Aquatic Ecology

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Evolution and ecology in aquatic ecosystems

Rapid evolution can interact with ecological processes. We study adaptation by natural selection and its limits. We are especially interested in co-evolution, where interacting populations evolve reciprocal adaptations. We ask how fast are these evolutionary adaptations and which theoretical models best apply to describe them.

We work with natural populations. This usually requires integrative methods and is supported by broad conceptual background. Often the most interesting questions require both field and laboratory experiments and sometimes elaborate molecular genetics.
 

What we do

Research

We ask questions about evolutionary processes that lead to organismal adaptation, how genetic differences between natural populations arise and how important such local evolutionary processes are for the maintenance of ecological and genetic diversity of populations. We specifically work on evolutionary ecology of host-​parasite interactions. Our questions arise from direct observations and natural history and present a challenge to existing evolutionary theory. Please find out more on our research pages  

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Teaching

We teach both bachelor and master courses in ecology, evolution, systematics and applications. We support a good selection of practical courses as we believe that learning environmental biology requires practical experience. Teaching is important for us and we aim to translate our enthusiasm about environment, evolutionary ecology and integrative methods to new generations of future environmental professionals. Find more info and a list of our courses on our teaching pages  

Ces Field Course

Who we are

Snapshop of a Zoom Meeting of the Aquatic Ecology Group March 2025

We are an international group with diverse demography and culture. You find us at Eawag if we are not somewhere in the field. At our people page  you will find short portraits of current members but also check our alumni and collaborators.

Students, would you like to join the team? Have a look on what options there are and how to get in touch here

Where we work

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Our group is part of the Institute of Integrative Biology (IBZ) at the Department of Environmental System Sciences (D-​USYS) at ETH Zurich.

We are hosted by EAWAG, the Aquatic Research Institute of the ETH domain. At the EAWAG campus in Dübendorf we have excellent laboratories, breeding facilities, experimental space and and offices.

Field research takes place where we find organims and populations that are best for addressing our questions. In the past years we have run projects in Switzerland, New Zealand, Greenland, Austria, Finland, Iceland and Denmark. Important part of our laboratory work takes place at the Genetic Diversity Center of ETH.

More details on how to find us

If you want to meet up with one of us in our office at ETH in Zurich or at Eawag in Dübendorf please get in touch first - find our contact details on our people's page.

Special ETH Communication on Corona

Fundamental and applied research are two sides of the same coin

The portrait photo shows the new Vice President for Research, Annette Oxenius, in front of the HCI building on the ETH Hönggerberg campus.

Annette Oxenius has been appointed ETH Vice President for Research. From 1 August 2025, she will assume responsibility for research development and promotion at ETH Zurich. The 56-year-old Swiss national is an esteemed immunologist and professor at the ETH Department of Biology.

Finding and blocking infection routes in hospitals

Digital epidemiologist Onicio Batista Leal Neto standing in front of an ETH building with his arms folded.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals often became hubs of infection. Researchers from ETH Zurich, EPFL and the ISI Foundation are developing a wearable tracking system for healthcare facilities that can identify the risks of infections. Initial tests in Switzerland and Africa show its potential.

Acids help against airborne viruses

Man coughing, aerosol particles floating in the air in front of him

A new study by various Swiss universities shows that aerosols in indoor air can vary in acidity. This acidity determines how long viruses remain infectious in the air – with profound implications for virus transmission and strategies to contain it.

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