A vast fraction of microbial life on Earth remains unseen, uncultured, and largely unexplored. This “microbial dark matter”, spanning bacteria and archaea, represents one of the great frontiers of modern microbiology.

These elusive microorganisms harbour enormous unexplored diversity and almost certainly contain novel molecular machines, biochemical pathways, and evolutionary innovations with far-reaching implications for biotechnology and human health. They also offer a unique window into the evolution of complex cellular systems and the origins of modern life.

Our lab uses cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and subtomogram averaging (STA) to study these organisms directly in their native hydrated state. By visualising molecular structures inside intact cells, we  investigate microbes that have remained inaccessible to traditional culture-based approaches.

We are particularly interested in revealing how microbial cells communicate, exchange resources, and build intimate associations. By exploring this hidden microbial world at molecular resolution, we aim to uncover new biology, new molecular machines, and new opportunities for biotechnology and therapeutic discovery.