The University of Bayreuth presents its research on mosquitoes on the MS Wissenschaft

Under the theme ‘Medicine of the Future’, the exhibition ship demonstrates how research today is helping to rethink health. The University of Bayreuth is represented with its own exhibition – focusing on a topic that exemplifies the challenges of a globalised world: mosquitoes as disease vectors in the context of climate change, biodiversity and planetary health.

The Bayreuth exhibit is entitled “Mosquitoes are becoming a threat – yet they fulfil valuable ecological roles”. It shows how closely the environment, animals and humans are interconnected – and how these interdependencies affect our health. The exhibition takes up central ideas from “One Health” and “Planetary Health”: both concepts emphasise that human health is inextricably linked to intact ecosystems, stable climatic conditions and sustainable economic practices.

Due to climate change, travel and global trade, invasive species such as the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) are increasingly spreading across Europe. It can transmit pathogens such as the chikungunya, dengue or Zika viruses. At the same time, native species such as the common house mosquito (Culex pipiens) can transmit novel pathogens such as the West Nile virus.

Global changes, local impacts

“Mosquitoes provide an ideal way to demonstrate how biodiversity, climate and health are interconnected,” says Dr Stephanie Thomas, a researcher at the Chair of Biogeography, coordinator of the elite Master’s programme in Global Change Ecology, and a lecturer on the international Master’s programme in Environment, Climate Change and Health, which is supervised by Professor Wilm Quentin. “They highlight how global changes have local impacts – and why we must always consider health in the context of the interplay between humans, animals and the environment.”

The Bayreuth exhibition combines wall graphics, fact sheets, 3D models and short video clips. Among other things, visitors learn:

+ how invasive mosquito species spread,

+ which diseases different species can transmit,

+ how climate change is shifting the distribution ranges of mosquitoes and diseases,

+ how researchers model these distribution patterns and assess risks,

+ why mosquitoes fulfil important ecological functions despite the risks they pose.

A central element consists of two mosquito fact sheets presenting typical species:

Research from Bayreuth

The exhibition is based on work carried out by two research units at the University of Bayreuth: the Chair of Biogeography investigates changes in biodiversity, invasive mosquito species and the diseases they carry. Meanwhile, the Chair of Planetary & Public Health explores the links between the environment, climate and health, and how healthcare systems can become more resilient. Stephanie Thomas has been working in vector ecology for over ten years and is involved in international projects on biodiversity, climate change and health.

A project with a wide reach

Preparations for participation in the joint exhibition on the MS Wissenschaft have been underway since November 2025. The exhibition will be set up at the end of April. The project is financially supported by outreach funds from the University of Bayreuth and additional funding from the University of Bayreuth Association and the Bayreuth Centre for Ecology and Environmental Research. Paul Birkner, a student on the Global Change Ecology Master’s programme, will act as a scientific guide on board the exhibition. Stephanie Thomas will be present at selected stops.