ELE-ETHWSL.bsky.social
@ele-ethwsl.bsky.social
Ecosystems and Landscape Evolution Lab @ethzurich and @wslresearch. We study the processes shaping spatial diversity from genes to ecosystems.
In August Meret Jucker collected eDNA and plankton net samples on R/V FOREL for the Greenfjord project to compare marine biodiversity in two fjords in SW Greenland.
December 29, 2025 at 8:01 AM
In August Meret Jucker collected eDNA and plankton net samples on R/V FOREL for the Greenfjord project to compare marine biodiversity in two fjords in SW Greenland.
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β Merry Christmas from the ELE group! ππ
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December 22, 2025 at 8:01 AM
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β Merry Christmas from the ELE group! ππ
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From 11 to 24 September 2025, our team deployed an environmental DNA (eDNA) autosampler in Alptal, right next to the WSL experimental infrastructure. Check out the pictures!
December 15, 2025 at 8:01 AM
From 11 to 24 September 2025, our team deployed an environmental DNA (eDNA) autosampler in Alptal, right next to the WSL experimental infrastructure. Check out the pictures!
π Applications are open for HACK-4-SAGES, a digital twin in astrobiology hackathon
ποΈ 9 to 13 March 2026
π Join online or in person
π Win an all-expenses-paid trip to ETH Zurich
β³ Deadline: 16 January 2026
π hack-4-sages.org
π‘ We also welcome mentors: tinyurl.com/5bpnxn2y
ποΈ 9 to 13 March 2026
π Join online or in person
π Win an all-expenses-paid trip to ETH Zurich
β³ Deadline: 16 January 2026
π hack-4-sages.org
π‘ We also welcome mentors: tinyurl.com/5bpnxn2y
December 8, 2025 at 8:01 AM
π Applications are open for HACK-4-SAGES, a digital twin in astrobiology hackathon
ποΈ 9 to 13 March 2026
π Join online or in person
π Win an all-expenses-paid trip to ETH Zurich
β³ Deadline: 16 January 2026
π hack-4-sages.org
π‘ We also welcome mentors: tinyurl.com/5bpnxn2y
ποΈ 9 to 13 March 2026
π Join online or in person
π Win an all-expenses-paid trip to ETH Zurich
β³ Deadline: 16 January 2026
π hack-4-sages.org
π‘ We also welcome mentors: tinyurl.com/5bpnxn2y
The WSLβs new exhibition βBreaking the Codeβ highlights ELE group research, revealing new insights into biodiversity. Check it out!
December 1, 2025 at 8:01 AM
The WSLβs new exhibition βBreaking the Codeβ highlights ELE group research, revealing new insights into biodiversity. Check it out!
π New publication alert!
In Ecography, we show how landscape connectivity and climate dynamics shape plant endemism hotspots in the Hengduan Mountains. Endemism peaks at ~3,000β4,000 m, highlighting the complex interplay of geography and biodiversity.
Read the article here: buff.ly/AfI5xOk
In Ecography, we show how landscape connectivity and climate dynamics shape plant endemism hotspots in the Hengduan Mountains. Endemism peaks at ~3,000β4,000 m, highlighting the complex interplay of geography and biodiversity.
Read the article here: buff.ly/AfI5xOk
November 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM
π New publication alert!
In Ecography, we show how landscape connectivity and climate dynamics shape plant endemism hotspots in the Hengduan Mountains. Endemism peaks at ~3,000β4,000 m, highlighting the complex interplay of geography and biodiversity.
Read the article here: buff.ly/AfI5xOk
In Ecography, we show how landscape connectivity and climate dynamics shape plant endemism hotspots in the Hengduan Mountains. Endemism peaks at ~3,000β4,000 m, highlighting the complex interplay of geography and biodiversity.
Read the article here: buff.ly/AfI5xOk
πͺ Check this out! The head of our group, LoΓ―c Pellissier, was recently featured on Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia Instagram!
Here's the link: buff.ly/45HiX64
Here's the link: buff.ly/45HiX64
November 17, 2025 at 8:01 AM
πͺ Check this out! The head of our group, LoΓ―c Pellissier, was recently featured on Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia Instagram!
