Matthias Glaubrecht

Prof. Dr. Matthias Glaubrecht is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Hamburg (MIN Faculty), associated with the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, mollusk systematics, and biogeography, with particular emphasis on freshwater gastropods, biodiversity conservation, and historical natural history collections. He leads projects at the Evolutioneum (New Museum) and has contributed to studies on phylogeography, parasite-host interactions, and the legacy of 19th-century explorers like Adelbert von Chamisso. His work bridges molecular biology, ecology, and cultural heritage, addressing global biodiversity crises and their societal implications.

Research Interests:

• Evolutionary Biology: Phylogeography, speciation, and adaptive radiations in freshwater snails.
• Biodiversity: Conservation of threatened species and ecosystem resilience.
• Mollusk Systematics: Taxonomic revisions and molecular phylogenetics of gastropods.
• Natural History: Curation of historical collections and their scientific value.

Recent Themes in Articles: Recent work emphasizes biodiversity loss, parasite-host dynamics in tropical ecosystems, and the integration of historical expeditions (e.g., von Chamisso’s voyages) with modern scientific inquiry. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to ecological and evolutionary challenges.

Grants & Projects: Active in museum-driven research (e.g., Evolutioneum) and international collaborations on biodiversity hotspots like Sulawesi’s ancient lakes.

Labs/Teams: Associated with the Institute for Plant Sciences and Microbiology (IPM) and the Leibniz Institute for Biodiversity Change, contributing to multi-institutional projects.