Many applications use complex and open microbial systems for biotechnological purposes, like water-, wastewater- and sludge treatment, recirculating aquaculture systems and pollution control/bioremediation, which lie at the borderline between industrial and environmental biotechnology and microbial ecology. Efficient and robust design and control of such microbial communities require combined use of ecological theory and quantitative tools to enable prediction of overall system performance based on the functional and behavioural repertoire of cells, populations and communities. This research stream is dedicated to the task of developing a stronger methodological foundation by use of this integrative approach. It is thus tightly linked to efforts within NTNU Phenomics Technology, NTNU Bioreactor Design and Operation and NTNU Synthetic Biology Engineering.

Key illustration arenas we currently focus on include analysis, design and control of drinking and wastewater systems, water treatment and microbial management in aquaculture, and clean-up of pollutions in natural ecosystems.