Martin Pilhofer is Professor at ETH Zürich. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that mediate microbial cell-cell interactions. Using a multiscale imaging approach together with complementary structural, genetic, and biochemical approaches, his laboratory studies macromolecular machines that mediate these interactions. A major focus is on contractile injection systems, phage-derived nanomachines used by bacteria and microbial eukaryote-associated symbionts to interact with other cells. His group also investigates the cell biology of Asgard archaea, including their unusual cell surfaces, cytoskeletal systems, and interactions with other microorganisms. More broadly, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of microbial cell biology and the evolution of complex cellular structures and cell–cell interactions.