Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (MPIMM)

MPIMM

Storytime with: Rudolf Amann

MPIMM_Rudolf Amann
Professor Rudolf Amann, Managing Director at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology

WHY is the MPIMM taking an in-depth look into the microorganisms in our oceans?

HERE’S WHY - Without microorganisms, there would be no life on Earth. The rulers of our planet for two-thirds of Earth’s history, they developed an impressive number of species and life forms. Even today, microorganisms play a key role in our climate and thus in living conditions on Earth. For example, more than half of the oxygen we humans breathe comes from the sea. Despite microorganisms being so important for us, however, we know very little about them. As such, we are working with people from all over the planet at the institute to track down the smallest creatures in the sea and learn more about their world.

WHY is there a bit of the University of Bremen at MPIMM?

HERE’S WHY - The MPIMM and the university work closely together, as demonstrated in the Marine Glycobiology research group, in which scientists from both institutions work together to examine sugar compounds in algae. Another example is MarMic, our joint master’s and doctoral program. In addition, MPIMM researchers teach at the University of Bremen and give seminars.