Since joining Sudan Natural History Museum (SNHM), Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum by 2011, my responsibilities have contributed to the museum’s growing collection of zoological specimens and enhanced the scientific community’s ability to interpret historical records and biological diversity. A central focus of my work is the taxonomy and distribution of Sudanese fauna. Driven by a passion for uncovering the rich biodiversity of Sudan. 

I was awarded the DAAD internal scholarship to pursue both MSc and PhD studies (2012 – 2018), during which I conducted multiple research visits to the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin. My work focused on the taxonomy of Sudanese arachnids, integrating both morphological and molecular approaches to uncover the evolutionary relationships and ecological roles of these species. In 2020, I continued my studies on scorpion taxonomy, further expanding my understanding of Sudan’s arachnid fauna and strengthening regional biodiversity records. 

I am passionate about fieldwork, public engagement and education. I used to design and deliver educational programs in our museum that bring the wonders of animal life to a broader audience. Through extensive fieldwork and collaboration with fellow scientists, I enriched the museum’s research capacity and specimen archives. 

I am currently conducting a postdoctoral fellowship as part of the PALEONILE project at the Museum für Naturkunde, where I am studying aDNA and paleoproteomics of mammalian fossils from Sudan. I believe that understanding the nuances of animal life is essential for addressing environmental challenges and evolution.

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contact: manal.siyam[at]mfn.berlin