Microbiology is the study of organisms that are too smallto be visible with the naked eye, namely: bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, protozoa and algae. These microbes play key roles in nutrient cycling, biodegradation, food spoilage, the cause and control of disease, and biotechnology.

Microbiologists aim to answer important global questions by understanding microbes and/or harnessing their potential. Microbiology research seeks to address many of the challenges currently facing mankind, such as treating diseases and maintaining food, water and energy security for a growing global population. Thanks to their versatility, microbes can be put to work in many ways: making life saving drugs, the manufacture of biofuels, cleaning up pollution, and producing food and drink.