Welcome to the website of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön.
Our internationally oriented institute is dedicated to the study of the principles, mechanisms and consequences of evolutionary change. The Institute comprises the Departments of Theoretical Biology and Microbial Population Biology, as well as several independent research groups. Currently, around 180 researchers and staff members from more than 30 nations work together at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön on innovative scientific questions. You can find out more about our work in the “Research” section.
Food may help maintain diversity in the gut
A mathematical model shows how ingested microorganisms can influence gut microbiome diversity.
How multicellularity may have evolved without direct benefits
When the Moon Sets the Rhythm: The GEO magazine features Tobias Kaiser’s lunar clock research at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology
When animal personality and the environment interact to dictate how animals live
When immunity shapes decisions: Why models and longitudinal data on adherence to nonpharmaceutical interventions need to come together
The developmental hourglass has cellular basis
Beyond Mendel: Researchers call for a new understanding of genetics
When fluctuations shape biodiversity: a minimalist model explains why “rarity” is so common
No lone winners: “dispersal-driven” evolution fuels diversity at the air–liquid interface
Why fungi might increasingly turn into human pathogens
Strategies to promote greater equality of opportunity in science
PNAS Commentary Highlights Significance of Institute Research on Jumbo Phage–Mediated Gene Transfer
When the Wrong People Save: Why Climate Protection Breaks Down Due to a Lack of Fairness
A tiny mouse hints at why some mammal mothers may benefit from choosing more than one father.
When Evolution Breaks the Rules: A “Hulk” Wall Lizard Is Erasing Colour Morphs That Lasted Millions of Years
Why not all animals are equally innovative
Ten new reference genomes for wall lizards published
Kiel Life Science honours Dr Nikhil Sharma with Postdoc Award
Decoding the sources of human facial shape variability and craniofacial syndromes
“Highly Cited Researcher 2025”: Recognition for Prof. John Baines – and other leading scientists in Kiel and Lübeck
Dr Christin Nyhoegen was awarded the 2025 KlarText Prize for Science Communication in Heidelberg.
News
A theoretical study involving the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology suggests that multicellular life could become established under certain ecological conditions even if living in groups offered no immediate advantage.
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