Face of the LIB: Timo Moritz

What drives you as a researcher?

Curiosity, the desire to contribute to human knowledge and the hope that gaining knowledge will lead to action, specifically the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of habitats.

What led you to biology?

I have always had an interest, or rather a great enthusiasm, for animals. Even in kindergarten, I wanted to be a 'researcher in the jungle'. When I was about ten, I had the typical dinosaur phase and at twelve I wanted to know everything about sharks. In principle, I'm still in that phase.

What does nature mean to you personally?

For me, nature is the environment that enables us humans to live on earth. That's not the only reason why the preservation of nature should actually be a central concern for all of us. When I need to recover from stress - but also on other occasions - I go out into nature to observe animals - and I also like to photograph them. That's the best way for me to relax. Fortunately, there are still some very beautiful natural places - some of them in my adopted home of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Crabs, fish, butterflies: Who has your own personal affection and why?

Apart from parasites and pathogens, I like all animals. I do work with fish and have had great encounters with devil rays, trembling catfish and blue sharks. But many other animal species also leave lasting impressions, especially if you want to find them specifically and your time and effort are then crowned with success.

What are the highlights of your day-to-day work?

Discovering new things, being able to understand evolution a little better, and when I can pass on my enthusiasm for nature and science through talks, lectures or publications.

This is why your research has an impact on society:

I am a convinced basic researcher. This does not mean that research is done for its own sake, but rather that it lays the foundations for applied research and nature conservation. I also believe that the constant increase in knowledge is the fundamental driving force behind human civilisation.

What is the biggest challenge for you in the field of environmental protection? How are you personally involved here?

In order to preserve species, habitats and ecosystem services, we absolutely must preserve some undisturbed and many less disturbed areas. These can act as seeds for recolonisation if we have overdone it elsewhere. I hope that my research will help to increase the general understanding and acceptance of completely protected areas (no-take areas) and that they will eventually become a matter of course.

What would you have become if biology hadn't worked out?

Then I would have made a career of some kind and pursued biology as a hobby. But that wasn't really an option.

How would you explain your work to people who have nothing to do with biology?

I research how many fish species there are, how they are related to each other and how evolution has led to the diversity we have today. To do this, I mainly look at the skeletons of fish and how they change from larvae to adults.

Can you describe your research focus in more detail?

I want to understand the evolutionary tree of fish and also what exactly happened during evolution, how characteristics changed or even developed in the first place. It doesn't matter whether the fish comes from this area or from the Brazilian rainforest or somewhere else. But I also enjoy working outside in the field and therefore naturally have a connection to the Baltic Sea, for example. But I've already been to many places for fieldwork: several African countries and Suriname, Taiwan, Norway and the Mediterranean region.

What role does science at the LIB play for you?

The LIB is one of the major institutions in Germany that researches the diversity of nature. Scientific working methods ensure that we talk about facts and verifiable hypotheses. Decisions must be made on the basis of such findings and not on the basis of the political zeitgeist or perceived truths if we want to act sustainably and responsibly.

What are your highlights in the fish collection?

One thing that we are currently struggling with is a basking shark, which is something special due to its size, but which is also a challenge to house. And apart from that, there is a lot of unique type material of fish here, for which we have a special responsibility. Overall, the collection is a real treasure.

What advice do you have for young biologists starting their careers?

At the beginning of your career, you should be open to new ideas and impressions. But once you have found the subject area that you really want to do, then you should continue along this path. I can't recommend switching to a subject area that promises more career prospects but that you actually find less exciting. If you want to be successful in biology, you have to be committed, enthusiastic and put your heart and soul into it. For me, working as a biologist is a varied, fulfilling and happy profession.

What was the main motivation for starting at the LIB?

The huge collection here. I have the opportunity to carry out comprehensive research in an environment with a very good infrastructure. The expert colleagues are very important here. Together we can make good progress in fish research.

After studying biology in Tübingen,Dr Timo Moritz completed his doctorate on West African savannah fishes at the University of Würzburg. He then worked as a postdoc at the Natural History Museum London on studies on the evolution of raft fishes. From 2010-2025, he was Curator of Fish at the German Maritime Museum (DMM), Stralsund, where he also became Head of the Science and Research Department in 2012. In 2021, Timo Moritz completed his habilitation in zoology at the University of Jena; one year later, he habilitated in marine biology at the University of Rostock. On 1 June, the Tübingen-born scientist took over as Section Head of Ichthyology at the LIB in Hamburg, where he is also responsible for the fish collection as curator.