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Biocommunication Research Group

The central conceptual focus of our research program is on biological communication and understanding how information transfer via cues and signals mediates interspecific ecological interactions. Our empirical work focuses primarily on the role of chemical signaling (especially volatile chemistry and olfaction) in mediating interactions among plants, insects, and microbes. To explore this topic we employ diverse research techniques ranging from molecular biology and analytical chemistry to behavioral and studies and field ecology. Our ultimate goal is to generate basic knowledge about the ecology and evolution of chemical signaling that also has practical relevance for pressing societal challenges, including sustainable food production, disease emergence and transmission, and ecological sustainability in the face of rapid environmental change.

Entomological Collection

Entomological Collection ETH Zurich

Our group also oversees the ETH Zürich Entomological Collection, which is one of the largest and most important insect collections in Central Europe, with more than 2,000,000 specimens, including  more than 5000 type specimens. In addition to serving as a valuable resource for researchers from around the world, the collection is actively engaged in a wide range of educational and public outreach activities.

Chemical ecology of tritrophic interactions

A primary focus of our research is on the role of chemistry in mediating ecological interactions among plants and other organisms. Our research on tritrophic interactions

Plant pollinator interactions

Plant-pollinator interactions. Communicative interactions between plants and insect pollinators. Our research on plant-pollinator interactions

Plant responses to olfactory cues

Our laboratory has played an active role in documenting plant olfactory responses in a number of ecological contexts. Our research on plant-plant interactions

Disease ecology and plant-​microbe interactions

Microbial symbionts often have profound effects on the phenotypes of their hosts. Our research in the field of plant-microbe interactions

Malaria

We hope to gain insight into the potential diagnostic value of volatile biomarkers for malaria and other infectious diseases. Our research on malaria

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