Thomas Martin

Prof. Dr. Thomas Martin serves as Chair of Paleontology at the University of Bonn's Institute of Geosciences, where he has led the Vertebrate Paleontology department since October 1, 2006. He is also Vice President of the Paleontological Society since 2009 and holds a guest professorship at Shenyang Normal University in China since 2013. His research group focuses on mammalian evolution, with particular emphasis on jaw and dentition evolution, masticatory biomechanics, and the evolution of the ear region throughout mammalian history.

Dr. Martin's educational background includes:

• Diploma in Geology-Paleontology from Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (1987)
• PhD from Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Bonn (1991)
• Habilitation from Freie Universität Berlin (1997)

His research interests center on the origin and diversification of mammals, with particular focus on Mesozoic mammals. He employs cutting-edge 3D methods including µCT scanning, surface segmentation, DiceCT, Occlusal Fingerprint Analyzer (OFA), virtual animation, and simulation to investigate how changes in the masticatory apparatus and feeding habits have shaped mammalian evolution. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of dietary adaptations and associated hearing enhancements during crucial moments in mammalian evolutionary history.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on Mesozoic mammal dentition, particularly the functional morphology of early mammalian teeth and jaws. His research spans multiple continents, with significant work on German, Russian, and Chinese fossil sites, and demonstrates consistent investigation into mammalian evolutionary patterns through detailed dental and skeletal analyses. His collaborations span internationally with researchers from Russia, China, and the United States.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Fritz-Franck-Förderpreis der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Säugetierkunde (1993)

Dr. Martin has secured substantial research funding through multiple DFG (German Research Foundation) projects, including ongoing work on polar vertebrates from the Lower Cretaceous of Yakutia, Russia, and functional studies of early mammalian dentition. He currently supervises several doctoral students including Marius Losco, Thomas Engler, and Sebastian Pommerening, and maintains an active research group with multiple postdoctoral researchers.

His laboratory utilizes state-of-the-art imaging and analytical techniques, with particular expertise in virtual paleontology methods. The research group maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with institutions in Russia, China, and the United States, reflecting the global nature of his paleontological investigations.