Prof. Dr. Thomas Speck
Focus of research
- Biomimetics and Biomechanics
- Plant evolution and Movement
- Soft Robotics and Soft Machines
CV
- Since 2019 Spokesperson of the Cluster of Excellence livMatS
- Since 2006 Full Professor, Botany: Functional Morphology and Biomimetics, Institute for Biology II, and Director of the Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg
- 2002–2006 Associate Professor, Functional Morphology & Biomechanics, and Director of the Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg
- 2000–2002 Reader, Botany and Biophysics, Institute for Biology II, University of Freiburg
- 1996 Habilitation and venia legendi for Botany & Biophysics, University of Freiburg,
- 1993–1999 Assistant Professor, Botany, Institute for Biology II, University of Freiburg
- 1990–1993 Postdoctoral Researcher, Plant Biomechanics, Institute for Biology II, University of Freiburg
- 1990 Doctorate in Biology, University of Freiburg
- 1986 Diploma in Biology, University of Freiburg
- 1978–1986 Studies in Biology, University of Freiburg
Recent publications
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Auth, P., Conrad, S., Knorr, N., Teichmann, J., Ruppert, S., Speck, T., & Esser, F. (2026). Toward more autonomous soft robots: development and characterization of a 3D‐printed pneumatic contact sensor for a six‐legged soft robotic walker. Advanced Intelligent Systems, 8(2), e202500430. https://doi.org/10.1002/aisy.202500430
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Ali, S. A., Mylo, M. D., Perrin, J., Weitkamp, T., Speck, T., & Fleck, C. (2025). Design across hierarchy : morphological and mechanical insights into pili nuts (Canarium ovatum). Materials & Design, 260, 115163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2025.115163
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Speck, T. (2025). Vogellehner, Dieter, Paläobotaniker, Botaniker, Universitätsprofessor, Direktor des Botanischen Gartens der Universität Freiburg. Baden-Württembergische Bibliographien, IX, 413–416.
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Mazzolai, B., Dottore, E. del, Speck, T., Rowe, N., & Laschi, C. (2025). Energy-saving movement strategies in animals and plants for robot design. Nature Reviews, 3(11), 921–938. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44222-025-00344-z
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Modert, M., Seinsche, N., Bartels, S., Masselter, T., & Speck, T. (2025). Unrolling of Syngonium podophyllum: functional anatomy, morphology and modelling of its peltate leaves. Advanced Biology, 9(11), e00279. https://doi.org/10.1002/adbi.202500279