Ecology, evolution and health

The interactions among organisms, including those between host and parasite, pollinator and plant, or invasive and native species, determine the properties and functions of biological systems. These nteractions are best characterized using a systems approach that integrates all aspects of the biology, ecology, and evolutionary history of the interacting organisms.

The main research objectives of the Institute of Integrative Biology Zurich (IBZ), one out of five institutes within D-UWIS, are to further the understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes that affect interactions between organisms and biological systems and to develop new approaches to address key questions related to infectious diseases.

IBZ teaches students the necessary concepts and methods of ecology, population and evolutionary biology to contribute to human health and the sustainable use of biological diversity in a changing environment.

Research groups

• Prof. Sebastian Bonhoeffer: Chair of Theoretical Biology »»
• Prof. Peter Edwards: Chair of Plant Ecology »»
• Prof. Andreas Fischlin: Group of Terrestrial System Ecology »»
• Prof. Jukka Jokela: Chair of Aquatic Ecology »»
• Prof. Ottmar Holdenrieder: Chair of Forest Pathology and Dendrology »»
• Prof. Bruce McDonald: Chair of Plant Pathology »»
• Prof. Paul Schmid-Hempel: Chair of Experimental Ecology »»
• Prof. Christoph Vorburger: Chair of Ecological Genetics »»
• Prof. Alex Widmer: Chair of Ecological Genetics »»