Insect and Chemical Ecology

Insects are the most species rich group of organisms on earth and have colonised nearly all habitats of our globe. Insects fulfil numerous ecosystem services and are indispensable for healthy ecosystems and thus sustainable development of human societies.

However, insect diversity and abundance are in sharp decline. To gain a better understanding of the reasons why insects thrive or decline, our research group studies the ecology and evolution of insect life cycles in response to environmental change. In particular, we are interested in how microorganisms - bacteria and fungi - help insects colonise inhospitable and rapidly changing environments and develop them as habitats and breeding sites.

In addition, we are involved in the design and maintenance of a campus-wide biodiversity living lab, which provides multiple opportunities for inquiry-based learning and research in the context of biodiversity-inclusive cities and habitat management.