Mina Bizic

Dr. Mina Bizic is a postdoctoral researcher with an independent DFG-funded position (Eigene Stelle) at the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin, Germany. She works in the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology (Department 3), focusing on aquatic microbial ecology with particular emphasis on the Oxic Methane Paradox and microbial interactions on organic particles.

Her research spans interdisciplinary areas including the Global Oceanic Carbon Cycle, microbial succession on macroscopic organic aggregates, and aquatic-terrestrial coupling. She employs a range of methodologies from molecular microbial ecology techniques (metagenomics, single-cell genomics, FISH) to biogeochemical analyses (gas chromatography, mass spectrometry) and field sampling.

Dr. Bizic's recent work has focused on methane production by phytoplankton during photosynthesis, a phenomenon challenging traditional understanding of methane cycling in oxygenated waters. Her publications show strong engagement with climate change impacts on aquatic systems, microbial community dynamics, and methodological innovations in studying marine snow and organic particles.

Notable scientific contributions include:

• Discovery of light-dependent methane production by phytoplankton
• Investigations into microbial succession on sinking organic particles
• Studies on how land use affects pond biodiversity and community structure
• Research on cave-dwelling sulfur bacteria and their metabolic capabilities

Dr. Bizic actively participates in scientific community building, serving on committees that promote diversity and inclusion in aquatic sciences. Her work bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries, connecting microbial ecology with biogeochemistry and climate science.