Our Mission

Research on host-microbe interactions has become an emerging cross-disciplinary field. In both vertebrates as well as invertebrates a complex microbiome confers immunological, metabolic and behavioural benefits; its disturbance can contribute to the development of disease states. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling interactions within the metaorganisms are poorly understood and many key interactions between the associated organisms remain unknown.
We are particularly interested in:
- the specific functional consequences of the interactions,
- the underlying regulatory principles,
- and also the resulting impact on host life history and evolutionary fitness in selected host systems.
Academic Profile of the Collaborative Research Centre 1182
Novel insights into above topics have already been obtained by the members of the CRC 1182. Our consortium is thus in an ideal position to join forces to deepen our understanding of the metaorganism and validate our findings across the different model systems. In summary, the CRC 1182 “Origin and Function of Metaorganisms” will focus on a research field of high current interest, namely the evolutionary dynamics within metaorganisms and the molecular interactions involved. To achieve such an integrated view on the metaorganism, our consortium will focus on three main themes: A) Evolution and Ecology, B) Recognition and Communication, C) Function and Life History. The research projects get assistance by the Z, INF and PR projects of the Science Support.

Organizational Structure of the Collaborative Research Centre 1182
Speaker & Vice-Speaker
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Thomas C.G. Bosch
Executive Board
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Thomas C.G. Bosch
Prof. Dr. Tal Dagan
Steering Committee
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Thomas C.G. Bosch
Dr. Malte Rühlemann
Prof. Dr. Ruth Anne Schmitz-Streit
Prof. Dr. Tal Dagan
Scientific Advisory Board
Prof. Dr. Nicole Dubilier
Prof. Dr. Margaret McFall-Ngai
Prof. Dr. Andreas Peschel
All Principle Investigators form the CRC 1182 Membership Meeting, seven of them are elected as the decision-making Steering Committee. It is complemented by an elected representative of the associated young researchers. In addition, the center receives counselling from renowned international scientists forming the CRC 1182 Scientific Advisory Board.
First Funding Phase of the Collaborative Research Centre 1182 (2016-2019)
For more information about the activities of the CRC 1182 in the first funding phase, please visit the following website: https://phase1.metaorganism-research.com/
Contact
Collaborative Research Centre 1182
Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Thomas C. G. Bosch
Kiel University
Zoological Institute
Am Botanischen Garten 1-9
D-24118 Kiel
Vice-Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Hinrich Schulenburg
Kiel University
Zoological Institute
Am Botanischen Garten 1-9
D-
24118 Kiel
+49 431 880 4143
+49 431 880 2403
hschulenburg@zoologie.uni-kiel.de
Administrative Manager:
Anika Hintz
Kiel University
Zoological Institute
Am Botanischen Garten 1-9
D-24118 Kiel
+49 431 880 4172
+49 431 880 4747
office@metaorganism-research.com
Scientific Manager:
Dr. Dorine Boumans
Kiel University
Zoological Institute
Am Botanischen Garten 1-9
D-24118 Kiel
+49 431 880 4530
+49 431 880 4747
office@metaorganism-research.com
Public Outreach:
Christian Urban
Kiel University
Christian-Albrechts-Platz 4,
D-24118 Kiel