Our Research

Interdisciplinary research at the ECH explores the complex dynamics of environmental change – bridging humanities, natural and social sciences to generate impactful knowledge.

Overview | Focus Areas | Projects | Recent Publications

Shaping Tomorrow: The Impact of Today’s Research

We are motivated to deliver scientific research that contributes to the protection of our climate and environment. We work jointly in excellent cross-disciplinary teams beyond the border of each discipline on research ideas and collaborations.

At the University of Vienna, one of the biggest and most renowned in Europe, we want to advance environmental research for society. We use the strength of networking excellent expertise of individual disciplines in our research hub.

We focus on training, education and excellent qualification of our members. We constantly develop our knowledge and competencies further to develop innovative concepts and approaches for solutions in the areas of environment and climate.

We want to shape society – as an education institution, a hub and a partner for dialogue. For this reason, we educate students and early career scientists and enter active dialogues with civil society and decision-makers in government and society.

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Our Focus Areas

Projects

Research projects are hosted at the specific Faculty of ECH members. The selection here reflects the diverse range of research excellence at the University of Vienna in the field of environment, climate change and sustainability. We list projects led by ECH members as a PI, or those in which they are part of a larger consortium such as in Horizon Europe projects.

Assessing Biodegradation of Dopamine-Based Electrochromic Formulations for Ultra-Low Power Flexible Displays by Environmental Microbial Communities

29.01.2024 Seedfunding

A square, textured artwork resembling moss, fungi, and coral structures is displayed in a forest setting with tall trees and a mossy ground.

Petra Pjevac from the Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science is leading the project "Assessing Biodegradation of Dopamine-Based Electrochromic Formulations for Ultra-Low Power Flexible Displays by Environmental Microbial Communities".

To ensure sustainable electronics truly biodegrade, researchers develop a standardized workflow to test organic materials in soil, water, and sediments.…

Plant Root Exudates as Prophage Inducers

29.01.2024 Seedfunding

A petri dish containing a reddish-brown substance, with the center area appearing blurred.

Gina Porras Brenes from the Department of Biological Chemistry is leading the project "Plant Root Exudates as Prophage Inducers".

To combat antibiotic resistance, researchers explore bacteriophage therapy and natural root compounds. The Böttcher and Weckwerth groups investigate how plant-derived molecules might trigger bacterial virus activity - paving the way for new antimicrobial strategies.

Towards Determining the Link Between Land Use Management, Microbial Composition, and Carbon Quality in European Peatlands

29.01.2024 Seedfunding

A flat landscape with grassy fields, scattered wetlands, and a row of leafless trees beneath an overcast sky.

Kyle Boodoo from the Department of Geography and Regional Research is leading the project "Towards Determining the Link Between Land Use Management, Microbial Composition, and Carbon Quality in European Peatlands".

Peatlands store vast amounts of carbon, but drainage alters microbial communities and emissions. This project explores how microbes and organic matter interact across peatlands to…

Recent Publications

Acharya, P., Yegon, M. J., Haferkemper, L., Misteli, B., Griebler, C., Vitecek, S., & Attermeyer, K. (2025). Leaf Conditioning and Shredder Activity Shape Microbial Dynamics on Fine Particulate Organic Matter Produced During Decomposition of Different Leaf Litter in Streams. Microbial Ecology, 88(1), 18. Article 18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-025-02515-2

Krasenbrink, J., Hanson, B. T., Weiss, A. S., Borusak, S., Tanabe, T. S., Lang, M., Aichinger, G., Hausmann, B., Berry, D., Richter, A., Marko, D., Mussmann, M., Schleheck, D., Stecher, B., & Loy, A. (2025). Sulfoquinovose is exclusively metabolized by the gut microbiota and degraded differently in mice and humans. Microbiome, 13(1), Article 184. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-025-02175-x

García-Rodríguez, A., Lenzner, B., Velasco, J. A., Schertler, A., Omer, A., Seebens, H., Capinha, C., Gallardo, B., Dullinger, S., & Essl, F. (2025). The global distribution patterns of alien vertebrate richness in mountains. Nature Communications, 16(1), Article 1977. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57214-w

Jobst, M., Guerreiro, I., Payros, D., Oswald, I. P., Fernandes, A. S., Warth, B., & Del Favero, G. (2025). New approach methodologies for risk assessment of urinary occurring toxicants. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 302, Article 118649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118649

Leite, F. A. S., Howard, E. L., Pinheiro, C., Parola, A. J., Maggini, L., & Laia, C. (2025). Screen printing and in situ electropolymerization as a simple manufacturing method to produce long cycling lifetime electrochromic indicators. Flexible and Printed Electronics, 10(3), Article 035002. https://doi.org/10.1088/2058-8585/adea87

Dietrich, D., & Gehrig, T. (2025). Talk and the City: How Far to Trust Bankers (Not) Calling for Bailouts. Working Paper of the Centre for Responsible Banking & Finance.

Nouioua, R., Hanf-Dressler, T., Dullinger, S., Voigt, C. C., & Maas, B. (2025). Warming winters disrupt bat activity and hibernation in mediterranean olive agroecosystems. Global Ecology and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03828

Oechsner, S., Rae, R., & Felt, U. (2025). Should I provide my health data for research? Citizens assessing the value of data provision. Big Data & Society, 1-12. https://doi.org/0.1177/20539517251361117

Gehrig, T., & Dietrich, D. (2025). Talk and The City: How Far to Trust Bankers (Not) Calling for Bailouts? Centre for Economic Policy Research CEPR.

Bale, N. J., Fujimura, H., Pjevac, P., Koenen, M., Ikeda, H., Itagaki, S., Yamamoto, Y., Palmetzhofer, J., Sedlacek, C. J., Palabikyan, H., Sinninghe Damsté, J. S., Wagner, M., Shiigi, H., & Daims, H. (2025). Unusual Plastoquinones in Non-Phototrophic Nitrifying Bacteria. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 17(4), Article e70174. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-2229.70174