Irina Ruf

Dr. Irina Ruf is Head of the Malacology Section at the Senckenberg Research Institute and holds academic positions including Visiting Professor at Yunnan University and Honorary Associate Professor at University College Dublin. Her research focuses on mollusc evolution, marine invertebrate biodiversity, and environmental adaptation through integrative approaches like genomics and tomography. She has contributed to over 150 publications, including key works on mollusc phylogeny and deep-sea biodiversity conservation. Her work bridges morphology, genetics, and computational modeling, with recent emphasis on genomic studies of molluscs and taxonomic advancements. She is actively involved in conservation initiatives, including IUCN Red List assessments and global marine biodiversity projects. Labs and collaborations center on Senckenberg's collections and international partnerships like the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance.