Detlev Arendt

Detlev Arendt is a Professor at Heidelberg University and a Senior Scientist at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), where he has held leadership roles including Group Leader and Team Leader since 2002. His research focuses on evolutionary developmental biology, particularly the evolution of animal nervous systems, cell types, and developmental mechanisms. Key contributions include studies on phototaxis in marine zooplankton, circadian rhythms, and the evolutionary origins of chordates.

He earned a Kowalewsky Medal (2011) for excellence in evolutionary developmental biology and led an ERC-funded project ('BrainEvoDevo') exploring brain evolution. His work integrates experimental embryology, comparative genomics, and single-cell technologies. He is a member of the European Molecular Biology Organisation and has held honorary academic appointments since 2008.

At EMBL, he leads the Developmental Biology Unit, advancing understanding of developmental and evolutionary processes. His research also bridges disciplines like zoology, genetics, and systems biology, addressing fundamental questions about animal diversity and cellular complexity.