The University of Bern is a medium-sized Swiss university with a strong focus on natural sciences. Three biological institutes cover a wide range from molecular to ecosystem research. The Zoological Institute can be characterized by the combination of whole organism research with modern molecular methods. Research teams work on ethology, evolutionary ecology, community ecology, population genetics and conservation biology. We maintain large laboratory capacity with advanced DNA and peptide techniques, many climate chambers and a field station. Our research interests demand a strong combination of field and laboratory work, as well as theory and practise. Main expertise is in the fields of community ecology, conservation biology, population ecology and agroecology with a strong focus on the ecology, spread, damage and control of noxious organisms, in particular invasive alien species.

RESEARCH TEAM: Wolfgang Nentwig, Sven Bacher