Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse
At a glace:
- Balance of the Microverse is the only Cluster of Excellence in Thuringia.
- The Microverse Cluster bundles the core expertise in Jena to obtain a holistic view of microbial balance
- A better understanding of the complex microbial communities will pave the way for innovative solutions to fight diseases and restore imbalances in the environment.
Microorganisms – our invisible companions. Everyday a multitude of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria and algae determine our lives without us even noticing. They can be found everywhere on our planet, living side by side with plants, humans and animals. A dysbalance of these complex communities can have serious consequences, such as natural disasters, diseases and disturbed ecosystems. The mission of the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse is to obtain a profound understanding of the interaction of microorganisms and their impact on other organisms and the environment. The aim is to find out which factors stabilize or destabilize the systems and to what extent humans can intervene to prevent or restore disturbed systems. In three research areas, our researchers study the interactions of microorganisms in the environment as well as with host organisms. The Microverse Imaging Center supports the interdisciplinary research with advanced biophotonic technologies and room for prototype development. The Microverse Cluster brings together researchers from the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Jena University Hospital and eight non-university research institutes. It also provides a platform for scientific exchange as well as the integration of international guest scientists.
