Research Portfolios
Comparative Evolutionary Biology and Systematics
Adaptation and diversification of succulent plants
PD Dr. Reto Nyffeler, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute of Systematic Botany
The succulent life form is a tried and true strategy for flowering plants to thrive in arid environments. The adaptation...
Plant Community Ecology
Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
Prof. Dr. Andy Hector, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
The research interests of Andy Hector’s group focus on how biodiversity is maintained, how it is lost, and the...
Systematic Botany
Chemical and evolutionary ecology of plant - insect interactions
Prof. Dr. Florian P. Schiestl, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute of Systematic Botany
Plants interact with a vast array of insects in antagonistic and mutualistic associations. Among the various channels...
Global Change and Soil Ecology
Consequences of environmental change on plant communities and plant-soil interactions
PD Dr. Pascal Niklaus, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
The research conducted in my group focuses on the consequences of environmental change for plant communities and the...
Ethnobotany
Ethnobotany
Dr. Caroline Weckerle, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute of Systematic Botany
Ethnobotanical studies involve the investigation of biocultural diversity and thus the interactions between plants and...
Plant Developmental Genetics
Genetic and epigenetic control of plant reproduction
Prof. Dr. Ueli Grossniklaus, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute of Plant Biology
Our research centers on the genetic and epigenetic control of plant reproduction. We are interested in both sexual...
Experimental Plant Ecology
Organization of plant populations and communities
Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schmid, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
Biodiversity – the variety of individuals, populations, species, and ecosystems and the natural processes occurring in...
Plant Community Ecology
Plant community ecology
Dr. Lindsay A. Turnbull, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
My research is mainly focused on plant coexistence mechanisms. I am interested in the relative merits of neutral and...
Environmental History
Plants and society
PD Dr. Marcus Hall, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
My research centers on the history of how humans perceive, alter or manage the natural world, and how the natural world...
Spatial Ecology and Remote Sensing
Spatial ecology and remote sensing
Dr. Gabriela Schaepman-Strub, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
Solar radiation and its partitioning in vegetation canopies is an important factor influencing ecosystem processes such...
Tropical Pant Biodiversity and Biogeography
Tropical plant biodiversity and biogeography
Dr. Michael Kessler, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute of Systematic Botany
Plant species and assemblages show distinct geographical distribution patterns. In my research I attempt to discern the...
Plant-microbe Interactions, Microbiology
Volatile-mediated impact of bacteria on plants
Dr. Laure Weisskopf, Zurich-Basel PSC, University of Zurich, Institute of Plant Biology

