Dr Peter Olson

Our research is directed at understanding the patterns and processes underlying animal diversity and focuses on flatworms (phylum Platyhelminthes), a group of more than 50,000 free-living, symbiotic and parasitic species, including pathogens that have a major negative impact on our health and economy. Although much research is directed at their control and eradication, their extraordinary regenerative properties and complex life histories also make them useful models in evolutionary and developmental biology.

We work in a collections-based institute with a strong emphasis on research in the areas of Biodiversity, Systematics and Phylogenetics. In addition to these areas, we also address questions in the fields of Evo-Devo and Genomics using model organisms in the laboratory. We collaborate with many labs around the world and are always happy to hear from people with shared interests!