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Former Research Units

Unit of Infection Models (until April 2023)

The main task of the department was the application of existing and establishment of new models for the study of viral infectious diseases of humans.
Unit of Infection Models

Pathology Unit (until December 2017)

The former Pathology Unit (head: Prof. Dr. Franz-Josef Kaup) was part of the section Infection Research of the German Primate Center (GPC). The Pathology Unit conducted pathogenetic studies regarding spontaneous and experimentally induced infectious diseases in nonhuman primates by using various morphological methods.

Pathology Unit

Dr. Antje Engelhard, head of the former junior research group Primate Sexual Selection

Primate Sexual Selection Group (until December 2015)

The overall research aim of this Unit was to explore reproductive processes in an evolutionary context. Combining field and laboratory based methodologies as part of an integrated approach, the junior research group investigated mechanisms of sexual selection and the evolution of mating systems in macaques and other Old World primates.

Primate Sexual Selection Group

Portrait von Prof. Hodges

Reproduction Biology Unit (until May 2013)

Prof. Dr. Keith Hodges 

The overall research aim of the Reproduction Biology Unit was to explore reproductive processes in an evolutionary context. Furthermore the unit conducted research on the mechanisms of sexual selection and the evolution of mating systems in Old World Primates.

As a senior professor Prof. Hodges continued his work at the DPZ until 2015: 

Senior professorship Hodges

Prof. Eberhard Fuchs

Clinical Neurobiology Laboratory (until April 2012)

Prof. Dr. Eberhard Fuchs

The Department Clinical Neurobiology Laboratory conducted research on the neurobiological basis of stress and depression. Furthermore the unit focused its research program on the development and validation of new therapeutical approaches to address e.g. Parkinson's disease and multiple sklerosis.

As a senior professor Prof. Fuchs continued his work at the DPZ until 2015:

Fuchs group

Virology & Immunology Unit (until 2008)

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hunsmann

The research program of the Virology & Immunology Unit primarily focused on the simian and human immunodeficiency virus (SIV, HIV) - its pathogenis, diagnosis, prevention and therapy.

Further research was conducted on infections of the central nervous system caused by prions (BSE, CWD) and herpes viruses.

From 1996 to 2001 Prof. Hunsmann held the position of the Scientific Manager and Director of the DPZ.

Neurobiology Unit (until 2007)

Prof. Dr. Uwe Jürgens

The Research program of the Neurobiology Unit addressed questions of the underlying central nervous processes of vocal control.

Further research work was conducted on the characterization of vocal expressions of emotional states as well as on the phylogenetic development of vocal behavioral expression.

Working Group Primate Genetics (until 2002)

Prof. Dr. Hans Zischler

The primary research field of the Working Group Primate Genetics was the phylogeny of primates. Research work was also conducted on immunogenetics and population genetics of primates.

Prof. Zischler is currently head of the research team Zischler at the Institute of Anthropology of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz:

RT Zischler (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)

Behavioral Research & Ecology Unit (until 1997)

Prof. Dr. Jörg Ganzhorn

The Behavioral Research & Ecology Unit focused its research on the analysis of factors determining the evolution of primate social systems. Further research fields were diet selection and composition as well as energy metabolism and reproductive behavior of wild primates.

Prof. Ganzhorn currently holds a professorship for Animal Ecology and Conservation at the University of Hamburg:

Tropical Ecology Division (University of Hamburg)

Reproduction Biology Unit (until 1990)

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wuttke

The primary research field of the Reproduction Biology Unit focused on the physiology of gonads and gametes. The research projects aimed at broadening knowledge about human fertility as well as to improve breeding of non-human primates for both research and species conservation.

Further research work addressed the development and application of non-invasive methods indicating the reproductive state of primates.

Physiology Unit (until 1990)

Dr. Gisela Epple

The research of the Physiology Unit focused on the olfactory communication of New Wold Monkeys (Saguinus fuscicolis, S. labiatus, S. oedipus).

In 1990 Dr. Epple began her work at the Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, USA:

Dr. Epple (Monell Chemical Senses Center)