Department of Environmental Microbiology
Head of the Department:
Prof. Hauke Harms
Office:
Carola Riemenschneider
phone +49 341 235-1260
fax +49 341 235-1351
Permoserstraße 15
04318 Leipzig, Germany
We investigate the functioning of natural microbial communities and its expression as vital ecosystem services. In the centre of our interest stands the capacity of microorganisms to degrade pollutants and to drive the natural biogeochemical cycles.
Our research also serves to provide methods and indicators for environmental protection and the sustainable management of landscapes and to exploit the genetic resources of our landscapes for research and biotechnology.
Our main research themes cover:
- Structural and functional diversity of microbial communities
- Ecology of contaminated environments
- Experimental biodiversity research
- Microbe-plant interactions
- Development of biotechnologies for the restoration and prevention of environmental damage
- Bioenergy
