Complex Adaptive Traits (CATs) in beneficial Bacilli

Research Strategy

Our research operates at the interface of microbial physiology, quantitative biology, and biotechnology. We develop new - mostly imaging-based - quantitative methods and integrate systems and synthetic biology approaches to investigate Bacillus subtilis at multiple scales - from the population down to the cellular and molecular level. Working with a well-studied model organism allows us to address fundamental questions, specifically regarding endospores and phenotypic population heterogeneity. The discoveries gained by our methods inspire translational research on other Bacilli, pave the way to better control bacterial populations and to engineer them for biotechnological applications. Our research output therefore appeals to different scientific communities and is recognized both by academia and industry. 

Collaborative Research and Training

The µCATs Lab is an independent research group of the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology (MPIterMic). We work in close collaboration with other groups from the BioQuant, the ZMBH and Heidelberg University. We enjoy interactions with external groups, both from academia and industry, to drive our research agenda forward and contributing to national priority programs with our expertise. In cross-disciplinary studies we investigate other stress-associated phenomena with relevance for humans and the environment using B. subtilis as a model organism, e.g. formation of methane. 

With the support provided by two research institutions with complementary expertise - the BioQuant and the MPIterMic - the µCATs Lab provides outstanding interdisciplinary training opportunities for junior researchers from the Bachelor, Master to the PhD level and supports international postdoc scholars and visitors.