Susanne Zeilinger-Migsich is a Universitätsprofessorin (Full Professor) and Director of the Institute of Microbiology at the University of Innsbruck's Faculty of Biology. She leads the Molecular Mycology and Mycoparasitism research group, focusing on Trichoderma species as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. Her work integrates molecular genetics, chemical ecology, and systems biology to dissect fungal interactions. Her research centers on molecular mycology with emphasis on: Mechanisms of mycoparasitism and fungal biocontrol Signal transduction in Trichoderma during host interaction Secondary metabolite biosynthesis (particularly 6-pentyl-α-pyrone) Fungal volatile organic compound communication Nutrient regulation and stress response pathways Current work leverages CRISPR-Cas9, metabolomics, and live-cell imaging to visualize molecular interactions in real-time. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals strong thematic continuity in Trichoderma molecular mechanisms, with increasing methodological sophistication in genome editing (CRISPR), real-time VOC analysis (PTR-MS), and spatial metabolomics (MALDI imaging). Key research threads include TOR and MAPK signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation of mycoparasitism, and light-dependent metabolic reprogramming. Scientific recognition includes: Associate Editor for Frontiers in Fungal Biology Editorial Board Member for Biocontrol Science and Technology Editorial Board Member for Pathogens journal Leadership of the DK Bio-Interactions doctoral program Member of Faculty Council for Biology Her group actively mentors PhD students (including Baldin, Pierson, Flatschacher) who lead projects on CRISPR applications, antioxidant systems, and nanoparticle biosynthesis. Major funded projects include WWTF's 'BIOGEN: from genes to biocontrol' and FWF's 'TRICHO-TOR: TOR kinase signaling in Trichoderma atroviride', reflecting strong institutional support for her research program. Public engagement includes frequent media appearances in Der Standard, ORF, and Tiroler Tageszeitung discussing fungal applications in agriculture and biotechnology.







