Thomas Wilke

Prof. Dr. Thomas Wilke is a Professor and Head of the Systematics and Biodiversity Group at the Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen. His research focuses on evolutionary strategies in gastropods, mollusk adaptation to environmental change, and conservation of biodiversity in ancient lakes and marine ecosystems. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Potsdam (1994) and a Habilitation from Goethe University Frankfurt (2001).

• Education:
  • 1989: Diploma in Biology, Potsdam College/Humboldt University Berlin
  • 1992-1994: Ph.D. stipendee, University of Potsdam
  • 2001: Habilitation, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main

Wilke's research interests include phylogeny and biodiversity of gastropods, evolutionary biology, invasion biology, and microbial dynamics in corals. He has received awards such as the Jessup Award (1998) and DFG Habilitanden-Stipendium (2000–2002). His work integrates field studies, molecular techniques, and computational models to address global challenges like microplastic pollution and biodiversity loss.

Key projects include the SCOPSCO Lake Ohrid drilling project and EU-funded initiatives on Pontocaspian biodiversity. He leads the Systematics & Biodiversity Lab, collaborating internationally on marine conservation and evolutionary studies.