Phycology

Currently, we focus on four major topics:

(1) Using microalgae for industrial applications. In cooperation with research partners and companies, we search for promising strains, which can be used for production of high-quality compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids or biofuels.

(2) Ecology of alkaline saline environments. We concentrate on the relationships between algae and environmental factors determining their distribution (e.g., nutrients, grazing, viruses, light supply).

(3) Species delineation and autecology of the filamentous green alga Spirogyra.

(4) Calcifying algae in marine (Padina pavonica) and freshwater systems (Oocardium stratum). Central questions are the potential protective role of carbonate layers against excess irradiance and grazing.