Fungi
Many substances produced by fungi are valuable to humans. For example, the first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered in mold.
Our Research - Simplified
On this section, we provide an overview of our research in simple terms. As part of our educational activities, it is important for us to highlight the significance and diversity of microbes. Additionally, we relate our work to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as protecting microbial balance contributes to achieving several SDGs.
What are microorganisms?
Microorganisms - the smallest lifeforms on earth - play a crucial role in keeping all life in balance. Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny creatures that are only visible under a microscope. They include bacteria, fungi, microalgae and other microorganisms. Find out more:
Bacteria
are tiny organisms without a cell nucleus, surrounded by a cell wall. Some help with digestion, while others can cause diseases such as plague, cholera and tuberculosis. Antibiotics can stop their growth.
Microalgae
perform photosynthesis and are primarily found in fresh and salt water, but can also be present in air and soil.
What is the “microverse”?
The "microverse" is the infinite world of microorganisms: a community of tiny creatures that cooperate and live together. They can be found in all habitats (e. g. plants, water, soil) and even in the human body. While many know them as disease-causing agents, microorganisms play essential roles in our lives, such as helping plants grow, cleaning our water, and even aiding digestion in our bodies. Despite their small size, they have a big impact on the environment and our health.
Our Research Focus
Microorganisms play an essential role for a sustainable future and maintaining balance on our planet. In the Microverse Cluster, scientists study microbial communities in various habitats and within humans. Environmental influences such as climate change or antibiotics can disrupt these delicate communities, leading to biodiversity loss and diseases. The cluster's goal is to better understand microbial balances and develop innovative approaches to solve ecological and health problems.
Our Research and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In 2015, the United Nations formulated 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to set a common agenda for sustainable development by 2030. The formulated goals are intended to tackle global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change and environmental degradation and promote a fairer, safer and more environmentally friendly world.
The microbial balance in ecosystems is crucial for several UN Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 2 Zero Hunger
Healthy soil microbes promote soil fertility and contribute to food security.
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
Our research contributes significantly to disease control and prevention. Microbes also play an important role in the production of medicines such as antibiotics or vaccines.
SDG 6 Clean Water
An intact microbial ecosystem in water bodies improves water quality and supports clean water resources.
SDG 13 Climate action
Microbes support photosynthesis by breaking down organic matter and regulating the carbon cycle. Thereby they contribute significantly to climate protection.
SDG 14 Life below water
Research into the role of microalgae helps to understand their importance in nutrient cycling, pollutant degradation and oxygen production.
SDG 15 Life on land
A microbial balance is important for biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems.
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