Michael Balke

Dr. Michael Balke is a researcher and Head of the Section Coleoptera at the Munich State Zoological Collection, part of the Bavarian State Natural Science Collections (SNSB). His work focuses on the systematics, evolution, and molecular phylogenetics of aquatic beetles, particularly diving beetles of Thailand and Papua New Guinea, alongside initiatives to train local biologists in biodiversity research.

• Research Projects:
  • German Barcode of Life (GBOL)
  • IndoBioSys – Indonesian Biodiversity Discovery and Information System
  • Diving Beetles of Thailand

Scientific Affiliations: The Munich State Zoological Collection (ZSM), a key institution under SNSB, houses one of the largest zoological repositories globally, with Balke’s role emphasizing taxonomic and conservation studies.