TNA Opportunities Webinar I – Part II

June 12, 2025

The MICROBES-4-CLIMATE (M4C) consortium successfully hosted the TNA Opportunities Webinar I – Part II on June 12, 2025, bringing together researchers, users, and stakeholders from across Europe. The event focused on highlighting the benefits and opportunities available through the Transnational Access (TNA) programme, a core offering of the M4C initiative.

This dynamic and well-attended session introduced participants to the M4C mission: advancing cutting-edge microbiome research in the context of climate change. The webinar provided a comprehensive overview of how to engage with the TNA programme, showcased the ISIA service catalogue, and presented use cases to demonstrate the practical value of participating within the programme.

The event was expertly moderated by Ivone Martins (Access Officer, WP4) and featured insightful presentations from key project members:

  • Ivone Martins from UMinho presented an overview of the TNA programme, its goals, and how it empowers researchers by offering access to a broad network of laboratories and advanced technological infrastructure.

  • Youseff Haidala from AnaEE-ERIC (WP7) demonstrated how users can access the ISIA catalogue online, by making it easier for applicants to navigate within the available resources.

  • Laura Gomez from UVEG-CECT (WP1) outlined the types of research that can benefit from M4C services, inspiring the potential applicants with real-world possibilities.

The webinar was organised with the support of SPI (WP8), which played a key role in the dissemination of the event.

The first TNA call is currently open until June 30, 2025, at 16:00 CET. Interested researchers are encouraged to submit their applications soon to take full advantage of this opportunity. A second TNA call is expected to be launched in September/October 2025, offering additional chances to access the robust resources and support available through the M4C network.

📺 Missed the webinar or want to watch it again?

The full recording is available here

📘Service catalogue: https://cwe.microbes4climate.eu/?page_id=286

🌐Apply to the TNA Services here: https://cwe.microbes4climate.eu/?page_id=160

Launch of the 1st TNA Opportunities Webinar

May 22, 2025

The MICROBES-4-CLIMATE consortium successfully hosted the TNA Opportunities Webinar I on May 19, 2025. The webinar brought together researchers, users, and stakeholders from across Europe to explore the benefits and opportunities offered through the Transnational Access (TNA) programme.

This dynamic session introduced into the attendees the M4C initiative and its mission to support cutting-edge microbiome research in the context of climate change. The online webinar drew considerable interest from the scientific community. It offered an in-depth overview of how to engage with the TNA programme and access its resources free of charge.

The event, moderated by Paris Laskaris (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens – NKUA), featured a session of presentations from key project members:

  • Ivone Martins (Access Officer, WP4) introduced the TNA programme, its objectives, and how it empowers researchers by granting access to a rich network of laboratories and advanced technologies.
  • Ana Mellado (LifeWatch, WP5) elaborated on integrating biodiversity and ecosystem research within the TNA services and provided inputs on the TNA application procedure.

The webinar was organized with the support of SPI (Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação), which contributed to its coordination and dissemination.

The first TNA call is running until June 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM (CET). Researchers are encouraged to apply promptly to take full advantage of the set of opportunities. The second TNA call is scheduled to be launched by September/October 2025, offering further opportunities to access the robust resources and support of the M4C network.

For those who missed the live event or wish to revisit the content, you can find the webinar video recording here.

We invite all interested parties to stay engaged and explore the potential of microbiome science in the shape for innovative and  climate solutions.

📘Service catalogue:https://lnkd.in/dn5EdNnP 🌐Apply to the TNA Services here: https://lnkd.in/dnwEV23C

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE launches its 1st Transnational Access (TNA) Open Call

We are excited to announce the launch of the first Transnational Access (TNA) Open Call under the MICROBES-4-CLIMATE project! This call is open from March 31st, 2025 to June 30th, 2025, providing researchers with funded access to cutting-edge Research Infrastructures (RIs) across Europe. The MICROBES-4-CLIMATE TNA Programme is designed to remove geographical barriers, promote collaboration, and accelerate scientific progress by offering researchers access to state-of-the-art infrastructures, data, and expertise. Through this initiative, users from research organizations, universities, and industry (biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environment, and more) can apply for access to a range of advanced services.

Who can Apply?

✔ PhD students, postdocs, and researchers affiliated with academic institutions, non-profits, industries, or companies.

✔ Applicants must have legal affiliation with their home institution and obtain full support from it.

✔ Fast-track access is available for Ukrainian researchers from government-controlled territories.

✔ Applicants must apply for at least two services, each from a different RI or M4C beneficiary. Priority will be given to cross-disciplinary projects, integrating microbes and the environment (plants, soil, etc.) to address climate change.

✔ Users must complete an ethical questionnaire and ensure their projects do not receive double funding (a statement may be required).

