CMET researchers study microbial communities & interactions to better understand and steer ecological processes with an ultimate aim of improving and enabling biotechnological applications.

The Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) is a part of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University. CMET is specialized in the study and application of mixed microbial cultures or communities. A microbial community consists of several populations, which each represent a functional biological entity and thus a diverse metabolic capacity. The assemblage of these biological entities represents -when properly organized- a powerful resource. CMET researchers focus on the optimal management of these microbial resources. We define it as Microbial Resource Management (MRM), enabling us to develop novel products and (technological) processes to improve our environment or human health in the most sustainable way.

Tb1
The CMET research group is part of the Department of Biotechnology and comprises about 85 academics, technical and administrative staff.
Dsc04705
Careers | News

Doctoral fellow ROPSAM Marine

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY Ghent University is a world of its own, employing more than 15.000 people. It is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area, and offers great career […]

Dsc04605
BEASTIES | News

Turning up the heat on granulation and nitrogen removal: High-rate granular thermophilic anammox process at 50⁰C

Thermophilic anaerobic digestors treating sewage sludge and other industrial processes produce warm nitrogen-rich wastewaters (>45⁰C) that are currently being treated by cooling to mesophilic temperatures. This approach presents major operational challenges, increasing the treatment costs and compromising the sustainability of the treatment plant. While the anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) process-carried out by a group of […]

Franco
Doctoral dissertation | MiCE | News

24/06: Public defence of the doctoral dissertation of Franco Grosso Giordano

CMET and dissertation supervisors Prof. Nico Boon (CMET) and Prof. Nele De Belie (Faculty of Engineering) present the public defence of the doctoral dissertation of Franco Grosso Giordano. The public defence, “Towards Advanced Lime-Based Mortars: Exploring Microbial Self-healing and Carbonation Strategies” , will take place on the 24th of June 2025 at 16:00 in the […]

A8
Event | News

UPDATE: Second Emerging Microbial Technologies conference

THANK YOU! What an inspiring day full of science, high-quality presentations, and engaging discussions! A heartfelt thank you to:🔬 All the participants who brought their passion, curiosity, and cutting-edge research to the stage and poster sessions.🎤 Our keynote speakers, who challenged and inspired us with their visionary talks: Tomasz Calikowski (European Commission), Sarah Lebeer (University of Antwerp), and Yuemei […]