About

The Collaborative Research Centre “Origin and Function of Metaorganisms” is an interdisciplinary network involving around 80 researchers that investigates the interactions of specific microbial communities with multicellular host organisms. It is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and deals with the question of how plants and animals including humans form functional units (metaorganisms) together with highly specific communities of microbes. The aim of the CRC 1182 is to understand why and how microbial communities enter into these long-term connections with their host organisms and what functional consequences these interactions have. The CRC 1182 brings together scientists from five faculties of Kiel University, the GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel, the Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionsbiologie Plön, the Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, the Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education and the Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design.

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

Executive Board

Steering Committee

Scientific Advisory Board

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 counseling from renowned international scientists forming the CRC 1182 Scientific Advisory Board.

Contact

Collaborative Research Centre 1182

Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Hinrich Schulenburg
Kiel University
Zoological Institute
Am Botanischen Garten 1-9
D-24118 Kiel

+49 431 880 4143
hschulenburg@zoologie.uni-kiel.de

www.evoecogen-kiel.de

Vice-Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Tal Dagan
Kiel University
Institute for General Microbiology
Am Botanischen Garten 11
D-
24118 Kiel

+49 431 880 5712
tdagan@ifam.uni-kiel.de

https://www.mikrobio.uni-kiel.de/de/ag-dagan

Administrative Manager:
Anika Hintz
Kiel University
Zoological Institute
Am Botanischen Garten 1-9
D-24118 Kiel

+49 431 880 4172
office@metaorganism-research.com

Scientific Manager:
Dr. Barbara Cania
Kiel University
Institute for General Microbiology
Am Botanischen Garten 11
D-24118 Kiel

+49 431 880 4530
bcania@ifam.uni-kiel.de

Public Outreach:
Christian Urban
Kiel University
Christian-Albrechts-Platz 4,
D-24118 Kiel

+49 431 880 1974
curban@uv.uni-kiel.de

Route on Google Maps

Institutions & Partners