Find Academic Supervisors

Susanne FoitzikView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Host-Parasite Coevolution
• +13 more

Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2010, where she leads the Evolution & Behavioral Ecology of Ants research group at the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME). Previously, she was Professor in Behavioral Ecology at LMU Munich (2004-2010) and Assistant Professor in Zoology at the University of Regensburg (2000-2004). She earned her PhD in Biology from Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg in 1998. Her research integrates approaches from behavioral ecology through genomics to epigenetics, focusing on ants as model organisms to study complex social behaviors. Host-parasite coevolution and social parasitism in ants Molecular mechanisms underlying division of labor Reversal of the fecundity-longevity trade-off in social insects Gene regulation in phenotypic plasticity Evolution of chemical communication systems Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on molecular mechanisms of social behavior, with particular emphasis on host-parasite interactions, epigenetic regulation of behavior, and genomic adaptations in social insects. Her work increasingly combines transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional genomic approaches to understand the molecular basis of social evolution. Among her notable scientific achievements: Speaker of Research Training Group 2626 GenEvo: Gene Regulation in Evolution (2019-present) Speaker of EES Master Program funded by VW foundation (2007-2010) DAAD Fellow at State University of New York (1992-93) Prof. Foitzik has supervised numerous PhD students and postdocs, including Maide Macit, Tom Sistermans, and Marcel Caminer. Her research is supported by multiple DFG-funded projects investigating host-parasite coevolution, the role of gene regulation in division of labor, and parasite interference in host gene expression. She serves as Handling Editor for Biology Letters and previously served on the editorial board of Insectes Sociaux. Her research group operates within the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME) at Mainz, with laboratory facilities at the Biozentrum I. The group collaborates extensively with researchers across Germany and internationally, including partnerships with institutions in Frankfurt, Freiburg, Bristol, and Tel Aviv.

Florian JeltschView profile

Professor

• Community Ecology of Grasslands and Agricultural Landscapes
• Community Ecology of Drylands
• Biodiversity in Heterogeneous Environments
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Florian Jeltsch leads the Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation research group at the Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Potsdam. His work spans multiple ecological domains with a focus on understanding biodiversity patterns and processes in changing environments. His research group investigates community ecology across various landscapes including grasslands, agricultural systems, and drylands. Dr. Jeltsch's research interests encompass Community Ecology of Grasslands and Agricultural Landscapes, Community Ecology of Drylands, Biodiversity in Heterogeneous Environments, Movement Ecology and Biodiversity Dynamics, and Applied Regional Conservation. His work integrates theoretical and empirical approaches to address pressing ecological questions related to global change. He has been instrumental in developing and applying individual-based models to understand complex ecological systems. Analysis of Dr. Jeltsch's recent publications reveals a strong focus on individual-based ecological modeling, movement ecology, and the impacts of landscape heterogeneity on biodiversity. His work spans from theoretical foundations to practical conservation applications, with particular emphasis on savanna ecosystems, habitat fragmentation effects, and climate change impacts. The research demonstrates integration of multiple scales from individual energetics to community dynamics. Dr. Jeltsch has mentored numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to establish their own research careers. His group has been involved in multiple collaborative projects including BioHet, GrassYear, BioMove, and ORYCS, addressing biodiversity conservation in heterogeneous environments. The Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation group maintains active research stations including the Gülpe Research Station, providing field-based research opportunities. The group's work bridges theoretical ecology with practical conservation applications, particularly in the context of global environmental change.

Niels DingemanseView profile

Professor

• Behavioural Ecology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Animal Personality
• +4 more

Niels Dingemanse is a tenured Professor of Behavioural Ecology at Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich, Germany, and leads the Evolutionary Ecology of Variation research group at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology. His academic journey includes roles as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Groningen and the University of Wales, Bangor. He holds a PhD in natural sciences from Utrecht University (2003) and an M.Sc. in Ecology from the University of Groningen (1997). His research focuses on evolutionary and behavioural ecology, particularly the ecological and evolutionary significance of individual variation in behaviour, physiology, and life-history traits. Key themes include personality evolution, indirect genetic effects, and the integration of genomic approaches with ecological field studies. Dingemanse has contributed to projects like the Great Tit HapMap initiative, exploring genomic variation across continental scales. Publications emphasize interdisciplinary methods, combining field experiments with genomic and statistical tools. His work addresses topics such as mate choice evolution, the role of environmental fluctuations in shaping social plasticity, and the genetic basis of vocal rhythms in birds. Grants and fellowships include the Veni Innovational Research Incentives Scheme (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) and ALW open competition grants. He has advised numerous postdoctoral researchers and leads collaborative projects across Europe.

