CeMESS

Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science

CeMESS/Maximilian Prag

Expanding Knowledge

The Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science | CeMESS at the University of Vienna brings together rapidly advancing research fields of high societal relevance. Our Centre unites four Research Divisions spanning microbiology, bioinformatics, ecology, and environmental geoscience.

This multidisciplinary strength enables us to investigate, in a comprehensive way, the biotic and abiotic processes that shape our bodies, ecosystems, and the entire planet. Our research delivers key insights to help address some of today’s most pressing global challenges, from human to planetary health.

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CeMESS News

Evolutionary processes shape bacterial populations in the human gut

06.05.2026 DOME

In addition to diet and medication, transmission between people can also play an important role in the microbiome

This was the Long Night of Research 2026 at CeMESS

05.05.2026 CeMESS

More than 12,000 people attended the University of Vienna’s venues during this year’s Long Night of Research. At the Vienna BioCenter, 1,500 visitors…

New Study: Methane is present in surface waters of Mondsee and Attersee – why is it there and why should we care?

30.04.2026 DOME

A new study from the research group of Barbara Bayer at DOME | CeMESS discovered that the two Austrian lakes Mondsee and Attersee are a source of…

New Publication in Nature Communications Earth & Environment finds higher additive leaching and ecotoxicity from retreaded tire particles

28.04.2026 EDGE

Retreaded tires are a major part of the commercial tire market and a key source of wear particles, yet their environmental risks remain…

Amazon understory forests show short-term boost in CO₂ uptake – but this comes at a cost

28.04.2026 TER

Experimental increases in CO2 stimulated plant growth are facilitated by re-distributed root systems to extract nutrient resources more efficiently

Out now in Nature Communications: Breastfed babies balance bacteria in developing microbiome

24.04.2026 DOME

First study to identify the mutualistic relationship between E.coli and Bifidobacterium and highlights potential for future synbiotics

CeMESS in the Media

Microbiomes Drive Planetary Health

The FWF-funded Cluster of Excellence (CoE) brings together the expertise of CeMESS researchers from all four CeMESS divisions in a joint, ambitious research project.

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CeMESS Events

Fungal Community and Ecological Drivers of Forest Tree Productivity

18.06.2026 EDGE Lecture Series

Mark Anthony

The microbiota in cancer progression and treatment

21.05.2026 CeMESS Lecture Series

Maria Rescigno

Photochemistry and the Aquatic Sulfur Cycle

23.04.2026 EDGE Lecture Series

Kris McNeill

Recent Publications

Dolschak K, Winter Artusio E, Mayer M, Grabner M, Tatzber M, Ahmed IU et al. Climate drivers of historic tree growth in the Vienna Woods and prediction of future performance of eight selected tree species. Forest Ecology and Management. 2026 Jun 15;610:123674. doi: 10.1016/j.foreco.2026.123674

Hodžić A, Kunert M, Juračić M, Veinović G, Sukara R, Tomanović S et al. Immune-mediated microbial interference governs Borrelia colonization of the tick gut. Iscience. 2026 May 15;29(5):115628. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.115628

Kramml HM, Herpell JB, Priemer C, Wessely Z, Schindler F, Berger A et al. Clusia genomes shed light on the evolution and diversity of crassulacean acid metabolism physiotypes. Nature Communications. 2026 May 5;17(1):3937. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-71958-z

Pan W, Tang S, Wanek W, Liu X, Zhou J, Gregory AS et al. Organic Fertilization Promotes the Microbial Formation of Moderately Active Soil Phosphorus Pools to Sustain Phosphorus Availability: Insights from 180 years of Fertilization. Environmental Science and Technology. 2026 May 5;60(17):12918-12929. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c12810

Lintner M, Golen J, Schagerl M , Wildner M , Wanek W , Cyran N et al. Reversible bleaching of photobionts in marine protists to a chemical stress - A case study of Amphistegina lobifera. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. 2026 May 3;279:113454. Epub 2026 May 3. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2026.113454

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