Dr. Kentaro Shimizu

Professor

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Biography

Kentaro Shimizu is a Full Professor and Director at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Switzerland. His research focuses on the molecular basis of biodiversity, speciation, and genome duplication (polyploidy), as well as language evolution and mating systems, particularly self-incompatibility. He employs innovative bioinformatics tools (e.g., HomeoRoq, PlantServation) and databases (e.g., GeLaTo) to predict evolutionary responses to changing environments. His studies include various species such as Arabidopsis relatives, wheat crops, tropical trees, and humans. Shimizu has held significant positions including Co-director of the University Research Priority Program Evolution Action and Director of the PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology. He has over two decades of academic experience with notable research contributions and awards, including the NISTEP Award and his role on the Multinational Arabidopsis Steering Committee. Shimizu's work has been published extensively, reflecting his significant impact in evolutionary biology and ecological genomics.

Research Interests

Experience

Director

2024-01-01 — Present

Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich • Zurich, Switzerland

Co-director

2021-01-01 — 2024-01-01

University Research Priority Program Evolution Action • Zurich, Switzerland

Full Professor

2019-01-01 — Present

Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich • Zurich, Switzerland

Director

2016-01-01 — Present

PhD Program Evolutionary Biology • Zurich, Switzerland

Guest Professor

2015-01-01 — Present

Kihara Institute of Biological Research, Yokohama City University • Yokohama, Japan

Associate Professor

2011-01-01 — 2018-01-01

Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich • Zurich, Switzerland

Assistant Professor

2006-01-01 — 2011-01-01

Institute of Plant Biology, University of Zurich • Zurich, Switzerland

Research Scholar

2003-01-01 — 2006-01-01

Department of Genetics, North Carolina State University • Raleigh, USA

Postdoctoral Fellow

2002-01-01 — 2003-01-01

Kyoto University • Kyoto, Japan

Requirements for University of Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Reading
Required:25
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Law or equivalent from a recognized university Minimum 180 ECTS credits
Application Checklist
  • Matriculation certificate
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Copy of passport
  • Motivation letter
Specialization Notes

Department of Law