GEOMAR  Research  Marine Ecology  Marine Symbioses  Research Topics

Research Topics

Microbial diversity and function

We study the physiology, metabolism and mechanisms of interaction between marine sponges and their symbiotic microbial consortia. Photo credit: Martin T. Jahn

Deep-sea sponge grounds

We explore the role of microbes in sustaining a nutritional basis of the North Atlantic sponge grounds. Photo credit: K.Busch

Emerging sponge models

We aim to establish sponges as experimental models for evolutionary, ecological and functional aspects pertaining to host-microbe interactions. Photo credit: Kosmas Hench

Developmental symbiosis

We aim to determine the circumstances under which marine invertebrates utilize microbial symbioses for reproduction and development, and when the contrary occurs. Photo credit: Tyler Carrier

Marine holobiont research

Our interest in marine symbioses goes way beyond sponges. We study for example the implications of the microbiome (whether bacteria, fungal, or viral) for processes of health and disease in other marine holobionts. Interested? Let’s collaborate. Photo credit: Anna Roik

Microbial solutions

Dr. Erik Borchert investigates the genetic potential of marine microbes to degrade plastic and to translate that knowledge into biotechnological application. Photo credit: Erik Borchert
RD3
Marine Ecology
Research Divisions
Core Themes
Integrative Research Foci
Programs and projects
Miscellaneous