Maja Adamska

Maja Adamska is an Associate Professor and ARC Future Fellow in the Research School of Biology at The Australian National University. Her research focuses on fundamental biological questions concerning the development of complex animals from single cells, the origins of multicellular life, and the molecular basis of morphological diversity. Adamska's work utilizes calcareous sponges to investigate key developmental processes, including germ layer segregation and axial patterning. She has explored evolutionary transitions in animal development and has contributed to understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying these processes. Her research also includes studies on developmental signaling pathways and their conservation across species. Adamska joined ANU in 2015 and has been an Associate Professor since 2017.

Maja Adamska's research focuses on the genomic and evolutionary basis of animal development, particularly through the study of sponges and other invertebrates. Her work explores the origins of developmental processes, such as embryonic patterning, neurogenic circuits, and the evolution of complex traits like the hedgehog proteins and Wnt pathways. Adamska's research also investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and regeneration in invertebrates. By analyzing gene expression and genome sequences, she provides insights into the evolutionary relationships between sponges and eumetazoans, shedding light on the early evolution of key developmental genes and pathways.