Editorial and Scientific Service

I currently serve as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the BMC Journal Frontiers in Zoology (since 2025), following eight years as Editor-in-Chief of Development Genes and Evolution. Frontiers in Zoology is the official journal of the German Society of Zoology (DZG).

In my current editorial role, I am leading a reorganisation of the journal by establishing thematic sections aligned with the Society’s specialist sections (Developmental Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Morphology, Neurobiology, Ecology, Physiology, Systematics, Behavioural Biology). Each section is coordinated by Section Editors nominated by the respective groups. This ongoing initiative aims to strengthen the integration between the journal and the Society and to better reflect the breadth and scientific identity of the DZG.

Service to Society and Nature Conservation

In addition to my academic service, I contribute to regional nature conservation policy as an elected member of the Nature Conservation Advisory Board of the Lower Nature Conservation Authority of the City of Cologne. In this role, I advise local authorities on matters of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. The appointment is for a five-year term and reflects my commitment to linking scientific expertise with practical conservation and public policy.