Ralf StanewskyView profile

Professor

• Circadian Rhythms
• Biological Clocks
• Neurobiology
• +3 more

Professor Ralf Stanewsky leads the Stanewsky Group at the Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, University of Münster. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster , particularly how environmental cues like light and temperature reset the circadian clock. The group employs genetic, molecular, histological, and behavioral approaches to study sensory pathways and their integration in central clock neurons. Member of the Multiscale Imaging Centre (MIC) and Imaging Network – Microscopy Current lab members: Ph.D. students Anna Katharina Eick, Angelica Coculla, Maia Zabel Barroso Technical assistants Regina Hube and Ume Aiman Research Themes Light and temperature synchronization of circadian clocks Temperature compensation mechanisms in biological timing Neuronal integration of environmental signals Evolutionary aspects of circadian regulation Professor Stanewsky’s work spans molecular clock components (e.g., cryptochromes, timeless gene variants) to broader ecological implications of temporal niche choice. His lab investigates how clock gene expression responds to seasonal changes and environmental stressors, while also exploring novel synchronization pathways beyond classical photoreceptors. Publication Trends Recent articles emphasize temperature-dependent clock regulation , evolutionary capacitance via Hsp90 , and non-canonical phototransduction in circadian systems. Key subfields include nuclear transport dynamics, kinase evolution, and computational modeling of periodic patterns across species. Contact Information Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, University of Münster MIC | Röntgenstraße 16, D-48149 Münster, Germany Email: stanewsky@uni-muenster.de Phone: +49 251 8321029

Andreas HerzView profile

Professor

• Computational Neuroscience
• Neural Coding
• Spatial Navigation
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Andreas Herz is a Chair in Computational Neuroscience at the Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU). His research focuses on understanding neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation, temporal cognition, and sensory processing. He leads the Computational Neuroscience group and collaborates with the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Munich. Research Interests: Dr. Herz investigates how neural systems encode spatial and temporal information, including grid cells, head-direction systems, and neural coding strategies. His work bridges experimental neurophysiology with theoretical modeling, addressing topics like cognitive maps, neural variability, and synaptic plasticity. Teaching & Mentorship: He oversees advanced courses on computational neuroscience and neurophysiology, fostering interdisciplinary training for graduate students. His research group includes prominent collaborators like Dr. Martin Stemmler and PD Dr. Kay Thurley, focusing on projects involving neural network dynamics and behavioral neuroscience. Publications & Impact: Over 85 peer-reviewed articles highlight his contributions to understanding entorhinal-hippocampal circuits, dendritic processing, and neural representation of space/time. Key work includes studies on grid cell variability, zebrafish spatial memory, and cytoskeletal organization in dendritic spines.

Kei ItoView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Drosophila Brain Architecture
• Glial Cell Biology
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Kei Ito is a leading neuroscientist at the University of Cologne , specializing in Drosophila melanogaster brain architecture. His research focuses on mapping " terra incognita " regions of the brain, analyzing glial cell functions across development, and establishing standardized insect brain nomenclature through international collaboration. As AXA Chairholder and former HHMI Senior Fellow , he combines molecular genetics with 3D virtual reality visualization to unravel neuronal network organization . Academic Affiliation : University of Cologne (2016–present) Prior Positions : The University of Tokyo (2002–2017), National Institute for Basic Biology (1998–2002) Research Interests span multiple domains: "Terra Incognita" Analysis : Systematic mapping of previously uncharacterized brain regions (70% of brain volume) Glial Cell Biology : Classification and functional analysis from embryo to adult Connectome Research : Integration of electron microscopy data with genetic tools Neuronal Lineage Studies : 3D reconstruction of neuroblast progeny patterns Scientific Contributions include: Creation of 4,500 NP Gal4 driver lines (Japan consortium, 1998) Pioneering Split-Gal4 systems for precise neuron labeling Establishment of 6 distinct neuron naming schemes for EM data Leadership in Insect Brain Name Working Group (2007–2014) Advising Legacy features direct mentorship of 6 doctoral students and collaborative analysis of 3,777 neuron types in EM datasets. His lab maintains 1,000+ specific Split-Gal4 lines for terra incognita research.

Marcell K. PetersView profile

Researcher

• Biodiversity
• Community Ecology
• Climate Change
• +5 more

Dr. Marcell K. Peters is a Senior Academic Councillor at the Chair of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III) at the University of Bremen. His research focuses on biodiversity patterns, ecosystem functioning, and climate-land use interactions in tropical and montane environments, with extensive fieldwork in East Africa and the Amazon. He leads projects under DFG and EU funding, including the UPSCALE initiative. Habilitation in Zoology (University of Würzburg, 2018) PhD in Biology (University of Bonn, 2008) Diploma in Biology (RWTH Aachen & University of Bonn, 2003) Research spans multi-taxa community ecology, army ants and ant-following birds, DNA barcoding applications, and climate change impacts on pollination networks. Google Scholar highlights recent work on climate-agriculture interactions in sub-Saharan Africa, trait-based community assembly, and network resilience in biodiversity hotspots. His publications emphasize elevational gradients, disturbance ecology, and functional diversity across Mount Kilimanjaro studies. Current affiliations include the DFG Research Unit Kilimanjaro and EU-funded UPSCALE project. He employs advanced methods like airborne LiDAR for biodiversity prediction and investigates nutrient use by ant communities across continents.

Oksana BuzhdyganView profile

Researcher

• Biodiversity Conservation
• Ecosystem Ecology
• Ecological Modeling
• +3 more

Dr. Oksana Buzhdygan is a Senior Researcher in Theoretical Ecology at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy at Freie Universität Berlin. She holds a PhD in Ecology from Chernivtsi National University and has held postdoctoral positions at institutions including the University of Georgia (USA) and Freie Universität Berlin. Her research focuses on biodiversity-ecosystem functioning links, multitrophic interactions, and ecological network analysis. Education: BSc, MSc, and PhD in Ecology (2000–2008), Chernivtsi National University, Ukraine Postdoctoral Fellowships: University of Georgia (2010–2012), Freie Universität Berlin (2013–2021) Research Interests: Environmental change impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functions Ecological network analysis of multitrophic systems Food web dynamics in grasslands and freshwater ecosystems Publications reflect her expertise in biodiversity effects on energy flow, human impact on ecosystems, and plant diversity drivers. Her work bridges theoretical ecology with applied conservation challenges, particularly in grasslands and agroecosystems. Labs/Teams: Member of the Tietjen Group (Theoretical Ecology at Freie Universität Berlin), collaborating widely in international projects on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

• Aquaculture
• Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA)
• Marine Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Matthew James Slater is the Head of the Aquaculture Research Group at the Alfred Wegener Institute, focusing on sustainable marine bioeconomy. His work emphasizes integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), holothurian ecology, and economic development through aquaculture. He leads applied research with industry partners to develop sustainable feed solutions and improve aquaculture practices. Research interests include optimizing feed ingredients from by-products (e.g., black soldier fly larvae, shrimp processing remains) and exploring the ecological roles of sea cucumbers. He investigates the effects of environmental factors (soundscapes, light, temperature) on aquatic species and promotes circular economy principles in aquaculture. Key contributions span over 60 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work on microplastic contamination in fish and the economic value of small-scale fisheries. His research integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address global challenges in aquaculture sustainability and food security. Contact: matthew.james.slater@awi.de | +49(471)4831-2727 | Alfred Wegener Institute, Bussestraße 27, 27570 Bremerhaven

