Axel Janke | Genomics | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Innovative Research Award

Axel Janke
Goethe University Frankfurt

Axel Janke is a researcher associated with Goethe University and Senckenberg Nature Research in Germany, with research centered on evolutionary vertebrate genomics and biodiversity genomics. His documented work includes genomic approaches to vertebrate evolution, species diversity and population history. [1]

Axel Janke
Affiliation Goethe University / Senckenberg
Country Germany
Scholar ID z_6ZG6kAAAAJ
Documents 160
Citations 13,033
h-index 59
Subject Area Genomics
Event International Environmental Scientists Award

Abstract

Axel Janke’s research profile is associated with evolutionary and biodiversity genomics, particularly the genomic study of vertebrates and the processes underlying species diversification. His institutional research activities include the development and application of genomic methods for investigating biological diversity and evolutionary history. [1]

Keywords

Axel Janke; genomics; evolutionary genomics; vertebrate genomics; biodiversity; molecular evolution; population genomics; species diversification; genome analysis; conservation biology.

Introduction

Genomic research provides methods for examining evolutionary relationships, population structure and biological diversity at increasingly detailed scales. Janke’s documented academic work places these approaches within evolutionary vertebrate genomics, with applications involving mammals, birds and other organisms. [1]

Research Profile

The Senckenberg research group identifies Axel Janke as Professor and Head of the Evolutionary Vertebrate Genomics research group. Its work examines how environmental processes shape genome evolution and uses genomic and bioinformatic methods to investigate mammalian genome sequences. [1]

Research Contributions

Documented contributions include whole-genome studies of whales, bears and giraffes, alongside research addressing species boundaries, gene flow and evolutionary history. Genomic analysis has also been applied to questions concerning biodiversity and conservation. [2]

Publications

Selected publications involving Janke include studies of blue-whale and rorqual genomes, bear evolutionary history, giraffe diversification, genome assembly and southern giraffe population genomics. These publications demonstrate the application of genomic datasets to evolutionary and biodiversity questions. [2] [3]

Research Impact

The reported Google Scholar profile supplied for this article lists 160 documents, 13,033 citations and an h-index of 59. Research outputs have also supported discussions of species diversity and conservation, including genomic evidence concerning giraffe diversity. [4]

Award Suitability

For the Innovative Research Award, the documented combination of evolutionary genomics, computational analysis and biodiversity research provides relevant evidence for consideration. The profile also includes peer-reviewed research applying genomic methods to contemporary questions in evolutionary biology. [2]

Conclusion

Axel Janke’s research record reflects sustained engagement with genomics, vertebrate evolution and biodiversity. His documented publications and institutional role provide a scholarly basis for recognition within an award category focused on innovative research.

References

  1. Senckenberg Nature Research. (n.d.). Research group Evolutionary Vertebrate Genomics. Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre.
    https://www.senckenberg.de/en/research/institutes-overview/sbikf-institut/sbikf-ag-evolutionary-vertebrate-genomics/
  2. Senckenberg Nature Research. (n.d.). Selected research and publications of the Evolutionary Vertebrate Genomics group.
    https://www.senckenberg.de/en/research/institutes-overview/sbikf-institut/sbikf-ag-evolutionary-vertebrate-genomics/
  3. Prochotta, D., Winter, S., Fennessy, J., & Janke, A. (2024). Population genomics of the southern giraffe. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 201, 108198. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108198.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108198
  4. Google Scholar. (n.d.). Axel Janke, Scholar profile. Profile information supplied for this article.
    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=z_6ZG6kAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra
  5. Prost, S., Winter, S., De Raad, J., Coimbra, R. T. F., Wolf, M., Nilsson, M. A., et al. (2020). Education in the genomics era: Generating high-quality genome assemblies in university courses. GigaScience, 9(6), giaa058. DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giaa058.
    https://doi.org/10.1093/gigascience/giaa058
  6. Chueca, L. J., Kochmann, J., Schell, T., Greve, C., Janke, A., Pfenninger, M., & Klimpel, S. (2021). De novo genome assembly of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). Frontiers in Genetics, 12, 658256. DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.658256.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.658256

Salma Faroug Hussain Elzaki | Genetics | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Salma Faroug Hussain Elzaki | Genetics | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Salma Faroug Hussain Elzaki | Genetics | University of Khartoum | Sudan

Dr Salma Elzaki is an accomplished geneticist and animal science researcher whose work centers on livestock genomics, genetic diversity, adaptation to environmental stressors, and improving production traits in indigenous cattle breeds, particularly Bos indicus (zebu) cattle such as the Sudanese Butana and its crossbreds. Dr Salma Elzaki earned her academic qualifications in animal genetics and breeding, culminating in advanced research training that laid the foundation for her contributions to bovine genomics and complex trait analysis. Her education equips her with expertise in population genetics, molecular markers, and statistical genomics, enabling her to design and implement comprehensive studies on cattle adaptation and performance. Over the course of her professional career, Dr Salma Elzaki has held research and academic positions at institutions including the Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the University of Khartoum’s Faculty of Animal Production, where she has been involved in collaborative projects on genetic diversity, genome analysis, and trait association studies in cattle. In these roles she has led sample collection, phenotypic data acquisition, genomic sequencing work, and statistical analysis to characterize breed-specific genetic architecture under environmental pressures. Dr Salma Elzaki’s research interests revolve around livestock adaptation to heat stress, disease resistance, genetic markers influencing production traits such as milk yield and mastitis susceptibility, and the development of genomic tools for sustainable breeding programs in challenging environments. Her skill set includes high-throughput genotyping, whole-genome sequencing analysis, SNP association studies, bioinformatics pipelines, and interpretation of genomic selection signatures. She has demonstrated proficiency in using molecular and computational techniques to uncover genetic variants and pathways involved in environmental resilience and productive performance in cattle. Dr Salma Elzaki’s work has garnered recognition in the form of peer-reviewed publications and collaborations, and her contributions have helped inform breeding strategies that balance productivity with adaptation to heat and disease pressures. In conclusion, Dr Salma Elzaki’s scholarly achievements and ongoing research underscore her commitment to advancing livestock genetics, particularly in underrepresented indigenous breeds, and reinforcing the role of genomic insights in improving global food security through resilient and productive animal populations.

Academic Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications:

  1. Neumann, G. B., Korkuć, P., Rahmatalla, S. A., Reißmann, M., Omer, E. A. M., Elzaki, S., & Brockmann, G. A. (2025). Surviving the Heat: Genetic Diversity and Adaptation in Sudanese Butana Cattle. Genes, 16(12), 1429.

  2. Elzaki, S., Korkuć, P., Arends, D., Reissmann, M., & Brockmann, G. A. (2022). Effects of DGAT1 on milk performance in Sudanese Butana × Holstein crossbred cattle. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 54, Article 142.

  3. Elzaki, S., Korkuc, P., Arends, D., Reissmann, M., Rahmatalla, S. A., & Brockmann, G. A. (2022). Validation of somatic cell score-associated SNPs from Holstein cattle in Sudanese Butana and Butana × Holstein crossbred cattle. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 54(1), 50. Cited by 4.

  4. Elzaki, S., Korkuć, P., & Arends, D. (2021). Design and performance of a bovine 200k SNP chip developed for endangered German Black Pied cattle (DSN). BMC Genomics, 22, 8237.