The major objective of the GenoMik-Plus network entitled "Functional Genome Research on Bacteria Relevant for Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology" is to advance bacterial genome research in the fields of agriculture, environment as well as biotechnology, and to exploit the results obtained for commercial use. A special aim of the network is to train young scientists of the co-operating partners.

Background History

The network is built on the previous competence network "Genome Research on Bacteria Relevant for Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology" which was established in the framework of the GenoMik programme of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). During the GenoMik funding phase (2001 - 2006), the genome sequences of various bacterial strains displaying properties relevant for agricultural, environmental and biotechnological applications were established and genome-wide microarrays were constructed at the Bielefeld competence center. In the framework of the GenoMik-Plus programme, these microarrays will be used to address biological questions.