The scientific focus of the program is mainly on microbial model systems, ranging from prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) to eukaryotic microbes, including the interactions between microorganisms and multicellular organisms. Platforms are available in various groups of the program for the analysis of genomes, transcription signatures, large-scale protein identification, metabolomics, and imaging. The research program includes the analysis of gene regulation and cell differentiation of microorganisms, the identification and functional characterization of protein complexes, and the elucidation of the relation between pathogenic bacteria and their host cells. Moreover, the program is engaged in finding novel enzymes using metagenomic approaches together with the exploitation of genomes of biotechnologically relevant microorganisms.
This program has been newly established in spring 2011 in order to integrate the large student community working primarily on topics in the microbiology and biochemistry departments of the Faculty of Biology.