Marcus Andreas Horn

Prof. Dr. Marcus Andreas Horn is a full Professor of Soil Microbiology at the Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University Hannover. He leads a research group focused on microbial ecology in natural and engineered systems, with significant contributions to understanding greenhouse gas metabolism, bioremediation, and microbial interactions in soil environments. His work integrates molecular, microbiological, and biochemical techniques to study microbial community dynamics and their ecological and biotechnological implications.

Research Interests: His research spans several critical areas in environmental microbiology, including the microbial ecology of greenhouse gases (nitrous oxide and methane), biotechnological applications such as microbial production of biodegradable plastics, bioremediation of pollutants and microplastics, and interactions between microorganisms and macroorganisms like earthworms. His group employs advanced methods such as high-throughput sequencing, transcriptomics, and stable isotope probing to identify key microbial players and metabolic pathways.

The most recent publications (2024–2025) reflect a strong trend in soil microbial processes related to climate change, pollution, and sustainability. Key themes include denitrification in agricultural soils, methane cycling in peatlands and paddy fields, microbial degradation of plastics, and the impact of microbial activity on environmental monitoring. These works highlight an interdisciplinary approach combining ecology, biogeochemistry, and molecular microbiology.

Leadership and Service:

• Chair of the Examination Board, MSc Molecular Microbiology
• Representative of Professors, Faculty Council, Faculty of Natural Sciences
• Member, Admissions Board for MSc Molecular Microbiology

Advising and Grants: While specific student names and grant details are not listed in the provided texts, Prof. Horn leads an active research group and likely supervises Master’s and PhD students in microbiology and environmental sciences. His extensive publication record suggests successful acquisition of research funding, though specific grants are not mentioned.

Laboratory and Research Group: The Horn group at Leibniz University Hannover investigates microbial community regulation and physiology using cutting-edge molecular and analytical tools. The lab focuses on both fundamental microbial ecology and applied biotechnological solutions, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability.