Andy Sombke

Dr. Andy Sombke is a highly accomplished researcher specializing in arthropod morphology and neuroanatomy at the Medical University of Vienna's Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, where he leads a research group in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. With a habilitation (Dr. rer. nat. habil.), he has established himself as a leading expert in myriapod biology, particularly centipede anatomy, venom systems, and appendage development. His work bridges fundamental research with potential biomedical applications, utilizing advanced microscopic techniques including SEM, TEM, microCT, and histology.

Dr. Sombke's research interests focus on comparative neuroanatomy, venom delivery mechanisms, appendage regeneration, and respiratory system anatomy in arthropods. His work on centipedes has revealed remarkable insights into the evolutionary transformations of their ultimate legs, which serve diverse functions from physical defense to sensory reception. His research group employs a multimodal microscopic approach to analyze the cellular organization and functional adaptations of these fascinating creatures, with potential applications in bioinspired technology and novel therapeutics.

His publication record shows strong focus on centipede morphology (40% of recent publications), venom systems (25%), neuroanatomy (20%), and comparative morphology across arthropod groups (15%). The research demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, with recent work spanning immunology, oncology, and biomedical engineering applications of arthropod-inspired systems.

• Associate Editor of Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny
• Associate Editor of Physiological Entomology
• Speaker of the section group Morphology of the German Zoological Society
• Participant of the European Venom Network (COST Action CA19144)

Dr. Sombke has mentored several students including Iulia Barutia and Simon Züger, and collaborates extensively with international researchers across Europe. His work on centipede biology has received significant attention for its potential to inform biomedical applications, particularly in understanding venom components with therapeutic potential. His laboratory, the Functional Ultrastructure Group, focuses on providing comprehensive understanding of cellular dynamics through electron microscopic techniques.

The Functional Ultrastructure Group maintains active research on centipede anatomy, venom systems, and appendage development, with particular emphasis on the evolutionary transformations of centipede ultimate legs. The group is part of the European Venom Network and maintains the "Myriapod Morphology and Evolution" Facebook group as a hub for international collaboration in the field.