The TNA online portal is now available with full details on the eligibility, access providers, submission and reporting rules and guides, and more. The M4C TNA Catalogue of services can be accessed directly here. For eligibility inquiries, contact the Access Officer (accessofficer@microbes4climate.eu). For feasibility assessments and technical questions, users must reach out the respective facility/service manager.

Check for the official Press release on the 1st Transnational Access (TNA) open call for more details.

Bioethics and Regulatory Workshops: Shaping the Future of Climate Research

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE hosted the Bioethics and Regulatory Workshops in Vienna, Austria, from 25-27 November 2024. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders from EU projects, Culture collections, Biobanks and Universities.

The first part of the workshop covered ethical aspects and included Impulse talks from Lene Lange (LL-Bioeconomy) who spoke about bioeconomy and impacting ethical considerations and Stephanie Laurel Schnorr (University of Vienna) who gave a perspective considering the human microbiome. This was followed by discussion sessions led by Tanja Kostic (AIT) which considered the current ethical practices in research projects, biobanks and culture collections, followed by a gap analysis. The final part of the first session then began to consider how to address the gaps identified and to involved stakeholders. The second part of the workshop considered the legal and regulatory landscape and how it impacts culture collections, biobanks and the potential for microbial interventions to mitigate climate change. Impulse speakers included Amber Sholtz (DSMZ) who summarised the recent impacts of the COP decision on Digital Sequence Information, Djamila Djeddour (CABI) gave a real use case example of how an international organisation negotiates the regulatory landscape ensuring compliance, Anthony Kermode (CABI) spoke on best practice and Ursula Hunger (Austrian Patent Office). Cornelia Stumptner (BBMRI MUG) also provided a helpful summary of progress with developing standards for microbiome biobanking, made through the sister EU Microbe Project.

Célia Soares (University of Minho) and Matthew Ryan (CABI) then led two sessions on 1) Best Practice, Biosecurity and Patents, and 2) Nagoya, ABS Challenges and Environmental regulation respectively. As with the ethical section of the workshop, notable gaps were identified and discussion had on how we might fill them.

The WP6 Task leaders and Workshop facilitators are now reviewing the outputs of the workshop, with key outputs to be disseminated to the wider project and scientific / stakeholder community during the first part of 2025.

Useful links:

Find the Workshop Agenda here.

https://microbes4climate.eu/2024/07/10/save-the-date-bioethics-and-regulatory-workshops/

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE participated at the AgroServ Workshop in Italy

On October 3rd, Professor Nelson Lima from Micoteca da Universidade do Minho – MUM had the honor to present the MICROBES-4-CLIMATE initiative during the Working Session 3, focused on “Enhancing the role of RI in Agroecological Transition”, where the critical role of microbes was highlighted as they are extreme relevant at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Professor Nelson Lima presented the Microbes 4 Climate EU Project at the ‘Workshop – Research infrastructures (RIs) towards Agroecological transition: How to boost our impact by working together?’ held in CIHEAM Bari, Italy from October 2nd to 3rd, 2024.

 This event, promoted by the AgroServ EU-funded project, emphasized the importance of collaboration among Ris in advancing the agroecological transition, driving for innovation at agroecological practices, and at addressing the global environmental challenges.

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE celebrates International Microorganism Day

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE celebrates International Microorganism Day

It all began with a curiosity-driven Dutch merchant who had no formal education in science. On September 17th, 1683, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek sent a letter address to the Royal Society of London, describing his observations of single-celled organisms. His insatiable curiosity and remarkable craftsmanship in building microscopes enabled the first-ever observation of bacteria.

The world was never the same, since.

Since 2017, September 17th has been marked as International Microorganism Day, honoring this momentous occasion in science. At MICROBES-4-CLIMATE, we recognize the crucial role microorganisms play in mitigating climate change, especially within the agro-food sector. Microorganisms have the potential to improve soil health, enhance sustainable agriculture, and even capture and store carbon. By integrating microbial solutions, we can foster more resilient ecosystems and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.

Stay tuned and join us in our mission to foster Climate resilience, nurture sustainability and strive for an ever-healthier planet and humanity!

#Microbes4Climate #M4C #M4CHorizoneurope #ResearchInfrastructure #HEU #STI #INFRASERV #ClimateAction #ResearchforClimate #ResearchInnovation

Find us on:
LinkedIn
X
Instagram
Newsletter

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE, for what, by whom, and where? – Newsletter #1, out now.

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE, for what, by whom, and where? - Newsletter #1 Has Arrived!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the very first edition of our MICROBES-4-CLIMATE Newsletter, titled “MICROBES-4-CLIMATE, for what, by whom, and where?” This newsletter showcases some of the activities promoted by the project in its first 6 months. What You’ll Find in This Edition:

What is TransNational Access?

