Home | Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology

The Max Planck Institute turns 30

The Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial microbiology is celebrating its 30^th anniversary, and, along with it, the long-standing and successful cooperation with the Philipps-Universität.
.

Dr. Manuel Osorio Valeriano receives PhD award

In 2021, the Philipps-Universität Marburg honored five young researchers with the award - among them Dr. Manuel Osorio Valeriano from the research group of Max Planck Fellow Martin Thanbichler.

Wired for efficiency

Methanogenic archaea use sophisticated enzyme systems to thrive in low-energy, oxygen-free environments. Researchers at the Max Planck Institutes for Terrestrial Microbiology and Biophysics have now discovered a a giant enzyme complex that holds a key mechanism for energy conservation. Their findings, published in the journal "Science", could open up new possibilities for sustainable biotechnological development.

Rudolf K. Thauer receives Cothenius Medal

The National Academy of Science Leopoldina honors the Max-Planck scientist for his outstanding scientific lifetime achievement.

Phage research at MPI-TM

About 100 years ago, the discovery of viruses that infect bacteria was the key to understanding the genetic information. Today bacteriophages play a leading role in some of biology’s most meaningful advances. Dr. Katharina Höfer and Prof. Gert Bange take part in a new DFG priority program that aims to investigate the relationships between viruses and their bacterial hosts.

Welcome to the
Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology

The aim of our research is to understand the diversity and function of microorganisms. They are more numerous and diverse than all other living organisms – there is no place on earth they do not colonize. There are mainly three main reasons for their success: their immense metabolic capacities, a great ability to adapt to environmental changes, and a wide range of interactions with other organisms. Whether by their indispensable role in the global cycles of matter, the conversion of atmospheric greenhouse gases or their numerous interactions with humans, animals and plants - microorganisms decisively shape life on earth.

Like all of the over 80 Max Planck Institutes, we conduct basic research, true to Max Planck`s saying: "Insight must precede application." A fundamental understanding of processes and interrelationships is prerequisite for any medical or technological innovation. We use state-of-the-art technologies in combination with computer modeling and analysis as well as synthetic biology methods.