Stefan Bertilsson

Professor, Head of Division, Division of Microbial Ecology
Phone
+4618673153
Professor in Functional Ecology of Limnic Ecosystems and Head of the Microbial Ecology division. Scientific Lead for the SciLifeLab strategic research area in Planetary Biology. I study aquatic microbes and their biogeochemical processes with advanced molecular methods.

Research

My research deals with the role of microorganisms in nature and their ability to transform and redistribute central elements (e.g. carbon, nitrogen, mercury). In my research group we rely on a combination of molecular (DNA and RNA-based) methods, isotope tracers and analytical chemical tools to understand processes such as nitrogen fixation, autotrophic carbon fixation, mercury methylation (and demethylation) and degradation of biopolymers and organic pollutants. We also study predation, symbiosis and other interactions between microorganisms and their evolution. We work both exprimentally in the laboratory and in the field (lakes, oceans) and study microorganisms in more exotic environments such as polar ecosystems and the deep terrestrial biosphere.

Research groups

Environment analysis

We use DNA-based methods to describe and measure biodiversity, monitor invasive species and pathogenic microorganisms. 

Peer reviewed publications (SLU-PUB)