What is mikroBIOMIK?

The dicipline “Microbiomics“ (German: Mikrobiomik) deals with the diversity, genetics and function of living beings that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Microbes dominate planet earth. There is no visible life without invisible life. Our air, soil and water as well as all plants and animals contain complex ecosystems that are colonized by creatures we can not see. Our bodies are teeming with invisible life. We are only beginning to understand their significance for the world we live in and are already obliged to completely abandon our human centered views.

Microorganisms – especially Bacteria and Viruses - dominate the biosphere of this planet and have done so for billions of years.

Microbes dominate the biosphere of planet earth

What is a microbiome?

The term “microbiome“ is used to describe the sum of all microorganisms that populate a specific ecosystem. In one of the earliest writings on the topic, the term was “defined as a characteristic microbial community occupying a reasonably well defined habitat.” [Whipps et al., 1988]

Extreme microbiome: this hot spring in Yellowstone national park contains heat loving microbes

What is mikroBIOMIK.org?

mikroBIOMIK.org is the website of the mikroBIOMIK Society, an association for the promotion of intrinsic curiosity and participation in science - with a focus on invisible creatures.

We are an interdisciplinary team of researchers & practitioners exploring different strategies to disseminate knowledge and experience.

mikroBIOMIK workshop @FabLab Lucerne

We offer interactive learning environments to foster the intrinsic curiosity of anyone who wants to learn more about microbial life. The formats are aimed at people of all educational levels and, above all, are designed to spark serious interest. Our workshops bring people together to provide experiences that go far beyond the acquisition of knowledge.

If you would like to follow our journey, please subscribe to our newsletter: