Biology of Geological Processes - Aquatic Microbial Ecology

Main Research:

The research interest focuses on the cycling and decomposition of organic matter in the water colum and in surface sediments of the sea by microorganisms, in particular bacteria. Important questions concern the identification and characterization of these bacteria and their physiological and genetic properties as well as the significance of microbial processes on particles and suspended matter (marine snow). Classical microbiological and molecular, culture independent, as well as  highly sensitive analytical methods are applied.

An important focus is on the significance of the Roseobacter clade in marine ecosystems. Several important strains of this group are subject of a comprehenisve genomic analysis.
Besides investigations in the North Sea and the Wadden Sea research cruises to the Southern Ocean, the Pacific and the Red Sea have been conducted.

Collaborative Research Centre Transregio 51