Microbiology
The Laboratory of Microbiology, led by Thijs Ettema, engages in research and education focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of the diversity, physiology, ecology and evolution of microorganisms and their viruses. We use the generated fundamental knowledge in various disciplines, including health & food, bioproducts & energy, and the natural environment & sustainability.
Research themes
Bacterial genetics
We study thermophilic bacteria and archaea, from their metabolism to CRISPR-Cas which defends them against viruses. In addition, we develop genome editing tools and optimise protein expression.
Microbial evolution
Within this theme, we focus on exploring and characterizing the microbial diversity that exists on our planet and how this diversity came about.
Microbial physiology
To help create a sustainable circular economy, we investigate the physiology of the anaerobic microorganisms.
Molecular ecology
Research and education within the Microbial Ecology Group aims to understand and explore the functioning of microorganisms in natural and man-made ecosystems, including interdependencies with their living and non-living environments.
Education
Education by Microbiology
Microbiology offers education by teaching courses at the bachelor and master level of various study programmes. These include a basic course, covering the classical aspects of microbiology and several more advanced courses covering different disciplines, like microbial evolution, microbial physiology, bacterial genetics and molecular ecology. The laboratory also participates in several MOOCs.
Additionally, we offer a variety of BSc- and MSc-thesis projects, MSc Research practices, and facilitates and we supervises internships.
Publications & Projects
The Laboratory of Microbiology is engaged in research on the biotransformations and interactions of microorganisms and the control thereof. Researchers work on projects involving CRISPR-Cas, the microbiome and evolution of archaeal and bacterial lineages.
They publish they work on a regular basis in scientific journals, professional journals, scientific and popular books, and proceedings.
Chair Holder
Thijs J. G. Ettema is an evolutionary microbiologist and chair of the Laboratory of Microbiology. His research focuses on the exploration of microbial diversity with next-generation genomics and various cultivation approaches. At Wageningen, his research group discovered a new group of archaea, the Asgard archaea, providing new, compelling evidence that complex cellular life evolved from an archaeal ancestor that already contained several eukaryotic traits.
prof.dr.ir. TJG (Thijs) Ettema
Chairholder
People of Microbiology
Each chair group of Wageningen University & Research, under leadership of a professor, has its own area of expertise. Meet the people of this Chair Group.
