Jonas Zimmermann is head of the Research Group Diatoms at Botanischer Garten und Botanisches
Museum, Freie Universität Berlin since 2019. He has many years of experience in integrative
taxonomic research on the evolution and systematics of diatoms using morphological, molecular,
biogeographical and phylogenetic data. Another focus of his research and work is the
implementation and improvement of the usability of eDNA metabarcoding for the refined evaluation
of diatom diversity and for the applied field of water quality assessment (e.g. EU WFD). This also
includes the establishment and curation of a corresponding taxonomically validated reference
database for diatoms. Among others, he is an expert for DIN and CEN regarding normalisation of
phytobenthos monitoring in the EU WFD, specifically concerning DNA based methods.
I expect becoming a member of the ISDR Council will give me the opportunity to support the very
important work of the ISDR to foster all fascinating aspects of diatom research, the “diatom”
community and the promotion of early career scientists.