Tag: Climate Change

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.

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

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.

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.

Bioethics and Regulatory Workshops: Shaping the Future of Climate Research

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE provides access to advanced research infrastructures, training, and support, in order to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems. MICROBES-4-CLIMATE will host the Bioethics and Regulatory Workshops in Vienna, Austria, from 25-27 November 2024. These workshops, divided in two, aim to discuss and showcase which Bioethics and Regulatory frameworks are relevant to the analysis of the complex interplay between microorganisms, plants, and soil within the context of climate change. 

Workshop Details:

• Part 1: Bioethics – 25-26 November 2024
• Part 2: Regulatory – 26-27 November 2024
• Location: AIT, Vienna, Austria

Key Themes:

• Microbiome
• Nagoya Protocol
• Environmental Regulation
• Biosecurity
• Planetary Health
• FAIR Principles
• Human Health
• Global common heritage
• Patents

We invite experts and stakeholders to join us as we assess the current status quo, identify key needs, and develop critical solutions to enable research and address the impacts of climate change.

Register Your Interest:

• For the Bioethics Workshop, contact: cintia.csorba@ait.ac.at
• For the Regulatory Workshop, contact: h.stewart@cabi.org

Find the Worskshop Agenda here

Join us in shaping a sustainable future through innovative research and collaborative efforts.