Volker Herzig

Associate Professor Volker Herzig is an ARC Future Fellow and Theme Leader of Biodiscovery at the University of the Sunshine Coast's Centre for Bioinnovation. He leads research on arthropod venoms, focusing on their biodiscovery and applications in medicine, agriculture, and basic science. His lab maintains the world’s largest arachnid venoms collection (550 spider and 150 scorpion venoms), used in collaborative projects targeting bioinsecticides, antiparasitics, and pharmacological tools. Key research areas include ion channel modulation, environmentally safe pest control, and venom effects on insect learning/memory.

Herzig holds a Dip. (Biology) and PhD (Biology) from TU (Technische Universität, Germany). He has secured significant grants, including AUD240,000 from the Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships (2025-2027) for locust pest control and AUD755,000 via an ARC Future Fellowship (2020-2023) for spider venom-based biopesticides. His expertise spans toxinology, pharmacology, and molecular biology, supported by memberships in the International Society on Toxinology (IST) and Deutsche Arachnologische Gesellschaft (DeArGe).

Future projects include investigating venom toxins’ role in insect learning/memory mechanisms, potentially revealing new pest control tools and insights into neurobiology. His work bridges basic research and applied solutions, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and biomedical innovation.