Agro-ecosystems and world food system

Agricultural production is based on the utilization of specialized ecosystems. Sustainable agricultural production can only be realized when aspects of resource cycles, knowledge on biodiversity and on physiological function of the investigated systems are taken into account.
Moreover, economic and socio-economic aspects are of crucial importance as well.

The Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS) elucidates plant and animal systems as well as plant-insect-interactions with a view to sustainable production. Research is done at scales ranging from molecular via organismic to global level. Effects of climate change, altering market needs and other dynamically changing aspects play an important role. A grand challenge is given by the projected increase in food needs of 70-100% - mostly by developing countries – until 2050. Establishing and elucidating solutions for this pressing challenge is a focal point of IAS research.

Within ETH Zurich, IAS is responsible for the curricula in Agricultural Sciences at Bachelor and Master level. Students are educated in the basics of several scientific disciplines with an emphasis on system-oriented agricultural sciences. Strong interactions with the Food Science programme are established.

Research groups

• Prof. Nina Buchmann: Grassland Sciences Group »»
• Prof. Silvia Dorn: Applied Entomology Group »»
• Prof. Emmanuel Frossard: Plant Nutrition Group »»
• Dr. Edna Hillmann: Animal Behaviour, Health and Welfare Group »»
• Prof. Ansgar Kahmen: Physiological Plant Ecology Group »»
• Prof. Michael Kreuzer: Animal Nutrition Group »»
• Prof. Peter Vögeli: Breeding Biology Group »»
• Prof. Achim Walter: Crop Science Group »»

In process of planning

• NN: Chair of Sustainable Agroecosystems
• NN: Chair of Animal Physiology