Here's the link: buff.ly/45HiX64
Here's the link: buff.ly/45HiX64
π We did it β 500+ followers on LinkedIn!
A huge thank-you to everyone who supports ELE Group. Your energy keeps us moving forward! Join our LinkedIn community here: www.linkedin.com/company/ecos...
A huge thank-you to everyone who supports ELE Group. Your energy keeps us moving forward! Join our LinkedIn community here: www.linkedin.com/company/ecos...
November 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM
π We did it β 500+ followers on LinkedIn!
A huge thank-you to everyone who supports ELE Group. Your energy keeps us moving forward! Join our LinkedIn community here: www.linkedin.com/company/ecos...
A huge thank-you to everyone who supports ELE Group. Your energy keeps us moving forward! Join our LinkedIn community here: www.linkedin.com/company/ecos...
π± Fieldwork in Colombia!
Together with FundaciΓ³n Universitaria de PopayΓ‘n, FundaciΓ³n Biodiversa de Colombia, and Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, our group carried out a pilot eDNA project in PuracΓ© National Park.
Read more: fup.edu.co/impulsamos-i...
Together with FundaciΓ³n Universitaria de PopayΓ‘n, FundaciΓ³n Biodiversa de Colombia, and Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, our group carried out a pilot eDNA project in PuracΓ© National Park.
Read more: fup.edu.co/impulsamos-i...
November 3, 2025 at 8:01 AM
π± Fieldwork in Colombia!
Together with FundaciΓ³n Universitaria de PopayΓ‘n, FundaciΓ³n Biodiversa de Colombia, and Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, our group carried out a pilot eDNA project in PuracΓ© National Park.
Read more: fup.edu.co/impulsamos-i...
Together with FundaciΓ³n Universitaria de PopayΓ‘n, FundaciΓ³n Biodiversa de Colombia, and Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, our group carried out a pilot eDNA project in PuracΓ© National Park.
Read more: fup.edu.co/impulsamos-i...
π Our guest Nikita Zychowska was a recent speaker at the COPL Lunch Seminar. She's a BSc student in AI at Johannes Kepler UniversitΓ€t Linz and the co-founder of the Astroyouth society. She'll stay in our group for two more weeks to work on the co-evolution of planets and life project.
October 27, 2025 at 1:45 PM
π Our guest Nikita Zychowska was a recent speaker at the COPL Lunch Seminar. She's a BSc student in AI at Johannes Kepler UniversitΓ€t Linz and the co-founder of the Astroyouth society. She'll stay in our group for two more weeks to work on the co-evolution of planets and life project.
In the recent publication, we show that combining multispecies primers with CRISPR-Dxβa workflow dubbed ampliscanningβmatches the effectiveness of metabarcoding for detecting terrestrial mammals via eDNA in remote, high-alpine catchments.
Read the article: buff.ly/9rVajwt
Read the article: buff.ly/9rVajwt
October 20, 2025 at 7:02 AM
In the recent publication, we show that combining multispecies primers with CRISPR-Dxβa workflow dubbed ampliscanningβmatches the effectiveness of metabarcoding for detecting terrestrial mammals via eDNA in remote, high-alpine catchments.
Read the article: buff.ly/9rVajwt
Read the article: buff.ly/9rVajwt
π Let's welcome Roos van Wees, a new postdoctoral researcher in our group.
Roos's background is in geomorphology, having examined how erosion shapes volcanic landscapes over time. In BurGeoN project, she will investigate how geomorphological dynamics influence biodiversity in mountain regions.
Roos's background is in geomorphology, having examined how erosion shapes volcanic landscapes over time. In BurGeoN project, she will investigate how geomorphological dynamics influence biodiversity in mountain regions.
October 13, 2025 at 7:02 AM
π Let's welcome Roos van Wees, a new postdoctoral researcher in our group.
Roos's background is in geomorphology, having examined how erosion shapes volcanic landscapes over time. In BurGeoN project, she will investigate how geomorphological dynamics influence biodiversity in mountain regions.
