University of Zurich

Nicole Joller’s research focuses on how regulatory T cells adapt and specialize within the immune system, shaping inflammation, tissue repair and disease outcomes. Her work also investigates how immune history and molecules like TIGIT influence responses to cancer and viral infections, with implications for immunotherapy and beyond.

ETH Zürich

Prof. Gessler’s research focuses on understanding the processes that drive and regulate biogeochemical cycles, biotic interactions and biodiversity-ecosystem functioning at different scales. This work is used to assess and predict shifts in the function of ecosystems and landscapes subject to fundamental changes in environmental conditions (i.e. climate and land use).

Lougborough University

Stephen’s research focuses on exercise and nutritional interventions to improve nitric oxide and redox biomarkers, cardiovascular health, oxidative metabolism and exercise performance. 

Lougborough University

Stacy’s research focuses on the development, implementation and evaluation of pragmatic behaviour change programmes, predominantly designed to encourage people to sit less and move more.

Lougborough University

Janine’s research examines issues relating to equity and inclusion in physical education, physical activity and sport with a specific focus on marginalised populations and children and young people.

University of Bristol

Dr. Neville’s research at the University of Bristol aims to understand affective states, comprising transient ‘emotions’ and longer-term ‘moods’, in non-human animals. Her work investigates animal emotion and welfare using a range of techniques including behavioural experiments and observations, computational modelling and research synthesis.

University of Freiburg

Dr. Müller’s research at the University of Freiburg focuses on the role of biodiversity in ecosystem processes. Specifically, she is interested in acoustic diversity as a component of biodiversity and how natural soundscapes influence human well-being.

Huron University College

Dr. van Hedger is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Huron University College, where he directs the Huron Auditory Perception (HAP) Lab. He uses behavioural and neuroscientific (fMRI, EEG, eye tracking) methodologies to understand how individuals are able to learn and remember perceptual patterns in their environments.

UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

Dr. Drewer is Head of Atmosphere-Biosphere Interactions at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and is interested in the trace gas fluxes from various ecosystems, including natural and agricultural systems. Her main research focuses on measuring and interpreting biosphere-atmosphere-exchange fluxes of trace gases such as greenhouse gases, NO and ozone depleting gases (e.g., volatile organic compounds - VOCs), and the cycling of carbon and nitrogen in ecosystems

University of Freiburg

Prof. Dr. Kreuzwieser is Chair of Ecosystem Physiology at the University of Freiburg. His research is focused on quantifies ecosystem change using measures of plant and soil physiology.

CERN

Adelina is a data scientist focussed on identifying patterns of interaction within human biological and environmental data.

University of Zurich

Natasha’s research uses genetic and genomic techniques to understanding how the diversity of life forms on earth has has been shaped by evolutionary forces. Her work explores a range of topics from the origin of syphilis to what makes us human to the effects of the environment on orangutan population genetic structure.

Unisanté, Lausanne

Dr. Suarez is the Head of the Environmental Engineering Unit at the Centre for primary care and public health at Unisanté, Lausanne. His research focuses on developing innovative detection systems that characterise ambient air to assess the effect of exposure on the respiratory health.

University of Zurich

Erik Willems is behavioural biologist at the University of Zurich who specialises in the generation and application of novel analytical methods in ‘R’. Erik provides ongoing support for all projects undertaken in the HEEP group.

PhD (2023)

Thesis title: Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Acute Nature Exposure on Psychological and Physiological Health

MSc (2025)

Thesis title: Forest Exposure Increases Skin Microbial Diversity Relative to Urban Exposure, while both Facilitate Environment-Specific Microbial Transfer

MSc (2025)

Thesis title: Forests Fostering Brains: Effects of Forested and Urban Environments on Cognition and Emotional Response

MSc (2025)

Thesis title: Environmental Drivers of Immune Modulation: A Randomised Controlled Trial in Forest and Urban Settings

MSc (2025)

Thesis title: Forest Exposure Lowers Physiological Stress Biomarkers Compared to an Urban Control: Insights into the Role of Forest Type and Environmental Attributes

MSc (2025)

Thesis title: Forest Exposure Lowers Physiological Stress Biomarkers Compared to an Urban Control: Insights into the Role of Forest Type and Environmental Attributes

MSc (2025)

Thesis title: Tackling the stress epidemic: nature hikes boost mood but leave physiological stress unchanged

MSc (2025)

Thesis title: Taking steps against physical inactivity: hiking in nature improves enjoyment, mood and exercise intention

MSc (2025)

Thesis title: Human – Environment Microbial Exchange