Plankton form the basis of the food chain in pelagic ecosystems. Many planktonic organisms have distinct, highly specialized forms that evolved during evolution and play a crucial role in the survival of individual species.

In particular, we study mechanical aspects of single-celled organisms such as diatoms and radiolarians and their predators, and their effects on ecosystems and evolution. We are interested in the following key topics:

Functional morphology - The relationship between form and function is a highly interesting topic in planktonic organisms. In particular, we are investigating how different geometries affect the function of plankton shells as protective armor against mechanical attacks by crustaceans (copepods).  

Material properties - Not only the morphology, but also the material properties of the studied structures (diatom shells) are very sophisticated and optimize the performance of the shells as mechanical protection. They are characterized by high strength despite relatively low density. We are working to obtain more accurate material data using innovative measurement methods. 

Morphogenesis - The highly complex diatom shells are built in hollow forms - the silica deposition vesicles (SDVs). It is still unclear how the cell controls their structuring. It is known that the interplay between the cytoskeleton and the limiting membrane plays a crucial role. However, it is not known which genome segments are responsible for species-specific geometries. It is planned to investigate this relationship.  

Biomineralization - Precipitation of silicate (in diatoms and radiolarians) is caused within SDVs by the encounter of various organic components with dissolved silicate.This process leads to the formation of the glassy silicate and will be studied, among other things, by manipulating the growth conditions.  

Plankton ecology - Interactions between groups of organisms shape species composition and the expression of specific morphotypes in planktonic ecosystems. Here we compare, among other things, predictions based on mechanical properties with the effects of these properties in experiments, e.g., feeding experiments with diatoms and diatoms.

Evolution - The arms race between feeding tools and defensive structures (shells) decisively influences speciation and biodiversity of the groups of organisms involved. This process will be increasingly studied as a simulation of evolution using genetic algorithms (evolutionary strategy).