The Nutrient Group was established in May 2005 as an Independent Junior Research Group funded by the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft. The Nutrient Group’s research focuses on processes that control nutrient cycling in past and present oxygen deficient marine environments. More specifically, we investigate the environmental regulation of these processes, and their effects on the global biogeochemical cycles. As these cycling processes are generally microbially mediated, a combination of newly developed geochemical, microbiological and molecular techniques is applied in our studies. One of the main themes the Nutrient Group is currently working on is anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and the oceanic nitrogen cycle.

Junior Research Groups in the MPG
Since 1969 the Max Planck Society has been supporting gifted, young scientists and researchers through its Independent Junior Research Groups, which run for a limited period of time. More than one hundred young scientists and researchers chosen in an international selection process have since had the opportunity to lay the stepping stones for a successful career in science by assuming responsibility for research early on in their career.

Recently in ISME
In the March issue of The ISME Journal, group member Hang Gao published "Aerobic denitrification in permeable Wadden Sea sediments", based her thesis work in the Nutrient Group.
Read this article online
(subscription required).