The published works of CoE Director of Research Michael Wagner, and CoE Key Researchers Andreas Richter and Wolfgang Wanek rank among the top 1% most cited in their respective fields. © Ludwig Schedl/CeMESS
The Clarivate “Highly Cited Researchers” selection process goes beyond citation metrics, incorporating qualitative analysis and expert evaluation to ensure the researchers’ work reflects a broad and lasting impact.
Michael Wagner, CoE Director of Research and Project 3 lead, specializes in nitrification, single-cell microbiology, and the microbiology of sponges and sewage treatment plants. Together with colleagues, he discovered the previously unknown comammox bacteria, which play an important role in the global nitrogen cycle.
Andreas Richter, CoE Key Researcher and Project 4 lead, heads the Center for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) and its Division of Terrestrial Ecosystem Research (TER). His research focuses on the ecology of climate change, microbial soil ecology, plant-microbe interactions, and biogeochemical material cycles. Currently, he is investigating the role of Arctic soil microorganisms in the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Wolfgang Wanek, CoE Key Researcher and coordinator of Method Facility 5, has made significant contributions to understanding plant-soil-microbe interactions. Specifically, he investigates the role of plants and soil microbes and their interaction in controlling ecosystem processes. In recent years, he has focused, among other things, on interactions between the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles in terrestrial ecosystems and their response to climate change and land use.
At the CoE Microplanet, we are honored to have these outstanding scientists advancing their fields and inspiring and mentoring the next generation of researchers.