Three researchers are discussing in the laboratory, on the work surface there are several petri dishes and glass flasks with green algae.

Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse"

With 'Balance of the Microverse' the University is successfully contributing to Germany’s Excellence Strategy.
Three researchers are discussing in the laboratory, on the work surface there are several petri dishes and glass flasks with green algae.
Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

Excellent research on dynamic balances of microbial communities

"Balance of the Microverse"External link is a research cluster that, on September 27, 2018, was selected as one of the Clusters of Excellences to be funded by the German Excellence Strategy Programme. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Cluster will enter its next seven-year funding period in 2026. 

Complex microorganisms can be found in nearly all habitats on our earth. Their interactions between each other, with other organisms and with their environment are of great significance for the functioning of ecosystems, our climate and the well-being of plants, animals and humans. Anthropogenic impact or infectious microorganisms can cause a dramatic imbalance in microbial communities, resulting in the deterioration of ecosystems, weather extremes, severe crop loss or diseases. The vision of the Microverse Cluster is to investigate the dynamic balance of complex microbial communities from the molecular to the ecosystem level. This should enable us to develop new technologies to maintain the balance or restore it.

The Cluster combines the expertise of the profile lines LIFE and LIGHT in microbiology, chemical biology, infection biology, clinical medicine, ecology, optics/photonics, materials science, bioinformatics, and ethics at the University, the University Hospital, and eight non-university research institutes. The Cluster builds on the Graduate School Jena School for Microbial CommunicationExternal link, and is supported by four Collaborative Research Centres, additional coordinated research programmes, and local industry partners.

  • Show YouTube video placeholder image — Startbild imagefilm
    Learn more about the Microverse in our Image Clip
    Image: EXC "Balance of the Microverse"
  • Symposium "Microbes – Connecting Environment and Health"
    Preview image/Video: EXC "Balance of the Microverse"
  • Show YouTube video placeholder image — Startbild Science Event
    Microverse Science Event: Experience science in a new way!
    Image: EXC "Balance of the Microverse"
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Contacts

Kirsten Küsel, Univ.-Prof. Dr
Spokesperson of the Cluster "Balance of the Microverse"
Professorship Aquatic Geomicrobiology
Room 312
Dornburger Straße 159
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link
  1. Köhler, Angela, Dr Executive Manager Cluster of Excellence

    Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie
    Beutenbergstraße 11a
    07745 Jena

  2. Kolossa, Silvia, Dr Scientific Coordinator Cluster of Excellence

    Forschungsinstitut
    Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23
    07743 Jena

  3. Seeber, Juliane Science Communications Officer Cluster of Excellence

    Forschungsinstitut
    Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23
    07743 Jena

  4. Ludwig, Sandy Outreach Manager Cluster of Excellence

    Forschungsinstitut
    Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23
    07743 Jena

Job advertisement

  1. Academic staff
    · 168/2025
    Microbiome Dynamics Group at the Institute of Microbiology
    Post-doctoral Researcher Position in Microbiome Systems Biology
    • full-time
    • limited
  2. Academic staff
    · 167/2025
    Microbiome Dynamics Group at the Institute of Microbiology
    PhD Position in Microbiome Systems Biology
    • part-time
    • limited
To job market

Cooperations and Participations