Root-microbe interactions have great economical and environmental implications. The root system is the key element for uptake of nutrients, and thus, for productivity and reduction of environmental problems caused by leakage of phosphorous (P), nitrogen (N) or nitrate to rivers and ground water. Therefore, root development and establishement of root-microbe interactions are important. Harmful root-microbe interactions cause soil-borne diseases which are particularly severe in northern Europe due to the cool and humid climatic conditions. The course aims to illustrate how modern basic science and applied science expertise are applied to studies on root-microbe systems, especially in the Nordic and Baltic Sea region, using interdisciplinary research approaches.