Research Projects

The stringworms (Nematomorpha) comprise about 360 species, which are dealt with by very few experts (worldwide). On the basis of more than 2500 individuals from all over the world that have been studied so far, a comprehensive overview of the diversity of this group has been obtained ... [ more ]

Various master's and doctoral theses dealt with the study of the nervous system in the Gastrotricha, the Priapulida, the Nematoda and the Tardigrada. These studies were incorporated into the DFG priority programme "Deep Metazoan Phylogeny", which has now expired ... [ more ]

Gastrotriches from different regions are studied and new species are sporadically described, mostly in cooperation with Alexander Kieneke (Wilhelmshaven) and Rick Hochberg (Lowell, USA). Particularly productive was the NSF (USA) funded project ... [ more ]

The meiobenthic priapulid genus Tubiluchus is more widespread than previously thought. In recent years, three new species (from Tenerife and Japan) have been described with our participation. Current studies are concerned with the systematic recording of differences between these rarely studied species ... [ more ]

Prof. Hilke Ruhberg has been studying onychophores (stubby-footed animals) for decades. Even in retirement, she continues the research, among other things by studying individuals from South Africa and Tasmania ... [ more ]