Roos's background is in geomorphology, having examined how erosion shapes volcanic landscapes over time. In BurGeoN project, she will investigate how geomorphological dynamics influence biodiversity in mountain regions.
π New publication alert!
In our latest piece in Nature Cities, we highlight how biodiversity modeling can support urban planning by balancing human well-being with nature. This helps cities meet biodiversity targets while ensuring access to healthy ecosystems.
Read the article: buff.ly/zeRBrYh
In our latest piece in Nature Cities, we highlight how biodiversity modeling can support urban planning by balancing human well-being with nature. This helps cities meet biodiversity targets while ensuring access to healthy ecosystems.
Read the article: buff.ly/zeRBrYh
October 6, 2025 at 7:01 AM
π New publication alert!
In our latest piece in Nature Cities, we highlight how biodiversity modeling can support urban planning by balancing human well-being with nature. This helps cities meet biodiversity targets while ensuring access to healthy ecosystems.
Read the article: buff.ly/zeRBrYh
In our latest piece in Nature Cities, we highlight how biodiversity modeling can support urban planning by balancing human well-being with nature. This helps cities meet biodiversity targets while ensuring access to healthy ecosystems.
Read the article: buff.ly/zeRBrYh
π Warm welcome to Antonin Affholder, a new NOMIS fellow and postdoc in our group.
He will research the dynamical mechanisms that caused the oxygenation of Earthβs atmosphere to occur hundreds of millions of years after the emergence of photosynthesis.
Exciting research is coming, stay tuned!
He will research the dynamical mechanisms that caused the oxygenation of Earthβs atmosphere to occur hundreds of millions of years after the emergence of photosynthesis.
Exciting research is coming, stay tuned!
September 29, 2025 at 7:02 AM
π Warm welcome to Antonin Affholder, a new NOMIS fellow and postdoc in our group.
He will research the dynamical mechanisms that caused the oxygenation of Earthβs atmosphere to occur hundreds of millions of years after the emergence of photosynthesis.
Exciting research is coming, stay tuned!
He will research the dynamical mechanisms that caused the oxygenation of Earthβs atmosphere to occur hundreds of millions of years after the emergence of photosynthesis.
Exciting research is coming, stay tuned!
New publication alert!
Together with colleagues, we show how combining eDNA with remote sensing can improve models of fish biodiversity in tropical rivers.
π Read the article here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Together with colleagues, we show how combining eDNA with remote sensing can improve models of fish biodiversity in tropical rivers.
π Read the article here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
September 22, 2025 at 7:01 AM
New publication alert!
Together with colleagues, we show how combining eDNA with remote sensing can improve models of fish biodiversity in tropical rivers.
π Read the article here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Together with colleagues, we show how combining eDNA with remote sensing can improve models of fish biodiversity in tropical rivers.
π Read the article here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
π± Weβve just completed the first sampling mission of Project Burgeon, supported by the SNSF. Over the summer, we explored multiple locations across the PuracΓ© National Park to map the rich plant diversity of the Andean forest. We aim to uncover how geological dynamics shape mountain biodiversity.
September 15, 2025 at 7:01 AM
π± Weβve just completed the first sampling mission of Project Burgeon, supported by the SNSF. Over the summer, we explored multiple locations across the PuracΓ© National Park to map the rich plant diversity of the Andean forest. We aim to uncover how geological dynamics shape mountain biodiversity.
Proud to see our work showcased at the Swiss Pavilion of the Expo 2025 in Osaka!
Over the years, we have co-designed robotic and eDNA technologies that can reveal the hidden presence of species and provide an early warning against invasive ones.
Image credits:
Β© FDFA, Presence Switzerland
Over the years, we have co-designed robotic and eDNA technologies that can reveal the hidden presence of species and provide an early warning against invasive ones.
Image credits:
Β© FDFA, Presence Switzerland
September 8, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Proud to see our work showcased at the Swiss Pavilion of the Expo 2025 in Osaka!
Over the years, we have co-designed robotic and eDNA technologies that can reveal the hidden presence of species and provide an early warning against invasive ones.
