Microbiology
The Laboratory of Microbiology engages in research and education focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of the diversity, physiology, ecology and evolution of microorganisms and their viruses. The fundamental knowledge we generate is used in various disciplines, including health & food, bioproducts & energy, and the natural environment & sustainability. Our work contributes to exploring the potential of nature and improve the quality of life.
Chair holder
News
Research groups
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Bacterial Genetics
Off the beaten track: “In our lab we are taking Bacterial Genetics research off the beaten track, in search for new fundamental insights and occasionally new applications; I feel privileged to participate in this exciting journey of surprise and discovery.”
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Microbial Evolution
Within the working group of Microbial Evolution (MicEvo) we focus on exploring and characterizing the microbial diversity that exists on our planet. To do this, we employ a variety of approaches, including cultivation-independent methods (e.g. metagenomics, comparative genomics, phylogenomics), but also novel cultivation-dependent methods (e.g. high-throughput cultivation and ecophysiology techniques).
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Microbial Physiology
“Strict anaerobes are key to the natural geochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur. Exploiting the processes catalysed by these anaerobes, for example in the production of chemicals and fuels from waste streams, is our main research driver.”
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Molecular Ecology
Research and education within the Microbial Ecology Group aims to understand and explore the functioning of microorganisms in natural and man-made ecosystems, including interdependencies with their living and non-living environments.
Education
The Laboratory of Microbiology offers education by teaching various courses at the bachelor and master level of different study programs.
We also provide BSc- and MSc theses, research practices and internships.
Recent publications
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Inference and reconstruction of the heimdallarchaeial ancestry of eukaryotes
Nature (2023), Volume: 618 - ISSN 0028-0836 - p. 992-999. -
Characterization of the AcrIIC1 anti‒CRISPR protein for Cas9‒based genome engineering in E. coli
Communications Biology (2023), Volume: 6, Issue: 1 - ISSN 2399-3642 -
Candidatus Nemesobacterales is a sponge-specific clade of the candidate phylum Desulfobacterota adapted to a symbiotic lifestyle
ISME Journal (2023), Volume: 17, Issue: 11 - ISSN 1751-7362 - p. 1808-1818.