Dr. Nina Buchmann

Professor

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Biography

Nina Buchmann is a full professor in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. Her main research focuses on plant ecosystem physiology and the biogeochemistry of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and croplands. She investigates how soil ecosystem carbon and nitrogen dynamics are influenced by climatic conditions and management regimes, exploring the interactions between biodiversity and ecosystem functions. She employs classical ecological methods and stable isotopes to study terrestrial processes. In addition to her research, Nina has held several leadership roles, including Head and Vice-Head of her department. Her career includes significant positions at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry and the University of Bayreuth, where she completed her habilitation and doctoral studies. Nina has received numerous prestigious awards, including honorary memberships and accolades highlighting her contributions to ecology and evolution.

Research Interests

Plant Ecosystem Physiology Biogeochemistry Biodiversity Ecosystem Functions Sustainable Resource Use

Experience

Professor of Grassland Sciences

2003-01-01 — Present

ETH Zurich • Zürich, Switzerland

Teaching and researching in the field of grassland sciences.

Head of Department

2017-01-01 — 2021-01-01

ETH Zurich • Zürich, Switzerland

Leading the Department of Environmental Systems Science.

Vice-Head of Department

2012-01-01 — 2017-01-01

ETH Zurich • Zürich, Switzerland

Assisting in the leadership of the Department of Environmental Systems Science.

Research Group Leader

1999-01-01 — 2003-01-01

Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry • Jena, Germany

Leading research projects on biogeochemistry.

DFG Fellow

1996-01-01 — 1999-01-01

University of Bayreuth • Bayreuth, Germany

Conducting research as part of the DFG fellowship program.

Postdoc

1993-01-01 — 1996-01-01

University of Utah • Salt Lake City, USA

Conducting postdoctoral research under Alexander von Humboldt fellowship.

Awards

#

Honorary Membership

2025-01-01
#

Distinguished Alumna Award

2022-01-01
#

Honorary Medal 2022

2022-01-01
#

Highly Cited Researcher

2019-01-01
#

Fellow

2018-01-01
#

Member

2007-01-01

Courses

Ethics Scientific Integrity Grassland Systems Current Topics Grassland Sciences Production Crops Forage Introduction Production Crops Forage Global Change Biology

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.