• Computational Neuroscience
• Visual System
• Sensory Coding
• +7 more

Thomas Wachtler-Kulla is a Professor in the Department of Biology II at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, where he leads the Computational Neuroscience research group. He is a GSN full member and serves as the GSN Ombudsperson, offering neutral and confidential counseling for students. He is also the Group Leader and Scientific Director at the German Neuroinformatics Node (G-Node), contributing significantly to neuroscience data infrastructure. His research focuses on how the brain processes sensory signals, particularly in the visual system, aiming to understand neural coding, perceptual stability, and color vision under natural conditions. He employs neurophysiology, psychophysics, and computational modeling to investigate sensory processing, eye movement compensation, and efficient coding mechanisms. At G-Node, he develops software and hardware tools for organizing, storing, analyzing, and sharing neurophysiological data, promoting reproducible research. His recent work spans Bayesian models of hue perception, data management frameworks like DataLad and odML, and studies on honeybee neuroethology. He actively supervises graduate students and contributes to major initiatives such as NFDI-Neuro and the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility, advancing standards for open and FAIR neuroscience. Scientific Contributions and Leadership: Scientific Director, German Neuroinformatics Node (G-Node) GSN Ombudsperson for student conflict resolution Key contributor to NFDI-Neuro and INCF Developer of tools for metadata management and data sharing He advises several current and former graduate students and is deeply involved in shaping data policies and infrastructure for the neuroscience community, ensuring scientific rigor and accessibility.

• Honeybee Genetics
• Animal Breeding
• Disease Resistance
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. agr. Kaspar Bienefeld is an Honorary Professor at the Humboldt University of Berlin within the Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences. His research focuses on honeybee genetics, breeding optimization, and disease resistance mechanisms. Research Interests: Honeybee population genetics, Varroa mite resistance, genomic selection, and behavioral ethology. Key Contributions: Development of SNP assays for resistance traits, simulation studies for breeding schemes, and conservation strategies like Europe’s first honeybee gene bank. Publications: Over 40 peer-reviewed articles spanning honeybee breeding, genetic parameter estimation, and stress biomarker analysis.

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Agroforestry Systems
• Non-Timber Forest Products
• +6 more

Professor Dietrich Darr is a faculty member at Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf (HSWT), specifically within the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition. His academic journey includes previous professorship at Hochschule Rhein-Waal (2012-2024) and visiting positions at Universidade de Brasília (2023-2024), Vietnam National University of Forestry (2020), and ICRAF Central Asia office (2018). Dr. Darr's research focuses on sustainable and resilient farming and food systems with particular expertise in agribusiness, corporate management, and sustainable resource utilization. His work prominently features baobab tree applications in African and European food industries, agroforestry systems, non-timber forest products, and sustainable land management. His international research projects span Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. His recent publications reveal strong trends in sustainable value chain development, climate-smart agriculture, and innovative approaches to rural livelihood improvement. The articles demonstrate consistent focus on practical applications of agroforestry systems, analysis of non-timber forest products commercialization, and sustainable land management solutions for smallholder farmers in developing regions. Dr. Darr leads numerous research projects including SUFACHAIN (2022-2025) on sustainable agroforestry value chains in Central Asia, CONFARMED (2024) on edible insects for circular food economy in Uganda, and previously led BAOQUALITY (2019-2022) on baobab quality improvement for food security in Africa. His projects are primarily funded by German institutions including BMBF, BMEL, and DFG. As an active member of professional organizations including ATSAF, EFARD, IUFRO, DeFAF, and EURAF, Dr. Darr contributes to international agricultural research communities with focus on tropical and subtropical agriculture, agroforestry, and forest research.

