- Departments
- ERC Research Group for Ecological Genomics
ERC Research Group for Ecological Genomics
Group Leader
ERC Research Group for Ecological Genomics
MPI for Marine Microbiology
Celsiusstr. 1
D-28359 Bremen
Germany
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Room: |
2226 |
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Phone: |
The Ecological Genomics Group explores the roles, evolutionary dynamics, and interactions of marine microbes. We integrate genomic, imaging, and physiological methods to connect the vast unknown microbial diversity in the ocean with their functional roles in marine ecosystems.
Our group leverages multi-omic and molecular biology approaches to uncover the genetic potential of natural microbial communities and link it to the processes driving key biogeochemical cycles.
Two core objectives guide our research:
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Developing genomic and metagenomic methods to generate testable hypotheses from complex omics datasets.
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Applying multi-omics and advanced imaging techniques to investigate the evolution and interactions of often-overlooked marine bacteria.
Ecological and Evolutionary Role of Specialized Bacteria in Algae Health and Carbon Sequestration – ERODERS
ERODERS focuses on previously unaccounted-for bacteria capable of degrading recalcitrant organic carbon—complex compounds derived primarily from algal structures and exudates. We hypothesize that these specialized bacteria, integral members of the algal microbiome, feed on complex glycans and have co-evolved with algae. Their activity may play a key role in maintaining host health and modifying polysaccharide structures that contribute to long-term carbon sequestration in the ocean.
News (updated 01.06.25)
June 1st, 2025
We are happy to announce that Tomás Sauma is starting his PhD with us! He will combine genomic and visualization approaches to determine the diversity and spatial location of specialized bacteria living on algae. He will also use computational methods to understand genome size and evolution in bacteria. Good luck!
May 14th, 2025
C. Belén Pareja is joining our group for six months! She is a PhD student from Rodrigo De la Iglesia's LabMicMar group in Chile. She studies microbial communities in marine epilithic biofilms, specifically in the rocky intertidal environment of Central Chile. "Who is where and when?" and "What are they doing?" are some of the questions she is trying to answer. She won an ANID scholarship that funds her stay and research here. Good luck!
