Max Wolf

Max Wolf is a Research Professor and Group Leader at the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin, where he leads research in the Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture. His work focuses on understanding individual differences in behavior and their developmental trajectories, using the naturally clonal Amazon molly fish as a model system.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Theoretical Biology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands (2009)
• Studies in Biology, University of Heidelberg (2003-05)
• Diploma in Economics (Diplom Volkswirt), University of Mannheim (2002)
• Studies in Economics, University of California, Berkeley, USA (2000-01)

Wolf's research centers on behavioral individuality and development, exploring how genetically identical individuals develop distinct behavioral patterns even in identical environments. His work combines experimental approaches with mathematical modeling, focusing particularly on clonal fish systems like the Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa). Through high-resolution tracking and innovative experimental designs, his group investigates how individual behavioral trajectories emerge from day one of life and how these patterns influence fitness outcomes. His theoretical contributions have advanced understanding of how individual differences shape social dynamics, collective decision-making, and evolutionary processes.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on developmental plasticity, individual variation in clonal organisms, and collective decision-making processes. The work spans from fundamental theoretical questions about the evolution of individuality to applied research on how groups make better decisions. Much of his recent work leverages big data approaches to uncover eco-evolutionary patterns in behavioral development.

Scientific Awards:

• Christopher Barnard Award 2014 for 'Outstanding Contributions by a New Investigator' (Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour)
• Reinhart Heinrich Doctoral Thesis Award 2009 for 'the best doctoral thesis in the area of Mathematical and Theoretical Biology' (European Society for Mathematical and Theoretical Biology)
• 'Cum laude' distinction for doctoral dissertation 2009 (top 5% of all doctoral dissertations in the Netherlands)

Wolf leads an active research group that includes postdocs and guest scientists working on various aspects of behavioral development and individuality. His current projects include 'Developing exploration behaviour,' 'Integrating development into models of behavioral individuality,' and 'From behavioural primitives to intelligent behaviour,' all investigating different facets of how behavioral patterns emerge and evolve. His research has been supported through various institutional and collaborative funding mechanisms that enable the sophisticated tracking systems and experimental approaches used in his lab.

Wolf's research group utilizes the Amazon molly as an ideal model system for studying individuality due to its clonal reproduction. The lab employs high-resolution tracking systems to map second-by-second behavioral trajectories of genetically identical individuals from birth. This approach allows for unprecedented insights into how behavioral individuality develops even in the absence of genetic variation.