PhD Student at University of Vienna, Austria
Constantin Kopper is an emerging researcher in the field of plant evolutionary biology, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Botany at the University of Vienna. His academic path from zoology to botany reflects a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of pollination biology, with a focus on macro- and microevolutionary processes in the Melastomataceae plant family. With hands-on field experience in tropical and temperate ecosystems, Constantin has developed specialized skills in comparative morphology, micro-CT imaging, and data-driven ecological modeling. His contributions are advancing our understanding of trait evolution and pollinator interactions, particularly in mountain environments.
Profile
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Education
Constantin’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology (2013–2018), a Master’s degree in Botany (2018–2021), and a currently ongoing Ph.D. in Botany (2021–2025), all from the University of Vienna. His bachelor’s thesis investigated forest succession in Costa Rica, while his master’s thesis focused on testing pollination syndromes in Melastomataceae under the guidance of Agnes Dellinger and Jürg Schönenberger. His Ph.D. research expands on this topic, exploring the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of pollinator shifts and floral trait diversity.
Experience
Kopper has worked extensively as a research assistant on multiple botanical projects. From 2018 to 2021, he contributed to the Aquilegia project at the University of Vienna, involving detailed pollinator behavior analysis and micro-CT scanning techniques to study floral morphology. Earlier, in 2018, he was part of the Erica project, focusing on imaging and structural botanical analysis. His fieldwork spans several countries, including Costa Rica, Colombia, and multiple U.S. states, where he gathered data on plant-pollinator interactions and habitat dynamics. These experiences have equipped him with a strong foundation in plant systematics, ecological modeling, and interdisciplinary research collaboration.
Research Interest
Constantin’s research centers on pollination biology, specifically the evolution of pollination syndromes and the drivers of pollinator shifts. His work investigates how traits evolve in response to environmental gradients—such as elevation—and how these shifts affect plant reproductive strategies. He is particularly interested in the evolutionary modularity of floral organs and their adaptive significance across different pollination systems. By integrating machine learning, multivariate statistical modeling, and molecular phylogenetics, his research aims to unravel the evolutionary history of floral diversity in the Melastomataceae.
Award
In recognition of his contributions, Constantin has been nominated for the Young Scientist Award at the Biotechnology Scientist Awards. This nomination acknowledges his rigorous academic performance, pioneering research in floral evolution, and impactful conference presentations across Europe and the Americas. His scholarly work and public presentations reflect a deep understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of botanical research and its ecological implications.
Publication
Constantin Kopper has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications that highlight his expertise in pollination ecology:
- Kopper et al. (2025) – Mountain colonization precedes shifts from bee to vertebrate pollination in Melastomataceae, New Phytologist. IF 8.3. (Doctoral thesis Chapter II)
- von Balthazar et al. (2025) – Pollination and Reproductive Systems in Columbines (Aquilegia, Ranunculaceae), International Journal of Plant Sciences.
- Chartier et al. (2025) – Pollination biology and secondary pollinators in seven North American Aquilegia species, International Journal of Plant Sciences.
- Kopper et al. (2024) – High floral disparity without pollinator shifts in buzz‐bee‐pollinated Melastomataceae, New Phytologist 242(5): 2322–2337. (Doctoral thesis Chapter I)
- Dellinger et al. (2022) – Pollination in Melastomataceae: a family-wide update, book chapter in Systematics, Evolution, and Ecology of Melastomataceae, Springer.
These works have been cited in recent literature and contribute significantly to the understanding of plant-pollinator coevolution.
Conclusion
Constantin Kopper represents a new generation of botanists committed to integrative and data-rich approaches in evolutionary plant science. His academic rigor, collaborative research experience, and passion for understanding the ecological factors behind trait evolution position him as a valuable contributor to botanical and ecological sciences. Through innovative research on Melastomataceae, he has offered fresh perspectives on how plant traits adapt in response to changing pollinator communities and environmental pressures. With multiple high-impact publications and international conference presentations to his credit, Constantin is a fitting candidate for the Young Scientist Award and an exemplary figure in evolutionary botany.