Markus Koch

Markus Koch is a Researcher at the Department II - Animal Biodiversity of the Bonn Institute for Organismic Biology, University of Bonn. His work focuses on biodiversity, evolutionary morphology, and phylogenetics of soil arthropods, particularly millipedes and primordial insects (Apterygota). He employs digital imaging techniques such as histology, microtomography, and electron microscopy for 3D anatomical reconstruction and develops anatomical ontologies to enhance biodiversity research and informatics.

• Education: PhD in Biology (University of Hamburg, 1996-2000); Master's in Biology (University of Hamburg, 1989-1995).

His research integrates cladistics with modern information technologies, optimizing phylogenetic analysis methods through anatomical ontologies. Recent projects include studying head morphology evolution in Remipedia, ancestral character reconstruction in Scolopendromorpha, and comparative anatomy of silverfish.

Koch has been recognized with the 2001 Promotional Prize of the Hamburg Foundation for Science, Development, and Culture for his dissertation work on insect phylogeny. He actively participates in symposia and workshops, including leadership roles at the World Biodiversity Forum and BIODIVERSITY_NEXT conferences.

• Scientific Awards: Promotional Prize of the Hamburg Foundation (2001).

His teaching contributions span bachelor's and master's programs, covering topics like animal morphology, cladistics, histology, and electron microscopy.