Professor Matthias Liess is a leading aquatic ecologist at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany, where he heads the "Chemicals in the environment" research team. With over two decades of research experience, his work focuses on understanding how pollutants and other stressors impact aquatic ecosystems, with particular emphasis on pesticide effects in stream environments. Dr. Liess's research program centers on developing innovative approaches to assess and mitigate environmental risks from chemical contaminants. His most notable contributions include: The SPEAR (Species At Risk) indicator system for identifying ecological impacts of pesticides in flowing waters The SAM (Stressor Addition Model) approach for predicting combined effects of multiple stressors Applications of the One Health approach to develop tools for reducing mosquito and schistosomiasis vector populations His research spans multiple disciplines within environmental science, with particular strength in ecotoxicology, stream ecology, and risk assessment methodologies. A unifying theme across his work is improving the scientific basis for regulatory risk assessment of pesticides and other environmental contaminants. Analysis of Professor Liess's recent publications reveals a strong focus on multiple stressor interactions, with increasing attention to real-world exposure scenarios including pesticide mixtures, sequential exposures, and interactions with other environmental stressors like temperature changes and food limitation. His work increasingly bridges ecological research with human health concerns, particularly through the One Health framework connecting environmental contamination with disease vector dynamics. Professor Liess has received recognition through numerous scientific collaborations and contributions to major research initiatives, including multiple EU-funded projects focused on environmental risk assessment and chemical safety. His research group actively mentors students and collaborates with international partners across Europe, Africa, and beyond, with recent work focusing on pesticide impacts in both German and East African waterways. The team employs a combination of field studies, mesocosm experiments, and advanced modeling approaches to address complex environmental questions.





