The IM2B is an interdisciplinary institute in the field of modern, integrative and multi-scale microbiology. Combining biology, physics, chemistry, bioinformatics and processes, the IM2B studies the biology of microorganisms, from the molecule to ecosystems, and studies the complexity of the microbial world and its potential through innovative approaches.
The IM2B brings together unique skills covering a wide range of microorganisms: viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungus, protists and photosynthetic organisms.
Our main areas of research are as follows:
- Biodiversity, molecular mechanisms and machines
- Diversity of metabolisms and cellular approaches
- Inter-organism dialogue and complexity
- Biotechnologies: bioenergy, environment, health
Understanding the diversity, functioning and regulation of this microbial world at different study levels (molecular, cellular, ecosystemic) and exploring its interactions with the environment and its associations with other organisms, helps us to develop innovative biotechnology solutions. This knowledge is applied in fields as varied as energy (carbon storage, biogas, biofuel or bioethanol production), the environment (bioremediation, biological indicators) and healthcare (antibiotic resistance, cancer treatments).
