We are a research group investigating microbial interactions and the carbon cycle in aquatic environments. We are hosted by the ICBM at Oldenburg University. In our research group, we want to do cutting-edge scientific discoveries while prioritising the well-being of all of our researchers and students. Mental health is fundamental!

To understand microorganisms in aquatic environments, we use cultivation and cultivation-independent techniques. Cultivation-independent techniques include holistic approaches, such as shotgun sequencing – full community analysis of environmental samples, as well as reductionist approaches, such as single-cell genomics. These methodologies have greatly contributed to our current understanding of indispensable microbial functions and their immense diversity. Through our research, we have integrated both holistic and reductionist strategies, adopting an intermediate approach. The intermediate approach resulting from the combination of dilution cultivation (also known as model communities) and “omics” approaches.

By methods integration, we are addressing novel ecological questions about microbial interactions.