Dr. Ugo Molteni

Research Focus

I'm an environmental scientist whose research stands at the interface between the biosphere and the atmosphere. My research interest is plant volatile organic compounds (VOC) and their atmospheric oxidation, investigating how plants communicate through chemical signals and how these compounds impact air quality and climate.

Biosphere-Atmosphere Interactions Volatile Organic Compounds Mass Spectrometry Atmospheric Chemistry Environmental Analytical Chemistry Secondary Organic Aerosols Climate Change Impact Data Science Complexity Science

3,392 Citations | h-index: 24

Source: Scopus

Academic Journey

WSL - Swiss Federal Research Institute

Birmensdorf, Switzerland (Current)

ETH Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)

Villigen, Switzerland

CERN

Geneva, Switzerland

FHNW

Switzerland

UC Irvine

California, USA

Università degli Studi di Milano

Milano, Italy

Expertise & Skills

🔬 Analytical Techniques

Mass Spectrometry
Online & Offline Analysis
Chemical Kinetics
Atmospheric Measurements

💻 Data & Technology

Data Science & Analysis
Lab Equipment Development
Instrumentation Design
Complex Systems Analysis

🌱 Environmental Science

Atmospheric Chemistry
Plant VOC Emissions
Air Quality Assessment
Climate Change Research

🧪 Laboratory Work

Experimental Design
Analytical Method Development
Quality Control
Equipment Troubleshooting

Research Impact

My work explores the fascinating world of plant communication through volatile organic compounds and their atmospheric fate. Plants emit hundreds of compounds that serve as chemical messengers - from the citrus aroma when peeling an orange to the distinctive pine scent in coniferous forests. These compounds don't just create pleasant scents; they play crucial roles in plant defense, pollinator attraction, and atmospheric chemistry.

Through online and offline mass spectrometric techniques, I investigate how these emissions change under climate stress and their impact on air quality and climate. As climate change brings earlier springs, severe droughts, and insect outbreaks, understanding how plants respond through altered VOC emissions becomes increasingly critical for predicting future air quality and climate scenarios.