Laura Halbach

Laura Halbach is a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, working within the Department of Biogeochemistry led by Prof. Dr. Marcel Kuypers. Her work focuses on microbial interactions, primary production, and nutrient cycling in diverse aquatic ecosystems ranging from tropical coastal habitats to polar fjords and glacier surfaces.

• Current research emphasizes N₂-fixing microbes (diazotrophs) in seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa, Thalassia testudinum)
• Utilizes chemical, molecular, and single-cell imaging techniques (SIMS, SEM-EDS)
• Active in promoting research integrity as an institute Ombudsman

Her studies address biogeochemical processes impacting climate regulation through carbon and nitrogen cycling. Key areas include:

• Glacier surface microbial communities and albedo reduction
• Marine nitrogen fixation and plant-microbe symbiosis
• Polar and tropical ecosystem nutrient dynamics

Her publications reveal a focus on cryospheric microbiology, polar food webs, and imaging-based ecosystem analyses. Laura also contributes to teaching in the MarMic Master's program.