Scientific Exchange and Keynote by Prof. Michael Schloter at miTarget Docs’ Day 2026
On 5 June 2026, the first Docs’ Day of 2026 took place at the Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology in Kiel. The event was organised within the framework of DFG Research Unit 5042 miTarget and was co-chaired by Kostas Sivickis and Hongshu Huang.
The objective of the event was to provide a structured platform for scientific exchange among doctoral researchers and to strengthen communication within the Research Unit. The programme consisted of a scientific session in the morning and an informal networking activity in the afternoon.
A highlight of the meeting was the keynote lecture by Prof. Michael Schloter, the director of the Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis from the Center of Helmholtz Munich. In his presentation “Microbes as an Essential Component of the Planetary Health Concept”, Michael Schloter provided a broad overview of the role of the microbiome in the environmental- and human health1. Multiple aspects were presented including the role of biodiversity in ecosystem multifunctionality2, how single-celled microorganisms survive hyperarid environment in Atacama Desert3, how microbiota interact with humans4 and other microorganisms5, or how host microbiota modulates its immune system.
Two additional presentations related to microbiome studies were given by miTarget doctoral researchers. Andre Geisler (P2) presented on the topic of extracellular vesicles in the human gut microbiome and the differences in their molecular composition. Zaira Zafroon (P2) introduced the audience to how host lifestyle shapes gut bacterial growth dynamics. The end of Docs’ Day was an informal bowling event for doctoral researchers in “Champs Bowling Kiel”.
Overall, the Docs’ Day contributed to scientific exchange within miTarget and provided an opportunity for doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss research topics and interact in an informal setting.
Authors: Kostas Sivickis (P1) and Hongshu Huang (P4)
[1] Sessitsch, Angela et al. “Microbiome Interconnectedness throughout Environments with Major Consequences for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet.” Microbiology and molecular biology reviews: MMBR vol. 87,3 (2023): e0021222. doi:10.1128/mmbr.00212-22
[2] Soliveres, Santiago et al. “Biodiversity at multiple trophic levels is needed for ecosystem multifunctionality.” Nature vol. 536,7617 (2016): 456-9. doi:10.1038/nature19092
[3] Schulze-Makuch, Dirk et al. “Transitory microbial habitat in the hyperarid Atacama Desert.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America vol. 115,11 (2018): 2670-2675. doi:10.1073/pnas.1714341115
[4] Theis, Kevin R et al. “Getting the Hologenome Concept Right: an Eco-Evolutionary Framework for Hosts and Their Microbiomes.” mSystems vol. 1,2 e00028-16. 29 Mar. 2016, doi:10.1128/mSystems.00028-16
[5] Dey, Rafik et al. “Germination and amplification of anthrax spores by soil-dwelling amoebas.” Applied and environmental microbiology vol. 78,22 (2012): 8075-81. doi:10.1128/AEM.02034-12