Research group of Prof. Dr. Thomas Borsch

The Borsch group at Freie Universität Berlin is part of the Institute of Biology and a member of the Dahlem Center of Plant Sciences. We investigate different aspects of the evolution of flowering plants.

Head: Prof. Dr. Thomas Borsch

The main focus of Prof. Dr. Thomas Borsch is the reconstruction of the phylogeny of the flowering plants as well as the emergence of biological diversity, which he investigates on model groups like the Amaranthaceae and Nymphaeaceae. He also concentrates on morphology and ultrastructure of pollen as taxonomic characters. Another focus lies on the sustainable use of biological diversity and genetic resources.

Postdoc: Dr. Katja Reichel

Dr. Katja Reichel wants to understand how plant evolution works. To this end she combines a wide variety of approaches, from mathematical models through DNA analyses to ecological methods. She is particularly intrigued by the frequent ability of plants to reproduce asexually, which might in turn shed some light on the evolution of sex. Her current research is in the areas of theoretical population genetics and conservation genetics/genomics.

Postdoc: Dr. Markus Dillenberger

Dr. Markus Dillenberger researches the evolution of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae) and other flowering plants. He uses molecular methods to investigate how genera and species are related to each other, how characteristics have developed and how species got to where they are today. The main focus is on reconstructing the phylogeny of the Caryophyllaceae. He is also involved in various projects dealing with questions of species delimitation in taxonomically difficult groups and the solution of taxonomic problems in the Caryophyllaceae.

Postdoc: Dr. Astrid de Mestier

Teaching

We are involved in several courses offered by the Institute of Biology. In the Bachelor programmes, we contribute to the Basismodul "Botanik und Biodiversität" (Botany and Biodiversity), the Vertiefungsmodul "Biodiversität und Evolution von Pflanzen/Tieren" (Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants/Animals) and the Aufbaumodul "Systematische Biologie" (Systematic Biology). We also provide a variety of elective Bachelor courses (ABV-Module) and courses at the Master level.

Interested in evolutionary botany?

We are always looking for interested students to work in our group. Within the areas described above, we offer research internships, Bachelor-, Master- and  Doctoral theses. Beside standard molecular lab methods (e.g. DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis) our different fields of activity will allow you to acquire a wide variety of skills. Please contact us for further information!