40th Service Anniversary of Berend Koch
2026/07/24
Berend Koch has been working as a zoological preparator in the Department of Biology since 1 January 1988. In March 2007, he also assumed responsibility for the Zoological Collection. With his outstanding technical expertise and many years of experience, he has played a key role in shaping and continuously developing the collection.
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Over the past four decades, Berend Koch has prepared more than 700 bird, mammal and skeletal specimens. Today, the Zoological Collection comprises around 25,000 objects. In addition to establishing teaching and exhibition collections, he created several dioramas—life-like displays depicting animals in their natural habitats—including one featuring the Camargue, which remains on public display. He also led the modernization of the collection storage area with a contemporary shelving system. The collection supports teaching and research within the department and is also used to respond to external scientific enquiries.
In recognition of his exceptional work as a preparator, Berend Koch has won two European Championship titles and one World Championship title. He also co-organized four European Championships for biological preparators and serves as a biology expert reviewer for the German Society for Preparation Technology.
Berend Koch also shares his enthusiasm for ornithology through teaching. Each spring, he offers a bird song identification course for students and other members of the department, providing practical insights into bird identification by sound.
The Department of Biology thanks Berend Koch for his many years of dedicated service and valuable contributions and wishes him continued success and enjoyment in his work.