Home | Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology

“Microcosm Earth Center” research groups are complete

Dr. Martina Preiner has joined the MPI-TM as a new Max Planck Research Group Leader. Her group "Geochemical Protoenzymes" at the "Microcosm Earth Center" explores transitions from geo- to biochemistry: How can life emerge from the non-living?

Towards a “biochemical blueprint”

Highly efficient and without greenhouse gas emissions, special enzymes called hydrogenases convert hydrogen. A team led by Dr. Seigo Shima focuses on producing such an active [Fe]-hydrogenase in a test tube, following nature's example. The team has now identified two missing links in the biosynthetic chain - both belong to a class of enzymes that is truly something special.

Viruses in the Spotlight

Dr. Katharina Höfer and colleagues from the Central Hesse Research Campus visited the University of Wisconsin - and brought back new perspectives for scientific collaborations in biochemistry on the topic of RNA biology.

Dr. Henrike Niederholtmeyer receives ERC Starting Grant

The Emmy-Noether-Research Group Leader receives 1.5 Mio. Euro for the development and investigation of synthetic compartments

Revealing Biochemical “Rings of Power”

Genome mining uncovers a widespread class of natural products that could be excellent candidates for future drugs

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.