Pauline Schaap

Pauline Schaap is a Professor conducting pioneering research in the fields of Dictyostelia, Social Amoeba biology, and the evolution of multicellularity. Her work focuses on molecular mechanisms of encystation, sporulation, and somatic cell specialization through comparative and evolutionary approaches.

• Key Research Areas:
  • Molecular basis of cell type evolution
  • Role of cAMP and GPCRs in developmental signaling
  • Signalome analysis in Dictyostelia
  • Evolution of stress pathways into multicellular regulatory systems

Recent studies include investigations into spore induction in sister species to Dictyostelia, diguanylate cyclase functions, and phylogeny-wide GPCR analysis. She leads major projects funded by the Leverhulme Trust and the European Commission (2017-2023).

• Scientific Awards:
  • EMBO Long-term Fellowship
  • Research Fellowship for Young Scientists
  • Leverhulme Trust Grant
  • European Commission Funding

She has delivered invited talks and keynotes in 2023 on topics such as evolutionary comparative approaches to complex regulatory mechanisms and developmental signaling in Dictyostelia. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to biological innovation and planetary health.