Our research explores the diversity of microorganisms in the environment, focusing particularly on viruses, which play an essential role in shaping bacterial diversity, genome plasticity, and biogeochemical cycles. 

Recent findings on viral abundance, especially in marine environments, suggest that viruses likely outnumber all other life forms on Earth and represent a vast reservoir of biodiversity. However, viral dark matter remains an unknown realm, in which we may discover extensive viral diversity with significant biotechnological potential.