Katharina Makower

Dr. Katharina Makower serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology (Department 3) at the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB Berlin), where she contributes to the Zooplankton Ecology research group. Her work integrates molecular biology with ecosystem-level aquatic research through participation in major European infrastructure projects.

Her research focuses on plankton dynamics and microbial interactions in freshwater systems, with particular expertise in cyanobacterial physiology and toxin production. Current investigations examine nutrient cycling effects on phytoplankton growth, while earlier work established foundational knowledge about microcystin's role in oxidative stress defense. Dr. Makower employs interdisciplinary approaches combining mesocosm experimentation with genomic analysis to address complex questions in aquatic ecology.

Analysis of her publication record reveals a clear trajectory from molecular studies of cyanobacterial toxins toward broader ecosystem investigations. Her recent work emphasizes research infrastructure development, particularly in data management practices for aquatic mesocosm experiments. The publications demonstrate consistent collaboration across European institutions with focus on experimental ecology infrastructure.

Dr. Makower actively participates in EU-funded initiatives including AQUANAVI (2024-2026), which develops a navigation platform for aquatic mesocosm facilities, and previously contributed to AQUACOSM-plus (2020-2024) and the original AQUACOSM project (2017-2020). These projects establish critical connections between freshwater and marine experimental research infrastructures across Europe.

Within IGB Berlin, she operates in Department 3 (Plankton and Microbial Ecology) with cross-departmental collaboration extending to Department 5 (Evolutionary and Integrative Ecology), reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern aquatic research. Her editorial contributions to project deliverables demonstrate growing leadership in coordinating international research efforts.