Johannes Zimmermann joins "Balance of the Microverse" to advance Microbial Metabolic Interactions Research

As of June 1, 2024, the Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse" welcomes Johannes Zimmermann as the new Junior Research Group Leader of "Mechanisms of Microbial Metabolic Interactions."

Johannes’s academic journey includes studying systems science and bioinformatics in Osnabrück and Jena, earning a PhD in medical systems biology from the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, and completing postdoctoral training at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön. His expertise encompasses metabolic modeling, omics data analysis, and microbial ecology.

Johannes has developed innovative computational methods to reconstruct metabolic networks and simulate microbial communities. He also contributed to the first functional characterizatin of the native microbiome of Caenorhabditis elegans. His future research aims to advance our understanding of microbial metabolic diversity and interactions, model microbiome life histories, and identify the functional drivers behind microbial community assembly. Johannes's work promises to shed light on the complex dynamics of microbiomes, providing crucial insights into their behavior under changing conditions. We spoke to Johannes Zimmermann about his planned research projects and expectations of the cluster.

How do you want to shape the profile of your junior research group and which topics are close to its core?

I want to shape the profile of my junior research group by developing innovative methods to study microbial interactions. We will emphasize the importance of understanding microbial life history strategies.

Our core topics will include creating advanced models for microbial metabolic diversity, conceptualizing and forecasting microbiome life history traits, and identifying key characteristics that drive microbial interactions and functions.

What goals have you set yourself for the coming years?

In the coming years, I aim to build a strong and open-minded research team dedicated to advancing our understanding of microbial interactions and life histories. Secondly, I plan to collaborate closely with colleagues from the cluster, fostering interdisciplinary partnerships that enhance our research capabilities. Lastly, my overarching goal is to conduct excellent research that contributes to the field.

What are your expectations of the Cluster of Excellence and what are you particularly looking forward to?

I have high expectations for the Cluster of Excellence, particularly in its ability to support ongoing efforts to uncover ways to find balance in a modern world rife with microbes.

I anticipate an inclusive atmosphere that fosters collaboration and innovation among researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. I'm excited about the potential to achieve a deeper understanding of microbial interactions and their impact on a global scale. Additionally, I'm looking forward to be part of the Microverse Cluster that fosters collaboration and innovation among researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. I'm excited about the potential to achieve a deeper understanding of microbial interactions and their impact on a global scale.

Thank you very much for the interview and have a good start!

Contact:
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Microverse Cluster
Rosalind-Franklin-Str. 1, 07745 Jena
johannes.zimmermann@uni-jena.de