I am a Scientist at the University of Vienna in the Fungal Ecology Lab as well as member of the Functional and Evolutionary Ecology Department. I am also a visiting researcher at University of Bologna, DISTAL department. Currently, I am an FWF-ESPRIT Fellow, leading an independent research project focused on marine adaptation by comparing terrestrial and marine fungal strains, under the mentorship of Mark Anthony  using a multidisciplinary approach that includes comparative genomics, transcriptomics, phenotyping, and genome engineering. As a mycologist, I am focused on how fungi quickly adapt and thrive to extreme and different environments. I am particularly interested in the unique ability of fungi to degrade recalcitrant materials, a crucial ecological role that also offers biotechnological opportunities for sustainable solutions. I completed my PhD in Environmental Biology & Fungal Biotechnology in 2018 at the Westerdijk Institute (formerly CBS) in Utrecht, Netherlands. Subsequently, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher at AIT and as a guest scientist at Evologic Technologies GmbH in Vienna, Austria.

To learn more about my research and publications, please visit my google scholar page.

Contact me: tiziano.benocci[AT]univie{dot}ac{dot}at

As of March 2023, I have joined Ecosystem Ecology Group at WSL as a PhD student supervised by Mark Anthony. The focus of my research is how the response of soil mycobiomes affects tree growth and death in forests. One of the main components of my research are ectomycorrhizal fungi. My dissertation research will provide better insights into how mycorrhizal fungi and ultimately forest trees are impacted by shifting environmental conditions caused by climate change. As a microbiologist at heart, my interest has always been to study plant-microbe interactions in different settings. I completed my Master’s degree at the University of Helsinki in forest pathology and mycology. Prior to my PhD, I was working in Rothamsted Research (UK), studying plant-microbe relationships in the agricultural field of research.

Contact me: artin.zarsav[AT]wsl{dot}ch

As of September 2024, I am a PhD student in the Fungal Ecology Group led by Mark Anthony at the University of Vienna. I have a degree in Biological Sciences and later specialized in Plant and Microbial Biotechnologies. My current research focuses on the diverse bacterial community that inhabits the mycelium of ectomycorrhizal fungi, with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of how this ecological interaction operates and its functional impacts on the growth and development of forest trees.

Contact me: giorgia.cantini[AT]univie{dot}ac{dot}at

I started my doctoral journey in May 2024 with Mark Anthony at the University of Vienna. At the core of my research lies the exploration of symbiotic relationships within forest ecosystems, particularly focusing on tree endophytes, their impact on tree development, as well as their interplay with pathogens and mycorrhizal fungi. Using ecological and microbiological methodologies, my work seeks to illuminate these interactions, offering insights into how they influence the health and resilience of forest environments. As an enthusiastic mycologist, my interest in this topic was driven by a lifelong fascination in fungi that has captivated me since childhood. I completed my Master´s degree in Ecology and Evolution at ETH Zürich. Prior to my PhD I was working at the Swiss Federal Institute of Landscape Research (WSL).

Contact me: philipp.spiegel[AT]univie{dot}ac{dot}at

Since November 2024, I have been a visiting PhD student in the Fungal Ecology Group of Mark Anthony at the University of Vienna. My research in Vienna focuses on understanding the fungal communities associated with the growth of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) in its non-native ranges. My home school is Northwest A&F University, where I primarily studied the impact of reforestation with different tree species (mainly black locust and Chinese pine [Pinus tabuliformis]) on deep soil microbial communities and their ecological functions.

Learn more about my research here:

Contact me: zhiyuan(dot)xuu[at]gmail(dot)com

I am completing my Master’s degree in Microbial Ecology at the University of Vienna. In 2025, I joined the Fungal Ecology Group for my thesis, where I study the bacterial communities associated with ectomycorrhizal fungi on beech roots. My research examines how fungal identity, climate stress, and common mycorrhizal networks influence the composition and diversity of these bacterial communities.

Contact me: borostimi16[at]gmail{dot}com

I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Ecosystems and Ecology at the University of Vienna. I have joined the Fungal Ecology Lab in 2025 for my thesis, which concerns soil health and its responses to climate change and differences in mycorrhizal fungal network formation across Switzerland. 

Contact me: a12033650[at]unet{dot}univie{dot}ac{dot}at

After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Medical Biology in Poland, I transitioned into the Master’s program in Ecology and Ecosystems at the University of Vienna. I am particularly interested in fungi and their roles in ecosystem functioning, especially in the context of climate change. In 2026, I joined the Fungal Ecology Lab for my thesis, where I investigate how root endophyte communities respond to climate change.

Contact me: anita.veseli011[at]gmail{dot}com

I am back in the Fungal ecology lab after completing my MS thesis in November, 2025. I am a technical assistant supporting research to tackle soil microbiome functioning across Europe from the canopy of trees to the litter and soil. 

Contact me: philippwaschk{at}gmail[dot]com

Since February 2026 I am a researcher fellow in the in the Fungal  Ecology Lab. As a Bachelor’s degree, I studied Natural and Environmental Sciences and Technologies at the University of Trieste (Italy) and then for my Master's, I studies Botany at the University of Vienna, specializing on tropical ecology. During my fellowship in the Fungal Ecology Group I will investigate and compare various key traits of different endophytic fungi species with the aim of getting to a better understanding trait complimentary and trade-offs within this specialized fungal group and their response to environmental changes.

Contact me: micaig96{at}univie[dot]ac.at

After working in a pharmacy laboratory, I developed a strong interest in lab work and biology. This experience, as well as my curiosity about plants, microbes and fungi, motivated me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a focus on microbiology and genetics at the University of Vienna, which I’m currently completing at the Fungal Ecology Lab. My thesis project investigates the emerging and fascinating field of intracellular endobacteria in endophytic fungi.

Contact me: a12222395[at]unet{dot}univie.ac.at

I am a Bachelor’s student in Biology at the University of Vienna. I have been interested in fungi for quite some time due to their crucial roles in ecosystems, and this interest has continued to grow during my studies with a focus on botany. Since I also enjoy working in the lab, joining the Fungal Ecology Lab for my Bachelor’s thesis felt like a great fit. In my thesis, I am working together with a colleague to establish climate niches for endophytic fungi.

Contact me: johannes.grubits[at]univie{dot}ac{dot}at

I am a bachelor’s student of Biology at the University of Vienna, 

focusing on botany and mycology. I am particularly fascinated by fungi 

because of their remarkable diversity and the many ways they interact 

with other organisms and shape their environments. Working in the Fungal 

Ecology Lab is a great opportunity for me to explore these interests 

while contributing to research on the fundamental niches of fungal 

species. For my bachelor’s thesis, I am collaborating with a colleague 

to establish climatic niches for endophytic fungi.

Contact me: beschandl{at}gmail[dot]com