Hubert S. Markl

Research has been focused on sensory physiology -- especially gravitational and auditory reception in animals -- and behavioral ecology and evolution of social behavior and communication in social insects, primarily in ants. He also has been extensively involved in environmental and nature conservation issues, particularly relating to biodiversity. Combined with his official duties as former President of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and as President of the Max-Planck-Society, science policy and the promotion and public understanding of scientific research have become major fields of his interests and occupation.