The Microbiology Group (MIB) groups 6 professors and approximately 100 other scientists, PhD and MSc students, and supporting staff. MIB aims to understand microbial interactions, biotransformations and their control in bacteria, archaea and fungi. MIB research is characterized by a focus on molecular mechanisms, genomics-driven approaches, and applications in food, non-food and environmental biotechnology.

Partner in the project is the Molecular Ecology group headed by Dr. Hauke Smidt. Current research within WU-MIB relevant to the tasks focuses on the integrated application of innovative cultivation and molecular methods to biological questions, such as on microbial community composition, functionality and interactions in anaerobic ecosystems, including the mammalian gut and wastewater treatment systems.

Recent activities include design and application of DNA microarrays for the analysis of microbial community composition, functional genomics and metagenomics, and approaches that aim at linking microbial identity and functionality, most notably stable isotope probing of environmental DNA and RNA. MIB has played a key role in many FP4-FP7 EU-projects, including in the area of microbiomics of the gastro-intestinal tract (PROEUHEALTH, Healthypigut, Feed for Pig Health, METAHIT, Cross-Talk).

This partner will participate in WP1 on the standardisation of protocols for MC typing and lead task on MC in tilapia. It will participate in WP2 on gnotobiotic tilapia and imprinting. The major contribution is in WP4 (leader) on the interaction of system -MC with intestinal-MC.