Author name: Web

Environmental microbiomes address the universal presence and relevance of microorganisms that contribute to life and ecological balance across the biosphere. Understanding the diverse microbial systems enables the creation of realistic models of their interactions in different biotopes, and their impact amidst rapid environmental change. CoEM aims to study the soil microbiome’s role in biogeochemical cycling, plant and animal growth, and agricultural productivity by enhancing soil quality through microbial diversity and biological activity, contributing to climate change mitigation and ecological restoration. We aim to investigate water microbiomes for pollutant breakdown and aquatic ecological balance, harnessing them for wastewater treatment, and extend our studies to extreme environments, polar regions and space microbiome. Furthermore, we are committed to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, to monitor and mitigate the spread of resistant microorganisms and onbioprospecting microbes of diverse origin for antimicrobials, enzymes, pigments, and other bioactive molecules that have vast potential for commercialization in therapeutic, agricultural, and industrial applications.

The aquatic microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and productivity of aquaculture by preventing pathogen colonization and stimulating appropriate immune responses.CoEM aims to enhance aquaculture production through the development of microbial inoculums/probiotics, promoting the health and productivity of fish and other aquatic animals. Our goals include producing nutritionally enriched, safe fish for improved human health, conducting microbiome research for AMR mitigation through a cleaner environment. We also strive to understand cryptic pathogen diversity and resistome in aquaculture systems to predict and mitigate outbreak risks.