About the Department

In the Department of Biology, 30 professors and seven junior professors conduct research in the following fields of  "Ecology and Biological Resources", "Evolutionary Biology", "Molecular and Cell Biology", and "Microbiology and Infection Biology". The curricula in the Bachelor (Biology, Marine Ecosystem and Fishery Sciences, Wood Science) and Master (Biology, Wood Science, Marine Ecosystem and Fishery Sciences, Molecular Plant Science) programs combine excellent instruction in fundamental biological principles with current research findings. Scientific researchers as well as technical and administrative personnel contribute significantly to the success of research and teaching.

Since its foundation in 1919, the Department of Biology at the University of Hamburg has been distinguished by its combination of fundamental research with clear practical orientation. As a department within a comprehensive university, the Department of Biology substantially profits from interdisciplinary cooperation with various other departments such as Chemistry, Geoscience, Computer Science, Medicine and Education.

Mission Statement – Biology for Our Society

Biology holds a key position in today's society: Securing the world’s food supply and combating illnesses require both sound biological knowledge and the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity. The elucidation of yet unknown molecular mechanisms in plants, animals and microorganisms as well as the analysis and biological modelling of biological systems play a large role in times of globalization and climate change.

Even the sustainable use of biological resources requires well-founded biological expertise about the respective organisms and ecosystems and the ways in which they interact with their environment and each other.

The message “Biology for our society” captures the mission statement of the Department of Biology at the University of Hamburg and is reflected in all aspects of research and teaching.