I am a molecular microbial ecologist, interested in understanding the drivers for assembly and function of microbes in the soil environment. My current focus is on interactions of microbial communities in relation to eukaryotic hosts, being plants, fungal hyphae or nematodes. I aim to understand at a molecular level how microbes respond to environmental factors, and how such a response impact both the community structure and function. In a more applied perspective, I have a strong interest in the development of novel microcosm platforms enabling detailed studies of beneficial microbes in relation to plant growth promotion. These platforms have been used actively to isolate niche-compatible microbial inoculants i.e. microbes that are able to compete with indigenous microbes and express their beneficial traits in the natural environment.