Our research primarily centers on various aspects of microbial genomics, with a particular focus on understanding microbiome interactions and their implications for plant health. Specifically, we explore the leaf microbiome and microbial community interactions, characterizing beneficial and pathogenic microbes through advanced genomic techniques. This includes studying microbial taxonomy, genetic diversity, and the genomic features of bacteria and fungi associated with the leaf. Additionally, we investigate the composition and function of microbial communities (i.e., the microbiome) in different ecological niches, such as plant leaves, root and seeds. The ultimate aim of our research is to enhance sustainable strategies for managing microbial interactions, particularly those that affect plant growth and health. Achieving these objectives often requires computationally intensive analyses, which are not feasible on standard personal computers. At the University of Tübingen, I was introduced to the de.NBI cloud where I discovered the vast potential of this platform for our research needs. Since then, the de.NBI cloud has become an integral part of our bioinformatics work, supporting our research almost daily basis. The platform provides an accessible, and adaptable environment that we have utilized for tasks such as de novo genome assembly, functional annotation, comparative genomic analyses and Amplicon Sequencing analysis. These computational resources have been instrumental in facilitating numerous studies, ranging from microbial genomics and metagenomics. Moreover, the prompt and exceptional support from the de.NBI team has ensured the smooth execution of our project. The de.NBI cloud has proven indispensable for our bioinformatics analyses and has played a crucial role in the planning of new research initiatives. We could not manage most of our research projects without the de.NBI cloud. I would highly recommend working with the de.NBI cloud to colleagues in the field.
