We study the genomic underpinnings, metabolism and mechanisms of interaction between marine sponges and their symbiotic microbial consortia. Photo credit: Martin T. Jahn

We explore the role of microbes in sustaining a nutritional basis of the North Atlantic sponge grounds. Photo credit: K.Busch

We investigate the genomic potential of marine microbes to find solutions for anthropogenic stressors, such as plastic pollution, greenhouse gas emission and multi-resistant germs. We use classical isolation methods as well as AI assisted tools to conceive novel applications for the biotechnology sector. Photo credit: Erik Borchert

Our group Aquatic Microbial Ecogenomics Group (AquaMEG) investigates the ecology of aquatic microorganisms, focusing on their biodiversity and their links to important ecosystem services (e.g., nitrogen cycling) and processes relevant to humans (e.g., water quality and antimicrobial resistance), which are currently exacerbated by global climate change. Photo credits: David Ngugi (AI generated)

Our interest in marine symbioses goes way beyond sponges. We study for example the implications of the microbiome (whether bacteria, fungal, or viral) for processes of health and disease in other marine holobionts. Interested? Let’s collaborate. Photo credit: Anna Roik

We aim to establish sponges as experimental models for evolutionary, ecological and functional aspects pertaining to host-microbe interactions. Photo credit: Kosmas Hench