Fungi
Without fungi, life as we know it would not exist. Most plants need them to grow. They provide nutrients, help produce oxygen, and keep nature’s cycle running. They also save lives: the first antibiotic, penicillin, comes from a fungus.
The Microverse - Our Research Explained
Whether in our gut, in the soil, or in a lake – tiny living beings are bustling everywhere, performing remarkable feats in secret. These organisms, called microorganisms or microbes, help us stay healthy, make plants grow, and even stabilize the climate.
Microbes are not loners. They live in communities. Such communities exist also inside and on humans, for example in the gut. This large community of gut microbes is called microbiome. But Microbiomes are not limited to the human body, they are also found in soil, air and water. Together, these various microbiomes form a vast network: the Microverse.
Who Lives in the Microverse?
In the Microverse, we encounter an astonishing variety of microbes. Three groups play a particularly important role:
Bacteria
Bacteria are found everywhere. In yogurt and cheese, they create delicious flavors. In our bodies, they train the immune system and keep pathogens in check. In our gut, they aid digestion. Some bacteria, however, can cause diseases.
Microalgae
Microalgae occur mainly in freshwater and seawater – in lakes, rivers, and oceans – but also in the air and soil. They perform photosynthesis and can capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They can even be used to produce biofuel.
The Importance of Balance
Microbial communities usually work like a well-coordinated team: flexible, and able to recover after changes. This is what we call a balanced state.
However, disturbances such as temperature shifts or antibiotic treatments can throw off this balance. Helpful microbes may disappear, while harmful ones can spread. If this passes a so-called tipping point, restoring health and stability becomes very difficult.
Our Missions:
In the Excellence Cluster Balance of the Microverse, we aim to discover:
1. Understanding Microbial Balance
We want to better understand how microbial communities stay in balance – from the smallest molecules to entire ecosystems. This includes uncovering the many connections that keep microbial life on Earth going.
2. Shaping Microbiomes for Good
We develop and use new tools and technologies to influence microbiome change, so they can benefit both the environment and human health
Why is this important?
If we understand how microorganisms live together and respond to changes, we can:
- Treat diseases more effectively
- Tackle environmental problems with precision
- Make agriculture more sustainable
- Prevent antibiotic resistance
Research Securing the Future: The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Research on microorganisms directly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015 by the United Nations as part of a shared agenda for sustainable development by 2030. These 17 goals address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental destruction, aiming for a fairer, safer, and greener world.
By understanding how microorganisms stabilize ecosystems, promote health, and conserve natural resources, we contribute to a fairer, more resilient, and livable future for all.
The microbial balance in ecosystems is crucial for several UN SDGs:
SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
Healthy microorganisms in the soil are essential for plant growth. They decompose plant matter, produce nutrients, and make barren soil fertile, ensuring bountiful harvests and helping to fight hunger.
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Microorganisms can heal and save lives: we owe them antibiotics, penicillin, and many vaccines. Our research supports better understanding of diseases, the development of new therapies, and the body’s own defense mechanisms.
SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
Microorganisms are the invisible cleaning teams of our waters. They break down pollutants, filter nutrients, and help maintain healthy rivers and lakes. Where microbiomes are in balance, water stays clean.
SDG 13 - Climate action
Microorganisms play a key role in climate protection. They support photosynthesis, break down organic matter, and regulate the carbon cycle.
SDG 14 - Life Below Water
Microalgae produce oxygen, bind nutrients, and help remove pollutants. These tiny organisms are vital for life in water – and on land.
SDG 15 - Life on Land
A balanced Microverse is essential for biodiversity, functioning ecosystems, and quality of life on land.
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