Birger Neuhaus

Dr. Birger Neuhaus is a permanent Researcher and Curator of Worm-Like Animals at the Museum of Natural History, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Research in Berlin since 1991. He serves as the Officer for Light Microscopy in zoological collections and central laboratory facilities.

• University of Göttingen (Biology, 1980–1986)
• PhD in Biology (1986–1991, Prof. Dr. P. Ax)

With over 25 years of research focus on Nemathelminthes (Aschelminthes), Dr. Neuhaus investigates their phylogenetic relationships to other invertebrates and specializes in Kinorhyncha taxonomy, zoogeography, and evolution. His work integrates ultrastructural analysis, electron microscopy, and immunocytochemistry to study meiofauna.

His 15 most recent publications (1987–2009) demonstrate expertise in marine invertebrate ultrastructure, deep-sea biodiversity, and systematics of microscopic worms. Key themes include Loricifera, Kinorhyncha, Gastrotricha, and Acanthocephala across global biomes from the Falkland Islands to Carrie Bow Cay.

Scientific Awards include prestigious grants from:

• DAAD (1989)
• DFG (1992, 1994)
• Smithsonian Institution (1992–1993)
• Niedersächsisches Graduiertenförderungsgesetz (1987–1989)

Dr. Neuhaus leads collection management for the Vermes collection containing 100,000 specimens (30,000 lot numbers) and 2,140 species type materials searchable in the SeSam database. His 2002–2007 expeditions aboard R/V Sonne and collaborations with international institutions demonstrate global research leadership.