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Dr. Lars Lauterbach is a University Professor at RWTH Aachen University , leading the Department of Synthetic Microbiology . His research focuses on molecular genetics, biochemistry, and gas-converting biocatalysts, particularly hydrogen-dependent enzymatic processes. Institution: RWTH Aachen University Role: Institute Head Contact: lars.lauterbach@rwth-aachen.de His work spans hydrogen metabolism , metalloenzymes , and electrobiochemistry , with recent publications emphasizing CO2 conversion, hydrogenase engineering, and enzymatic cofactor regeneration. Key research areas include: Hydrogen-driven biocatalytic cascades Oxygen-tolerant hydrogenases Carbon dioxide valorization Multi-step enzymatic synthesis Hydrogen storage and utilization Redox chemistry in metalloproteins The 2023-2025 article list reflects trends in CO2-based biotechnology , biocatalytic hydrogenation , and synthetic microbial systems , with applications in pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and sustainable energy.

• Molecular Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Biocatalysis
• +6 more

Professor R. Gary Sawers leads the Microbiology division at the Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. His research spans three decades, focusing on microbial formate/hydrogen metabolism and Streptomyces physiology at the aerobic-anaerobic interface. Key contributions include elucidating glycyl radical enzyme mechanisms and nitrate respiration in actinomycetes. Research Themes: Microbial formate metabolism, hydrogen production, Streptomyces dormancy, and respiratory nitrate reductases Key Techniques: Molecular genetics, protein biochemistry, structural analysis, microbial physiology Recent Publications (2020-2025) reveal his group's work on: Formate channel (FocA) function in pH homeostasis and metabolite transport [NiFe] hydrogenase maturation and cofactor biosynthesis Streptomyces spore survival mechanisms under anaerobic stress Redox regulation of hydrogen metabolism in enterobacteria Group Members include PhD students Christopher Erdmann and Sissy Schnabel, along with postdocs Dr. Dörte Falke, Dr. Marco Fischer, Dr. Michelle Kammel, and Dr. Anne Oertel. Technical support is provided by Claudia Hammerschmidt, Antje Krippner, and Stefan Schwoch.

• Microbial metabolism
• Anaerobic physiology
• Hydrogen and formate metabolism
• +2 more

Seigo Shima is a Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, Germany, and holds a concurrent Guest Professor position at Hokkaido University (since 2012). He earned an MSc in Agriculture from Osaka Prefectural University (1985) and a PhD in Agriculture from the University of Tokyo (1991). His career includes roles as an Alexander-von-Humboldt Research Fellow (1993–1995) and group leader at the Max Planck Institute (since 1995). Shima's research centers on microbial enzymology and methanogenesis, with three primary foci: (1) structure-function relationships of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis enzymes, (2) catalytic mechanisms of [Fe]-hydrogenase, and (3) biosynthesis of the [Fe]-hydrogenase cofactor. His work integrates structural biology, kinetics, and spectroscopy to elucidate unique cofactors and electron-transfer pathways in archaeal metabolism. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2018–2022) reveals dominant themes in enzyme structure determination (e.g., hydrogenases, reductases), catalytic mechanisms (hydride transfer, oxygen sensitivity), and cofactor biosynthesis. Techniques like X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and vibrational spectroscopy are prominently featured. Shima currently advises doctoral researcher Joao Pedro Fernandes Queiroz and collaborates with postdoctoral scientists and guest researchers. His lab employs advanced structural and biochemical methods to study microbial energy conversion, with ongoing projects on enzyme complexes involved in methane formation and electron bifurcation.

