Steffen Pauls

Professor Steffen Pauls leads research at the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung focusing on the evolution of silk biosynthesis in caddisflies. His work employs comparative genomics to study genome size variation and silk gene diversification, with applications in biomaterials science. Collaborations include the Fraunhofer Institute for recombinant protein expression studies.

Research explores silk gene evolution across aquatic insects, examining mechanical properties related to ecological adaptations. The team utilizes whole-genome sequencing, population genetics, and phylogenetics to investigate functional diversification in silk-producing insects.

Publications demonstrate trends in biodiversity genomics, molecular evolution, and structural conservation of silk proteins across geological timescales. Recent works highlight advances in long-read sequencing technologies for comprehensive genomic analysis.