• Department of Aquatic Microbiology (Prof. Flemming)
  The Department of Aquatic Microbiology commenced its work in 1996 from the scrap. It took two years until the first laboratories were ready for scientific work. Grant applications were submitted which were successful from 1998. During this time, it was possible to establish and develop an intensive cooperation with the physics and chemistry departments, directing research work into physico-chemical properties of biofilms.

• Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry (MEB) (Prof. Dr. Bettina Siebers)
  In the course of evolution nature has created a huge variety of enzymes, which catalyse biochemical reactions, in this way facilitate the formation of metabolic products and thus are essential for the living cell.

• Department of Aquatic Biotechnology with Focus on Microbial Leaching and Biocorrosion (Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Sand)
  The technology of microbial leaching exploits the interactions between microorganisms and minerals. Worldwide, about 25 % of copper, 10 % of uranium, 3 % of cobalt and nickel, and more than 10 % of the gold production is performed by microbial leaching. Intense research is under way in order to replace pyrometallurgical processes by biotechnology.