• Methanogenesis
• Hydrogenases
• Enzyme Catalysis
• +3 more

Lothar Jänsch is a Professor and Research Group Leader at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) , jointly appointed with the Technical University of Braunschweig . His work bridges proteomics and infection biology , focusing on pathogen-host interactomes and immune response regulation. Studied biology at the Free University of Berlin (diploma 1995), earned his doctorate in 1998 (IGF Berlin/University of Hanover) Postdoc at GBF (now HZI) since 2000, led projects on virulence factors (2003-2006), and established the Cellular Proteomics group in 2009 Appointed to the W2 professorship for Proteomics in Infectious Processes in 2011 Research emphasizes translational projects with academic, medical, and industrial partners, particularly on: Pathogen-host interactomes (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Clostridioides difficile , Listeria monocytogenes ) Immune response control mechanisms in infection models (MAIT cells, NK cells, Tregs) Proteomic characterization of extracellular vesicles, biofilms, and subcellular structures Drug discovery targeting bacterial virulence factors (e.g., quinoxalinediones for α-hemolysin) Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining mass spectrometry , kinome analysis , and phosphoproteomics to study: Bacterial virulence regulation (PqsE chaperone activity, NirS-DnaK-FliC complex) Lipid signaling (nSMase2, sphingomyelinase) Drug mechanisms (aminoratjadone, salinilactones) Stress response pathways (PerR mutation in C. difficile)

• Proteomics
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Infection Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Sabrina Hedrich serves as Professor and Head of the Institute of Biosciences at Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg within the Faculty of Resources. She leads the Microbiology and Biohydrometallurgy research group, directing cutting-edge investigations into microbial processes for sustainable metal recovery and environmental remediation. Her work bridges fundamental microbiology with industrial applications in resource extraction. Her research centers on extremophilic microorganisms, particularly acidophiles capable of iron/sulfur metabolism and sulfate reduction under extreme conditions. Key focus areas include bioleaching of primary ores and secondary resources (e-waste, mine tailings), selective metal recovery through biosorption/biomineralization, and microbial community dynamics in acidic environments. This work integrates physiology, taxonomy, and ecology to develop biotechnological solutions for circular economy challenges in mining and metallurgy. Analysis of her recent publications reveals intensifying research on hydrodynamic-biogeochemical controls in legacy mine waters, bioleaching of battery materials (lithium iron phosphate), and rare earth element recovery. Her work increasingly emphasizes process engineering integration (membrane filtration, bioreactor design) and molecular approaches to difficult-to-express proteins, demonstrating evolution from fundamental microbial studies toward applied industrial solutions. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. While specific student lists and grant details were not provided, her leadership of a major research group implies active supervision of doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers in biohydrometallurgy. Her work likely involves collaborative projects with mining industries and environmental technology firms focused on sustainable resource recovery. Prof. Hedrich directs the Microbiology and Biohydrometallurgy laboratory facilities, which specialize in culturing acidophilic microorganisms, conducting bioleaching experiments with metal sulfides and industrial wastes, and developing bioreactor systems for metal recovery. The group maintains advanced capabilities in microbial community analysis, protein expression, and process optimization for industrial applications.

• Physiology and taxonomy of extremophilic microorganisms
• Iron/sulfur-metabolizing acidophiles
• Acidophilic sulfate reducers
• +3 more

Cathleen Zeymer is a Professor at the Department of Bioscience, Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Professorship for Protein Chemistry. Her research focuses on protein chemistry, enzyme engineering, and biocatalytic systems with particular emphasis on photocatalysis, metalloproteins, and rare earth elements. She holds a doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat.) and is affiliated with the TUM School of Natural Sciences. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to design novel enzymes and explore elemental utilization in biological systems. Her research interests include the development of artificial metalloenzymes, photocatalytic radical cyclizations, and understanding the roles of lanthanides and actinides in microbial life. She investigates enzyme evolution dynamics, biocatalytic pathways, and sustainable biotechnological applications. Her lab addresses challenges in photocatalysis and explores future perspectives through interdisciplinary collaboration. Prof. Zeymer’s research spans topics such as de novo enzyme design, enzymatic catalysis mechanisms, and the application of radioactive elements like promethium in biological contexts. Her work often highlights the potential of rare earth elements in biorecycling and designer enzyme development. She maintains a strong focus on protein engineering, including electrostatic coupling analysis and directed evolution strategies. Her publications reflect a commitment to advancing biocatalysis, metalloprotein engineering, and understanding elemental interactions in biological systems. Current research trends include exploring minor actinides’ roles in bacterial metabolism and optimizing catalytic efficiency through laboratory evolution techniques.

