New frontiers in microbial ecology & climate change

Note: There are some spots left, you can register via the registration form at the bottom of this page.

Organisers

Under the auspices of the Research School RSEE:

• Prof. dr Joana Falcao Salles (Microbial Community Ecology, University of Groningen)
• Prof. dr. ir. Eiko Kuramae (NIOO/UU)
• Dr. Paula Dalcin Martins (UvA & guest researcher University of Groningen)
• Dr. Corine Eising (Coordinator Research School Ecology & Evolution)

Guest lecturers

• Postdoc Dr. Barbara Prack Mc Cormick, PhD (Faculty Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Tittonell group - Resilient Landscapes)
• Prof. Karin Jacobs, PhD (Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa)

Aims of the course

The main goal of the course will be achieved if the participants acquire novel ideas and techniques for their own research. The course is primarily aimed at PhD level students, but is also open to advanced Master level students with interest in microbial ecology.

Contents and structure

This course is a combination of lectures, given by a limited number of expert teachers, and discussion to be raised by students and lecturers. During the period of the course the students will develop these concepts further, in groups and with the help of lecturers, which can potentially result in a publication in the form of a review or opinion paper (see Adam et al, 2016. Frontiers in Microbiology, doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01079, which was developed during the third Frontiers in Microbial Ecology course, in 2015).

Topics

Unseen Heroes: The Impact of Microbial Communities on Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture

This course explores the critical role that microbial communities play in influencing climate change, particularly through their impact on greenhouse gas emissions and soil health. One of the key topics is the emissions of methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), two potent greenhouse gases significantly influenced by microbial activity in ecosystems, particularly in agricultural settings. Participants will learn about the microbial processes that contribute to the production and consumption of these gases, highlighting how agricultural practices can exacerbate or mitigate their release into the atmosphere.

The course will also delve into current agricultural practices, examining how conventional methods, such as synthetic fertilizers and monoculture cropping, can degrade soil health and increase emissions. We will contrast these practices with new approaches to agriculture, including regenerative agriculture, which seeks to enhance soil microbial diversity and improve ecosystem resilience, ultimately aiming to sequester carbon and reduce emissions.

Another vital topic of discussion will be the connection between agricultural practices and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The course will investigate how the use of antibiotics in livestock and crop production influences microbial communities and the emergence of resistant strains, posing health risks both on farms and in broader society.

Furthermore, the course will highlight innovative microbial solutions to combat climate change, showcasing research on biochar, composting, and the use of specific microbes to enhance soil fertility and carbon sequestration. A crucial aspect of these solutions is understanding the multifunctional roles of different components of the microbiome, including bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. This demonstrates the need for an integrated approach to leveraging microbial diversity for sustainability.

By the end of the course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how microbial communities can be harnessed to address climate change challenges and the significance of fostering resilient microbiomes within agricultural systems for a sustainable future.

Programme

Sunday 17 November: Arrival, dinner and pitch talks at the course venue, Field station the Herdershut , Schiermonnikoog, the Netherlands

Monday 18 November - Greenhouse Gases and Microbial Processes: Understanding Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions in soils

Tuesday 19 November - Transforming Agriculture: From Conventional Practices to Regenerative Approaches for Soil Health and Climate Resilience

Wednesday 20 November - Agriculture and Antimicrobial Resistance: Exploring the Impact of Antibiotic Use on Microbial Communities and Public Health

Thursday 21 November - Innovative Microbial Solutions for Climate Change: Enhancing Soil Fertility and Carbon Sequestration through Microbial Diversity

Friday 22 November

General Information