Mitja Remus-Emsermann

Prof. Mitja Remus-Emsermann is a Professor of Microbiology at Freie Universität Berlin since 2021, leading the Remus-Emsermann Group. Previously, he held academic roles at the University of Canterbury (2016–2021), including Senior Lecturer and associated investigator at the Biomolecular Interaction Centre. His research focuses on phyllosphere microbiology, bacterial colonization dynamics, and plant-microbe interactions, using advanced microscopy and genetic tools like the Chromatic Bacteria fluorescent tagging system.

Education:

• PhD in Microbial Ecology, Dutch Institute for Ecology, 2012
• _DIPLOMA IN BIOLOGY (Major in Botany and Microbiology), University of Bonn, 2007

Research Interests: His work explores spatial organization of microbial communities on plant surfaces, biocontrol strategies, antibiotic resistance in environmental bacteria, and tri-trophic interactions between plants, microbes, and herbivores. Key methodologies include confocal microscopy, spatial statistics, and genetic engineering of environmental bacteria.

Grants & Awards:

• 2020–Present: Editorial advisory board roles for Journal of Basic Microbiology and Plant-Environment Interaction
• 2018: University of Canterbury Early Career Research Award
• 2010: NERN Publication Award for seminal work on bacterial reproductive success

Lab & Collaborations: The lab develops tools like the Chromatic Bacteria system to study microbial behavior in natural habitats. Current projects include gnotobiotic plant-insect systems to trace microbiome impacts on herbivory and sustainable agriculture strategies.