Unraveling the rules of microbiomes
Communities of microbes (microbiomes) play important roles in human health and disease, agriculture and plant growth, environmental management and many more critical processes. Until recently, however, microbiologists focused on microbes in isolation. As a result, we do not know much about how they function when they come together in complex communities.
The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics is developing an integrated understanding of microbiomes. Our goal is to establish general functional principles that can explain and predict the behavior of microbial communities for a variety of applications.
Director
Ferran Garcia-Pichel
Ferran Garcia-Pichel’s current focus on microbial adaptations involves studying mechanisms carbonate dissolution, the production of sunscreen compounds and the microbial ability to produce hydrogen from water. Current applied aspects of his research include developing strategies for the sustainable recovery of degraded arid lands and searching for novel microbial capacities and products that have potential use in biomedicine and technology.
Meet our center’s experts
Our center is supported by a knowledgeable team of researchers, staff and visionary leaders who are at the leading edge of their fields.
Contact
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Support the Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics
Understanding systems of microbes and their relevance for human, animal and plant biology; the environment; and man-made systems.