measurement of primary production, pigment analysis, culturing, microscopy (LM,SEM), genetics (population genetics, metagenetics), , microbial ecology (classical, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics), and phytoplankton virus research (infectivity, novel virus isolation, viromics).

Bioinformatics
Bioprocesses and Applied Microbiology
Marine Biology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Oceanography
Phylogenetics
Population Genetics
Taxonomy
Virology

Our group is looking for partners for a project to assess the benefits of pristine marine habitats over degraded habitats in terms of ecosystem productivity. The idea is that phytoplankton diversity is a concept that is difficult to grasp both in terms of rigid scientific indices and public perception, although disturbances to phytoplankton diversity can have an impact on ecosystem services. In our innovative project, we will attempt to link the physiological state and diversity of phytoplankton affected by biotic (viral infection, interactions with bacteria) and abiotic influences (pollution, eutrophication, climate change) to changes in the higher trophic levels of pelagic food webs. In this way, we will answer the question of whether the state of microbial communities can be an indicator of ecosystem health, and we will offer solutions on how to improve this state from the bottom up on a global scale. We have expertise in phytoplankton ecology and taxonomy (measurement of primary production, pigment analysis, culturing, microscopy, genetics, metagenomics), microbial ecology and phytoplankton virus research in a coastal ecosystem influenced by highly variable meteoclimatic conditions. We are looking for partners with access to impacted sites (this is a broad definition), partners with expertise in phytoplankton physiology, zooplankton and fisheries research, potential outreach experts and stakeholders.

phytoplankton, bacterioplankton, trophic interactions, marine, productivity, impacts, bottom-up, models, food-web, carbon pump.

Petri-Med meeting Piran 15-18.10