Lasse Riemann

Lasse Riemann is a Professor in Marine Molecular Microbiology at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. He leads research in marine microbial ecology, focusing on factors regulating bacterial community composition in the ocean. His current work particularly addresses the ecological role of heterotrophic $$N_2$$-fixing bacterioplankton and bacterial diversity and population dynamics.

Education:

• PhD in Biology, University of Copenhagen (2002)
• Master in Biology, University of Copenhagen (1998)

Riemann's research applies molecular and microbiological tools to understand marine ecosystems. His lab combines standard microbiology techniques with state-of-the-art molecular methodologies including PCR, Real-Time PCR, amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics. His work involves both field studies and controlled experiments to investigate microbial processes in marine environments. A key focus is understanding how microbial communities respond to environmental changes and their role in biogeochemical cycles.

Analysis of Riemann's recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on nitrogen fixation processes across diverse marine environments, from coastal ecosystems to the Arctic Ocean. His research spans multiple subfields including microbial ecology, biogeochemical cycling, climate change impacts, and physiological adaptations of marine microorganisms. A recurring theme is the investigation of heterotrophic $$N_2$$ fixation and its role in marine nutrient cycles, with particular attention to how environmental factors influence these processes.

Scientific Awards:

• Sapere aude Research Leader award from the Danish Council for Independent Research (2012-2015, 650,000 €)
• Steno Young Investigator Award from the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation (2011-2015, 715,000 €)
• Post Doc stipend from the Villum Kann Rasmussen Foundation (2002-2003, 61,000 €)

Riemann has supervised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with several ongoing projects. He has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator (PI) for multiple large grants from the Independent Research Fund Denmark and as Co-PI for EU-funded projects. His research group has received continuous funding totaling over 2 million euros in the last decade, supporting both fundamental research and applied studies with environmental relevance.

Riemann currently serves as Chief Editor of the Specialty Aquatic Microbiology in Frontiers in Microbiology and previously served as Head of the Marine Biological Section at the University of Copenhagen (2015-2020). His research group at the Center for Volatile Interactions investigates marine microbial processes using advanced molecular techniques, with particular focus on how microbial communities interact with their environment and contribute to ecosystem functioning.