Our group is interested in a broad range of topics in the area of applied microbiology. This includes the isolation and characterization of bacteria and archaea adapted to high temperature and low pH, and their enzymes of polysaccharide degradation. Also, we work on the physiology and genomic engineering of various aerobic and strictly anaerobic bacteria with the aim to design strains and combinations of strains that are efficient in synthesizing biotechnologically relevant products. In addition, we have a deep interest to study the molecular basis and regulation of gene transfer by natural transformation in high-GC-Gram-positive bacteria. Finally, we also work on topics in the fields of microbe/plant interactions, growth of bacteria under extraterrestrial conditions, and food microbiology.