Sami Domisch

Dr. Sami Domisch is a Research Group Leader at the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin, leading the Global Freshwater Biodiversity, Biogeography and Conservation (GLOWABIO) research group since 2024. He previously held a Leibniz Junior Research Group Leader position (2019–2024) and completed a postdoc at IGB (2016–2019). His academic journey includes a PhD at Senckenberg Research Institutes (2009–2012) and postdoctoral work at Yale University (2013–2016). Domisch specializes in freshwater biodiversity, climate change impacts, and hydrological modeling, with a focus on macroinvertebrates and ecosystem services.

• Education:
  • PhD in Biodiversity and Climate Research (2012), Senckenberg Research Institutes
  • Postdoc at Yale University (2013–2016)
  • Advanced studies in biology at Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg (2005–2007)
  • Basic studies in biology at Technische Universität Kaiserslautern (2001–2005)

His research interests span freshwater biogeography, conservation strategies, and the integration of geospatial tools for environmental data analysis. Domisch has co-developed influential tools like the hydrographr R package and the GeoFRESH platform. He is an Associate Editor for Scientific Data and Journal of Biogeography, and a member of multiple editorial boards.

Key grants include DFG-funded projects on freshwater fish diversity and NFDI4Earth initiatives for geospatial data interoperability. His work addresses global challenges like dam impacts, climate change effects, and invasive species dynamics. Domisch has received the EFFS-Award (2011–2012) for his PhD work and hosts international researchers through DAAD programs.

Notable collaborations include the AquaINFRA and SOS-Water Horizon Europe projects, focusing on infrastructure for water research and safe operating spaces for water systems. His lab develops geospatial solutions to bridge data gaps in freshwater science.