Image credits:
Β© FDFA, Presence Switzerland
Over the years, we have co-designed robotic and eDNA technologies that can reveal the hidden presence of species and provide an early warning against invasive ones.
Image credits:
Β© FDFA, Presence Switzerland
π± This summer, we kicked off our first biodiversity monitoring initiative at ETH Zentrum and HΓΆnggerberg using eDNA sampling. A big shoutout to everyone who made this day such a success!
September 1, 2025 at 7:01 AM
π± This summer, we kicked off our first biodiversity monitoring initiative at ETH Zentrum and HΓΆnggerberg using eDNA sampling. A big shoutout to everyone who made this day such a success!
Our PhD student Anna Lewkowicz is part of a team that recently raised nearly 13,000 CHF to organize an innovative astrobiology-themed hackathon. They're currently looking for hackathon co-hosts. DM us or write them an email if you'd like to get involved!
August 25, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Our PhD student Anna Lewkowicz is part of a team that recently raised nearly 13,000 CHF to organize an innovative astrobiology-themed hackathon. They're currently looking for hackathon co-hosts. DM us or write them an email if you'd like to get involved!
π Congratulations to our PhD student Anna Lewkowicz for receiving an ESA Academy scholarship, which allowed her to participate in the XXI International School of Astrobiology βJosep Comas i SolΓ β: Origins to Organisms: Understanding Lifeβs Beginnings. Great job!
August 18, 2025 at 7:01 AM
π Congratulations to our PhD student Anna Lewkowicz for receiving an ESA Academy scholarship, which allowed her to participate in the XXI International School of Astrobiology βJosep Comas i SolΓ β: Origins to Organisms: Understanding Lifeβs Beginnings. Great job!
π¨βπ Let's welcome our new PhD student, Merlin WeiΓ! He works on the BiOcean5D project to understand how marine biodiversity changes across space, time, and environmental gradients. Welcome, and we hope you'll have a wonderful time here!
August 11, 2025 at 7:01 AM
π¨βπ Let's welcome our new PhD student, Merlin WeiΓ! He works on the BiOcean5D project to understand how marine biodiversity changes across space, time, and environmental gradients. Welcome, and we hope you'll have a wonderful time here!
π For his MSc thesis at ETH Zurich, David Racine is developing a rapid biodiversity assessment method across various land uses. He uses eDNA swabbing to detect insects and mammals, and automated plant ID via the FlorID and Pl@ntNet APIs.
David, we are so proud of you and wish you all the best!
David, we are so proud of you and wish you all the best!
August 4, 2025 at 7:01 AM
π For his MSc thesis at ETH Zurich, David Racine is developing a rapid biodiversity assessment method across various land uses. He uses eDNA swabbing to detect insects and mammals, and automated plant ID via the FlorID and Pl@ntNet APIs.
David, we are so proud of you and wish you all the best!
David, we are so proud of you and wish you all the best!
Our MSc student, Deniz Imir, is trying to better understand the relationship between landscape perception and biodiversity. He conducted eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring in various catchments across Switzerland (see the map) to assess the presence of mammals and insects in the region. Good luck!
July 28, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Our MSc student, Deniz Imir, is trying to better understand the relationship between landscape perception and biodiversity. He conducted eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring in various catchments across Switzerland (see the map) to assess the presence of mammals and insects in the region. Good luck!
Exciting to see biodiversity indicators now publicly available, a major step toward data-driven conservation. We are proud that members of ELE contributed to this important effort.
Learn more here:
Learn more here:
doi.org
July 21, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Exciting to see biodiversity indicators now publicly available, a major step toward data-driven conservation. We are proud that members of ELE contributed to this important effort.
Learn more here:
Learn more here:
Congratulations to Monika Goralczyk, who recently defended her PhD thesis "Uncovering mammal diversity patterns and tropical forest dynamics with environmental DNA". We are very proud of you and wish you all the best in the future!
July 14, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Congratulations to Monika Goralczyk, who recently defended her PhD thesis "Uncovering mammal diversity patterns and tropical forest dynamics with environmental DNA". We are very proud of you and wish you all the best in the future!