Katrin VogtView profile

Researcher

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Neural Circuits
• Sensory Processing
• +7 more

Katrin Vogt is a Group Leader at the University of Konstanz and an Affiliated Scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. She serves on the IMPRS Board and Faculty, focusing on behavioral neuroscience in Drosophila larvae. Her research explores how social context and internal states (e.g., hunger) modulate neural circuits and behavior, utilizing genetic tools like optogenetics, RNAi, and CRISPR. Key Research Areas: Behavioral flexibility under internal state changes Neural integration of sensory and state signals in the antennal lobe Role of serotonin (CSD neuron) in modulating output pathways Computational modeling of state-dependent circuit dynamics Notable Achievements: Discovered state-dependent olfactory valence switching (e.g., geranyl acetate shifts from aversion to attraction under food deprivation) Elucidated glutamatergic inhibition mechanisms in picky local interneurons Identified 5-HT7 receptor's role in upregulating uniglomerular projection neuron activity Recent Publications: 2025: PLoS Biology on multimodal sensory neurons 2024: Current Biology commentary on behavioral neuroscience 2023: Current Biology on multisensory memory merging Academic Affiliations: University of Konstanz (Group Leader, Department of Collective Behavior) Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (Affiliated Scientist) IMPRS for Organismal Biology (Faculty Member) Scientific Awards: DFG Research Fellowship (Project No. 345729665) Students & Collaborators: PhD students: Hari P. Narayanan, Akhila Mudunuri Research assistants: Nora Tutas, Julius Klein, Constantin Dyroff DAAD summer student: Élyse Zadigue-Dubé Recent graduates: Amelie Edmaier (BSc 2023), Constantin Dyroff (BSc 2023)

Dina DechmannView profile

Researcher

• Behavioral Ecology
• Animal Migration
• Resource Distribution
• +3 more

Dina Dechmann is Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Department of Migration in Radolfzell, Germany. She leads the Ephemeral Resource Adaptations Research Group, focusing on how animals adapt to fluctuating resource availability through behavioral, morphological, and physiological strategies. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from University of Zürich (2005) MS in Systematics & Ecology from ETH Zürich (1999) Habilitation at University of Konstanz (2018) Dr. Dechmann identifies as a classical behavioral ecologist with a passion for evolution, increasingly focusing on how resource distribution in time and space influences animal adaptations. Her research examines movement patterns (particularly in flying foxes and bats), energetics, information transfer during foraging, and morphological adaptations like wing shape. A significant focus involves seasonal phenological changes, especially in brain structure, as seen in her work on Dehnel's Phenomenon in shrews. She is actively involved in the ICARUS satellite tracking initiative to monitor bat migration. Her recent publications reveal consistent themes across animal behavior, neuroecology, and conservation biology. The work demonstrates sophisticated integration of field studies with molecular and physiological approaches, particularly in studying how animals navigate resource ephemerality. Key trends include bat migration patterns, brain plasticity in response to seasonal changes, and methodological innovations in wildlife tracking. Her research bridges fundamental behavioral ecology with practical conservation applications, especially regarding common bat species. Dr. Dechmann mentors a diverse international team including postdocs, doctoral students, and technical staff. Her group maintains strong collaborations across European institutions and with international partners, particularly in Panama where some field studies occur. While specific grant details aren't provided, her work on the ICARUS initiative and extensive publications suggest substantial research funding. The Ephemeral Resource Adaptations Group operates as a small, international team focused on resource distribution challenges for animals. Current projects examine migration as an adaptation to seasonal change, hibernation energetics in climate change contexts, social information sharing for ephemeral resources, alternative wintering strategies in small mammals, and impacts of research methodologies on animal behavior.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Paleontology
• Entomology
• +3 more

Dr. Christine Kiesmüller is a researcher at the University of Warsaw’s Faculty of Biology, affiliated with the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and the PARADIVE group. Her work focuses on arthropod evolution and predator-prey interactions in fossil records. She holds a PhD focused on functional adaptations of predatory insects and their prey, building on earlier studies in developmental biology and paleontology. Her research combines morphological analysis with phylogenetic comparisons to infer ancient behaviors from fossils, such as ‘frozen behavior’ preserved in amber. Kiesmüller has contributed to studies on Cretaceous insect larvae, mantis lacewing pupae, and predator-prey dynamics in amber deposits, with publications in iScience , Swiss Journal of Palaeontology , and others. She collaborates widely with institutions like the Palaeo-Evo-Devo Network and maintains active profiles on ResearchGate and Google Scholar.