Harald Hausen

Harald Hausen is an Associate Professor and Researcher at the Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen, affiliated with the Hausen Group at the Michael Sars Centre for Marine Molecular Biology. His research focuses on the evolution and development of cell types and organ systems in marine invertebrates, particularly photoreceptors, eyes, and nervous systems. He combines molecular, developmental, and structural approaches to study sensory biology and evolutionary transitions.

Education & Roles:

• Associate Professor at University of Bergen
• Group Leader of Hausen Group
• Supervisor of doctoral students Suman Kumar and Oliver Vocking

Research Interests: Evolutionary origins of sensory organs, photoreceptor diversity, comparative neurobiology, and molecular mechanisms underlying animal complexity. His work bridges developmental genetics and structural biology to uncover ancestral features of light-sensing systems and cellular innovations in marine invertebrates.

Key Contributions: Pioneered integrative studies on FMRFamide-gated channels, xenopsin pigment roles in protostomes, and molecular identity of larval eyespots. His lab uses advanced microscopy and functional genomics to address fundamental questions in evolutionary developmental biology.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Hausen Group, specializing in marine protostome sensory systems. Collaborates closely with the Michael Sars Centre's facilities for marine invertebrate research.