Univ.-Prof. Dr. Mag. Birgit C. Schlick-Steiner

Room 516
T +43 (0)512 507-51750
birgit.schlick-steiner@uibk.ac.at

I explore biodiversity in a broad sense, with a focus on, but not limited to, insects. While taking advantage of the modern developments my view of biology is centred on organisms. My research has been of collaborative nature and my expertise is multidisciplinary, involving molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, morphology, field ecology, chemical ecology and ecological modelling. In my view, biodiversity research has the brightest future when integrating molecular approaches and the “rest” of biological disciplines.

In more personal terms, I enjoy tackling scientific problems through integration with others. I enjoy the experience of a team’s success that transcends the potential success of anyone singly and I enjoy to experience my own and others’ growth through team work.

Aspiring researchers of molecular ecology should explore the way from hypothesis-driven questions to solutions. In such a way students of ecology can acquire sound basic knowledge, but also a feeling for how important curiosity is – something easily overlooked when we streamline our science.

Research topics

I am actively interested in all research topics of the Molecular Ecology group.