• Protein Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Enzyme Engineering
• +4 more

Dr. Johannes Rebelein (b. 1986) leads the Emmy Noether Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, Germany, and is concurrently a Junior Group Leader at the LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SynMikro) . Since 2020, his team has focused on understanding and engineering microbial metalloenzymes—particularly nitrogenases—for sustainable activation of N₂ and CO₂, aiming to convert these abundant molecules into valuable chemicals such as ammonia, methane, hydrogen and hydrocarbons. Education & Career: B.Sc. Biotechnology, TU Braunschweig (2010) M.Sc. Biotechnology, TU Braunschweig (2012) Ph.D. Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine (2016) EMBO Long-Term Postdoc, University of Basel, Department of Chemistry (2017–2020) Since 2020: Emmy Noether Group Leader, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology Since 2020: Junior Group Leader, LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Marburg Research Focus: Rebelein’s laboratory integrates structural biology, bioinorganic chemistry, enzymology and synthetic biology to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of nitrogenase catalysis and to repurpose these ancient enzymes for next-generation biotechnological applications. Current projects include structural elucidation of iron nitrogenase complexes, engineering nitrogenases for CO₂ and CO reduction, and developing novel metabolic pathways that incorporate these reactions into microbial metabolism. Scientific Awards & Funding: Emmy Noether Programme Award (DFG) EMBO Long-Term Fellowship Lab & Mentorship: The group currently supervises six doctoral researchers (Frederik Schmidt, Niels Oehlmann, Ana Lago Maciel, Grgo Marijan, Marcello Herzog, Jing Chen) and one master’s student (Emily Rothemann). The lab is actively recruiting postdoctoral fellows and graduate students interested in metalloenzyme engineering and synthetic biology.

• Microbial metalloenzymes
• Nitrogenase catalysis
• CO₂ activation and reduction
• +5 more

Dr. Changqing Liu is a Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, Germany, affiliated with the AG Erb research group. His work focuses on microbial systems, particularly methanotrophs, metabolic engineering, and enzyme characterization. Key research areas include microbial ecology in extreme environments, genomic analysis of novel organisms, and optimization of microbial production pathways for aromatic compounds and biofuels. His recent studies explore the coexistence of methanotrophic bacteria in geothermal soils, structural characterization of metalloenzymes, and improving biotechnological processes through metabolic pathway engineering. Liu’s contributions bridge environmental microbiology with synthetic biology, addressing challenges in sustainable bioproduction and understanding microbial adaptations to harsh habitats. Publications highlight advancements in enzyme engineering, genome mining for industrial metabolites, and material science applications of biomaterials. He has collaborated on projects involving Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and extremophilic bacteria like Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum SolV. Despite no explicit mentions of awards or grants, his research output reflects a strong focus on fundamental and applied microbiology, with ongoing investigations into rare earth element interactions in bacterial systems and novel microbial taxa discovery.

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Microbiology
• +3 more

Professor Berenike Maier leads the Biophysics Group at the Institute for Biological Physics and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Cologne. Her research focuses on correlating biofilm structure with antibiotic tolerance mechanisms in Neisseria gonorrhoeae , investigating physical properties of bacterial colonies and their impact on treatment efficacy. Current position: Professor for Biophysics since 2011 Prior: Professor for Single Molecule Biophysics at Münster (2004-2011) Education: PhD (2001) and Diploma in Physics (1998) from TU München Research integrates biofilm dynamics , type IV pilus mechanics , and genomic response to antibiotics . Key projects include: Colony formation inhibition studies using T4P variants Gene expression profiling under antibiotic stress Evolutionary experiments tracking resistance development Her work contributes to understanding antibiotic tolerance in biofilm-related infections and exploring phage therapy applications . Collaborations span DZIF HAARBI, German Research Foundation, and international epidemiological networks.

