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Tackling Global Challenges Together
Artificial intelligence, cell research and plant sciences were at the center of a symposium held last week, highlighting the potential of the strategic partnership between the University of Zurich and Kyoto University. Kentaro Shimizu (pictured above), also took part in the symposium and contributed to the academic exchange.
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Temporal changes in leaf fall have consequences for amphipods
Aquatic ecosystems are fragile. But just how fragile they are has been revealed in a new study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and the University of Zurich. (Photo: Florian Altermatt)
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A new book on the fascinating world of grasshoppers has been published
Dr. Oliver Hawlitschek of the University of Zurich has edited a new book on grasshoppers together with Prof. Dr. Martin Husemann, Director of the Natural History Museum Karlsruhe. The publication focuses on a group of animals that, despite their enormous global diversity, is often overlooked.
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An Insight into the Biodiversity Degree Programmes
Understanding, protecting, and researching biodiversity: the video provides an overview of the program’s focus, content, and perspectives.
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Faculty of Science awards dissertation distinction to Cengiz Akandil
The Faculty of Science has awarded Cengiz Akandil a distinction for his PhD thesis, “Impact of Industrial Human Activity Quantified by Artificial Light at Night on Arctic Ecosystems”. Supervised by Prof. Dr. Gabriela Schaepman-Strub, his work introduces a novel approach to assessing industrial activity in the Arctic using light pollution, enabling to link economic activity with ecological processes.
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Hydrobiology Limnology Award for Dr. Mara Knüsel
The Hydrobiology Limnology Foundation for Water Research in Switzerland issues an annual award for dissertations and master theses on limnology. This year, UZH and Eawag researcher Dr. Mara Knüsel received the award for her PhD thesis entitled “Opening the Black Box: Biodiversity and Biogeography of Groundwater Amphipods in Switzerland”.
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Call for Abstracts – Deadline Extended!
Please submit your abstract for an oral or poster contribution to one of the 90+ sessions across 10 thematic tracks at the in-person WBF2026 in Davos, covering topics from biodiversity research to policy, and make sure to read the submission guidelines beforehand. New Deadline: 3 December 2025, at midnight CET.
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The Meerkat Whisperer
Swiss broadcaster SRF has released audio feature (Swiss-German) on the research of Prof. Marta Manser, offering insights into her work on meerkat communication.
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How Did Complex Life Evolve?
Fungi, plants, animals and humans are made of eukaryotic cells. These cells evolved at a late stage in the evolution of life. Evolutionary biologist Jordi Bascompte and his team have unraveled how the first complex life forms arose and were able to evolve. (Illustration: Cornelia Gann)
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Fungal Resistance in Wheat: Preserving Biodiversity for Food Security
Wheat production is threatened by a major fungal disease: yellow rust. Researchers at the University of Zurich have found traditional wheat varieties from Asia that harbor several resistance-conferring genes. They may serve as a durable source of yellow rust resistance in commercial varieties in the future, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity for food security.
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The Secret Language of Meerkats
The latest issue of National Geographic (Germany) covers the research of Prof. Marta Manser on meerkat communication. (Photo by Joshua J. Cotten / Unsplash)
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New IASC Leadership: Gabriela Schaepman-Strub Elected as Vice-President
Prof. Dr. Gabriela Schaepman-Strub has been elected Vice President of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) for the 2025–2029 term. With 25 member countries, the IASC plays a key role in coordinating Arctic research worldwide — and Switzerland is right at the heart of it. Gabriela Schaepman-Strub’s election recognizes her scientific leadership and her commitment to understanding one of the fastest-changing regions on the planet. (Photo: Copyright: IASC)
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The emergence of eukaryotes as an evolutionary algorithmic phase transition
A recent paper by Jordi Bascompte published in PNAS has shown how the eukaryotic cell emerged as a compromise between a conserved process of gene growth and a change in genetic regulation.
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The devastating impact of humans on biodiversity
Not only are the numbers of species declining, but the composition of species communities is also changing. This is shown by a new study published in the journal “Nature”.
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Understanding how molecules and ecosystems interact
Erika Freeman et al. have published an important paper in TREE, one of the most prominent journals in Ecology and Evolution.