  • Understand M4C main offering and how this crucial framework will enable researchers across borders to collaborate and access state-of-the-art facilities and resources

M4C at the mICROPe Conference:

  • Get an insider’s view of MICROBES-4-CLIMATE’s participation in this major event, where leading scientists and innovators gathered to discuss the role of microbes in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

M4C at EXPOBIOTEC’24:

  • Take a sneak peek into MICROBES-4-CLIMATE participation at EXPOBIOTEC’24. Learn about how M4C is showcasing the pivotal role of microbial technologies in biotechnological advancements.

Bioethics and Regulatory Workshop:

  • Understand the critical discussions around bioethics and regulatory issues that are shaping the future of microbial research, in our upcoming Worship.

Why Subscribe?

By subscribing to the MICROBES-4-CLIMATE Newsletter, you’ll stay at the forefront of the latest developments in microbial research, climate action, and sustainability initiatives. Each edition, available at every 6 months, will bring you exclusive insights, upcoming event details, and opportunities to engage with a community dedicated to making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change.

Access the 1st Edition

Stay tuned and join us in our mission to foster Climate resilience, nurture sustainability and strive for an ever-healthier planet and humanity!

#Microbes4Climate #M4C #M4CHorizoneurope #ResearchInfrastructure #HEU #STI #INFRASERV #ClimateAction #ResearchforClimate #ResearchInnovation

Find us on:
LinkedIn
X
Instagram
Newsletter

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE at miCROPe Conference

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE at mICROPe 2024

Cintia Mayr from the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) presented Microbes-4-Climate (M4C) at the prestigious miCROPe 2024 conference. This event, dedicated to exploring the role of microbes in crop production, took place from July 15th to 18th, 2024, in the historic Apothekertrakt of Schönbrunn Castle, Vienna.

Cintia introduced the project at the “Microbe-assisted Crop Production – Opportunities, Challenges, and Needs,” session  and discussed with leading experts the critical role of soil and plant microbiomes in agro-systems, including nutrient delivery, plant fitness, stress tolerance, and pathogen or pest control.

Stay tuned and join us in our mission to foster Climate resilience, nurture sustainability and strive for an ever-healthier planet and humanity!

#Microbes4Climate #M4C #M4CHorizoneurope #ResearchInfrastructure #HEU #STI #INFRASERV #ClimateAction #ResearchforClimate #ResearchInnovation

Find us on:
LinkedIn
X
Instagram
Newsletter

Job Vacancy: Join our team at MICROBES-4-CLIMATE

Join our Team: Research Fellowship in Biological Engineering (CEB-BI-28-2024)

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE opened a vacancy for a Research Fellowship at the Center of Biological Engineering (CEB) at University of Minho. We are looking for driven individuals ready to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of biological engineering, particularly focusing on sustainable solutions for climate change.

Position Details:
Research Fellowship – Biological Engineering
Reference: CEB-BI-28-2024
Institution: Center of Biological Engineering (CEB) of University of Minho
Location: Braga, Portugal
Duration: 6 months (can be renewed up to 4 years)
Starting date: August 2024

Responsibilities:
Conduct innovative research in biological engineering.
Collaborate with a team of experts in the field.
Publish findings in reputable scientific journals.
Contribute to the advancement of sustainable practices for climate mitigation.

Qualifications:
Master’s or Ph.D. in Biological Engineering or related field.
Strong background in microbiology, bioengineering, or environmental science.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proven track record of research and publications.

Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to apply through email (bolsas@ceb.uminho.pt), indicating the reference of the call (CEB-BI-28-2024), by submitting their CV, cover letter, and references.

Application Deadline: 17th of July 2024 – 23:59 (Europe, Lisbon)

For more details, check the vacancy notice here.

Stay tuned and join us in our mission to foster Climate resilience, nurture sustainability and strive for an ever-healthier planet and humanity!

#Microbes4Climate #M4C #M4CHorizoneurope #ResearchInfrastructure #HEU #STI #INFRASERV #ClimateAction #ResearchforClimate #ResearchInnovation

Find us on:
LinkedIn
X
Instagram
Newsletter

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE participated at the miCROPe Symposium 2024 in Austria

Cintia Mayr from the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology presented MICROBES-4-CLIMATE project at miCROPe Symposium 2024, at the stunning Schönbrunn Castle in Vienna from July 15th–18th, 2024.

The researcher introduced the project at the “Microbe-assisted Crop Production – Opportunities, Challenges, and Needs.” session through a poster presentation and discussed with leading experts the vital role of soil and plant microbiomes in enhancing Agro-systems, including nutrient delivery, plant fitness, stress tolerance, and pest control.