Biography

Meet me, Gerard Muyzer, a pioneer in the field of microbial ecology and a true representative of the Delft School of Microbiology. My scientific journey started in molecular palaeontology, studying macromolecular remains in fossil shells and dinosaur bones using antibodies. However, after being inspired by the work of American scientists Norman Pace and David Stahl, I shifted my focus to microbes and never looked back.

In 1993, I introduced DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) in microbial ecology as an innovative, rapid, and cost-effective method to study the structure and dynamics of microbial communities. My groundbreaking research revolutionised the field of microbial ecology, making it possible to compare different microbial communities simultaneously and monitor population changes over time and after perturbations in a single view. Hundreds of microbiologists worldwide, including developing countries, have used my method to study the diversity of microbial communities.

I have used DGGE to study microbial communities from various natural and engineered ecosystems, and I was astonished by the immense microbial diversity present in these environments. Although able to characterise microbial communities with molecular techniques, I firmly believe that isolating microbes in pure culture is required for a comprehensive understanding of their role and behaviour in nature.

In 2011, I accepted a position as a Full Professor of Microbial Systems Ecology at the University of Amsterdam, where I applied a systems biology approach to study the diversity and activity of microbial communities, the interactions between different community members, and the role of diversity in ecosystem functioning. I use experimental work, state-of-the-art omics techniques, and mathematical modelling to understand microbial communities' complex dynamics comprehensively.

In 2012, I received a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant for my project entitled "The Paradox of Sulfur Bacteria in Soda Lakes" (PARASOL). I studied the diversity and ecophysiology of sulfur bacteria in soda lakes, their niche differentiation, and the molecular mechanisms by which they adapt to extreme halo-alkaline conditions. I am also the coordinator of the research priority area "Systems Biology" at the University of Amsterdam, which focuses on host-microbe interactions in humans, plants, and other organisms. Together with my colleagues, I have studied the host-microbe interactions in seagrasses and sponges and recently started studying the host-microbe interactions in macroalgae, such as the brown alga Sargassum and the green alga Caulerpa.

My research interests include algal genomics, climate change, coral, ecology, evolution, holobiont, hologenome, macro-algae, marine biology, marine microbiology, mathematical modelling, metabolic modelling, meta-omics, microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, seagrasses, seaweed, soda lakes, sponges, stable isotope probing, sulfur bacteria, and systems biology. My passion for science and my dedication to uncovering the secrets of microbial communities and their interactions with their environment are truly inspiring. My research has paved the way for future generations of scientists to make significant strides in the field of microbial ecology.