During his doctorate and as postdoc at FU Berlin, Luis R. Paniagua Voirol researched the intergenerational significance of the microbiome for butterflies. He discovered that offspring of butterflies without gut bacteria are more susceptible to environmental changes. As an Einstein Independent Researcher, he will be investigating how exactly the microbiome influences the insects’ genetic activity and performance across generations, particularly when they face nutritional and immunity challenges. He also aims to strengthen understanding of the ecological and economic importance of butterflies and their conservation.