie Institution Fellowship
• Prize from the Unterfränkische Gedenkjahrsstiftung for his PhD thesis
• Recognition as an ISI highly cited researcher (h-index 31)

Prof. Bilger has supervised several researchers, including M. Sci. Jana Stelzner and M. Sci. Fahimeh Khoramizadeh. He has served in key academic roles such as Managing Director of the Botanical Institute at Kiel and Chair of the Biology Examination Board. He is a Communicating Editor for the journal Trees – Structure and Function and has refereed for numerous high-impact journals and research foundations. His work is supported by active collaborations and service in the scientific community.

He leads research in plant ecophysiology with a focus on stress adaptation mechanisms, contributing to both fundamental plant science and potential applications in agriculture and environmental monitoring.