About Us

The Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) at the University of Vienna combines rapidly developing research areas of high societal relevance. Our Centre consists of four Research Divisions spanning microbiology, bioinformatics, ecology and environmental systems science.

This multidisciplinary approach empowers us to comprehensively investigate those critical biotic and abiotic processes that shape our bodies, ecosystems, and our planet at large. Our research provides critical insights that address pressing global challenges, from human to environmental health.

CeMESS Divisions

 News from our Centre

DOME
 

CeMESS researcher Marie-Therese Fischer (DOME) is investigating the microbiome of fire salamanders in collaboration with Tiergarten Schönbrunn. An ORF...
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TER
 

From plastic bottles to non-stick pans – many everyday products release microscopic pollutants that can persist in the environment and our bodies. In...
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EDGE
 

Those who climb indoors are doing something for their health. But climbing shoes contain chemicals of concern that can enter the lungs of climbers...
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CeMESS
 

Several open PhD positions are currently available in our doctoral school.
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DOME
 

We are pleased to announce that the 28th European Nitrogen Cycle Meeting (ENC28) will take place at CeMESS from September 8-11, 2025. The meeting is...
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TER
 

Congratulations to Dr. Eva Simon, who successfully defended her PhD thesis entitled

"The fine-scale spatial organisation of the soil microbiome" on...
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 Upcoming Events

22.05.2025 12:00
 

Ruben Kretzschmar

ETH Zürich

Eberhard Clar Saal (2B204), UZA II
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22.05.2025 12:00
 

Ruben Kretzschmar

ETH Zürich

Eberhard Clar Saal (2B204), UZA II
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05.06.2025 12:00
 

Lindsay Hall

University of Birmingham, UK

hybrid, UBB HS2
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 Recent Publications

Hodzic A, Kunert M, Berry D. Protocol for the visualization of bacteria in the tick gut using whole-mount fluorescence in situ hybridization. STAR Protocols. 2025 Jun 20;6(2):103814. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.103814
Danilyan E, Ekaputri JJ, Zulaika E, Risdanareni P, Snoeck D. Utilization of soil microbial community to enhance mechanical properties of geopolymer paste for sustainable construction materials. Case Studies in Construction Materials. 2025 May 2. doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04727
Schärer ML, Fuchslueger L, Canarini A, Richter A, Lüscher A, Kahmen A. Post-drought organic carbon mineralization leads to high productivity and nutrient uptake efficiency of perennial grassland after rewetting. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 2025 May;204:109744. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2025.109744
Martino C, Savoca D, Mauro M, Byrne M, Hüffer T, Chiarelli R et al. Heatwave conditions increase the toxicity of phthalates in marine organisms. Science of the Total Environment. 2025 Apr 24;979. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179479
Čačković A, Pjevac P, Orlić S, Reintjes G. Selective heterotopic bacteria can selfishly process polysaccharides in freshwater lakes. Cell Reports. 2025 Apr 22;44(4):115415. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115415