• Biofilm structure and dynamics
• Antibiotic tolerance mechanisms
• Bacterial colony formation
• +3 more

Dr. Nicole Paczia is a leading researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology , specializing in Metabolomics and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry . Her work bridges microbial physiology, synthetic biology, and metabolic engineering, with a focus on understanding and reprogramming biochemical pathways for applications in carbon fixation, human health, and pathogen interactions. Key research areas include metabolomics, enzyme discovery, and microbial community dynamics Recent publications highlight innovations in CO2 reduction, NAD metabolism, and biofilm regulation Her interdisciplinary approach integrates computational modeling, experimental validation, and advanced analytical techniques. Notably, she has contributed to the design of synthetic carbon fixation cycles and the characterization of novel enzymatic mechanisms. While no formal awards or student advisement data are explicitly provided, her prolific publication record underscores her impact in microbial metabolomics.

• Metabolomics
• Mass Spectrometry
• Microbial Biotechnology
• +6 more

Dr. Chang Ding is a Group Leader in the Department of Molecular Environmental Biotechnology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the National University of Singapore (2014) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Science from Tsinghua University, China (2008). His career includes postdoctoral research at the National University of Singapore (2014–2015), a Humboldt Research Fellowship at UFZ (2015–2018), and a Scientist role at UFZ (2018–2023) before assuming his current leadership position. Ding's research focuses on anaerobic microbial processes critical to environmental sustainability, including: Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and nitrogen cycle innovations Energy-efficient wastewater treatment with resource recovery Transformation pathways of trace organic contaminants in engineered ecosystems Development of automated bioreactor systems and proteomic methodologies (e.g., metaproteomics, protein stable isotope probing) His recent publications emphasize microbial detoxification mechanisms for pollutants like antibiotics, halogenated compounds, and artificial sweeteners, often leveraging cutting-edge techniques in genomics, enzymology, and reactor engineering. Articles consistently explore bioremediation strategies for wastewater and contaminated environments, with frequent collaborations across European and Asian institutions. Awards & Honors: Humboldt Research Fellowship (2015–2018) He leads the Anoxic Microbial Transformation group and contributes to EU-funded projects (e.g., RESPIMMOX, CLEANER) investigating anammox bacteria and micropollutant removal. Ding also develops open-source scientific tools, including a Raspberry Pi-based bioreactor control system and computational pipelines for protein stable isotope probing.

• Environmental Biotechnology
• Anaerobic Microbial Processes
• Wastewater Treatment
• +3 more

Professor Johann Heider leads the Arbeitsgruppe Heider (Heider Research Group) at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of anaerobic metabolic pathways, particularly the degradation of hydrocarbons without oxygen. With over 35 years of continuous research activity documented in his publication record, he has established himself as a leading expert in anaerobic microbiology and enzymology. Dr. Heider's research program centers on five main areas: anaerobic toluene metabolism involving benzylsuccinate synthase (a glycyl-radical enzyme); anaerobic ethylbenzene metabolism mediated by ethylbenzene dehydrogenase (a molybdoenzyme); novel ATP-dependent carboxylases for ketones like acetone and acetophenone; mechanism and maturation of bacterial tungstoenzymes; and anaerobic indoleacetate metabolism. His work uniquely combines structural biology approaches, detailed enzymatic characterization, computational modeling (in collaboration with researchers like M. Szaleniec from Krakow), and biotechnological applications of these metabolic pathways. The analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a continued emphasis on enzyme mechanisms, particularly glycyl-radical enzymes and tungsten-containing enzymes, with increasing integration of computational methods and exploration of biotechnological applications. His research spans fundamental enzymology to applied biotechnology, with several papers addressing the structural basis of enzyme function and others exploring synthetic biology applications of native metabolic pathways. Throughout his career, Professor Heider has maintained extensive collaborations with researchers across Europe, particularly with computational chemists in Poland and microbiologists specializing in extremophiles. His laboratory has developed specialized techniques for studying oxygen-sensitive enzymes and has contributed significantly to understanding how bacteria can degrade hydrocarbons in the complete absence of oxygen - knowledge with important implications for bioremediation of contaminated environments. The Heider laboratory maintains specialized facilities for anaerobic microbiology, protein biochemistry of oxygen-sensitive enzymes, and structural biology approaches. Their research has been supported by multiple grants from German research foundations focusing on microbial metabolism and enzyme mechanisms. The group regularly trains doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers in advanced techniques of anaerobic microbiology and enzymology.

• Anaerobic Microbiology
• Enzymology
• Metalloenzymes
• +6 more