Summer school on Geomorphology, Ecology, and Biology in marine and insular environments, Porto Torres (SS), 9-14 September 2024

The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA, in collaboration with the Department of Engineering and Geology of the “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara and the Department of Earth Sciences of Sapienza, University of Rome, are organizing the 5th Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology, and Biology in marine and insular environments – Asinara Island, 9-14 September 2024, under the patronage of the Italian Geological Society and its Marine Geology Section, the Italian Association of Geomorphology (AIGEO), the Asinara National Park, the “Asinara Island” Marine Protected Area, and the Municipality of Porto Torres.

The summer school on “Geomorphology, Ecology, and Biology in marine and insular environments” aims to provide training and scientific updating for university students, doctoral students, researchers, and technicians working in the marine environmental field.

Deadline for registration: March 13, 2024.

Further information and the full program are available on the ISPRA website.

Condolences for the passing of Professor Valerio Sbordoni

We deeply regret to inform you that Professor Valerio Sbordoni passed away on February 6th. This is distressing news and an immeasurable loss for the scientific community, especially for LifeWatch Italia. Valerio was a true founding father of our research infrastructure, and over the years, his continuous dedication significantly shaped the activities of our Joint Research Unit.

With Valerio’s passing, we not only lose an illustrious scientist but also a friend and a guiding figure for all of us within LifeWatch Italia, with whom we had the honor and pleasure of working for over a decade. On behalf of LifeWatch Italia and ERIC, we express sincere gratitude to Valerio and profound condolences for his loss.

Born in Rome in 1942, Valerio Sbordoni was a full professor of zoology at Sapienza University of Rome (1980-1982) and the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” (1982-2012). He was a member of the Italian National Academy of Entomology, secretary of the National Academy of Sciences (known as “dei XL”), president of the Italian Society of Biogeography, and a member of numerous other national scientific societies. His primary research interests included biogeography, population genetics, and the study of the evolution of various terrestrial and aquatic animal organisms (particularly butterflies and cave-dwelling organisms).

Throughout his career, he received awards and recognitions, including the “G.B.Grassi” Zoology Award from the National Academy of Lincei, the gold medal from the National Academy of Sciences, and the Rolex Award for Enterprise for biodiversity studies in the caves of Chiapas, Mexico.

Professor Sbordoni’s biography is available on the website of the National Academy of Sciences, “dei XL” (https://www.accademiaxl.it/accademia/soci/soci-nazionali/).

 

Photo by Luca Bartolozzi

Research grant at CNR-IRSA Verbania, Italy

Selections are open for a 12-month fellowship to carry out research activities in the framework of the PRIN 2022 – 202252 YWFC project – “FUTURE: A WARMER FUTURE WORLD:
EFFECTS ON PLANKTON COMMUNITIES AND PATHOGENS IN MEDITERRANEAN VULNERABLE ECOSYSTEMS” at the CNR Institute for Water Research in Verbania (CNR-IRSA).

The project aims at assessing and understanding the effects of temperature increase on the biodiversity of the planktonic community and the abundance and composition of the microbial community pathogenic bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics”, under the scientific responsibility of Dr. Andrea Di Cesare.

Required:
– University degree in Natural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences, Forestry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental and Territorial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Biotechnology (all addresses), or Veterinary Science, obtained by the regulations in force before Ministerial Decree 509/99, or the relevant Specialist Degree (Ministerial Decree 509/99) or Magistral Degree (Ministerial Decree 270/04) and a professional curriculum suitable for carrying out research activities;
– Previous experience in the field and sampling activities in aquatic environments (lakes, lagoons);
– laboratory and experimental activities;
– analysis of sequencing data (amplicon sequencing and shotgun sequencing);
– data management and statistical analysis;
– knowledge of the English language

The full announcement can be accessed at https://www.urp.cnr.it/system/files/2024-01/1.%20Bando_AdR_PRIN.%20DiCesare_signed.pdf

Deadline: 20/02/2024

The application, drawn up exclusively using the forms enclosed in the call, together with the documentation proving the qualifications and publications must be sent to the Water Research Institute, exclusively by Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) to the address: protocollo.irsa@pec.cnr.it by 20 February 2024

Trophic adaptations and phenotypic plasticity in corallivorous gastropods

An 18 months research fellowship is available at the SZN Anton Dohrn to investigate trophic adaptations and phenotypic plasticity in corallivorous gastropods, using transcriptomics, proteomics and miRNomics. C The project aims at understanding the molecular basis and regulatory mechanisms of trophic adaptations in marine invertebrates, using as model the corallivorous gastropods of the genus Coralliophila, which are able to feed on different coral species. In particular, the scientific activity will include host switch experiments, gene expression analysis in the gastropods’ salivary glands using proteotranscriptomic approaches, and characterization of the associated miRNAs. Basic expertise in molecular biology (nucleic acids and protein extraction) and previous experience in bioinformatic analysis of -omics data are required.

Pre-requisites:

a) MSc degree in Biological Sciences or Natural Sciences or Environmental Sciences or Marine Biology or equivalent qualification obtained abroad;

b) At least 1 publication in ISI journals;

c) Knowledge of English.

Deadline: 25/01/2024. 

Salary: The gross annual amount of the research fellowship is € 19,456.83, for an overall amount of € 29.185,25 for the entire duration of the contract (18 months).

How to apply: The applicants must use the form found at https://www.szn.it/index.php/it/bandi-e-concorsi/bandi-di-concorso/assegni-di-ricerca/bandi-attivi under “Assegno di Ricerca n. 08/2024”.

The form, together with the documentation proving qualifications and publication record, must be sent to Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn to the following e-mail address: stazione.zoologica@szn.it, no later than 25/01/2024, attaching also a copy of the applicant’s ID card or passport.

The interview will take place remotely on 16/02/2024

Interested candidates can contact mariavittoria.modica@szn.it

Symposium “Biodiversity Change in the Anthropocene”, Fano (PU), Italy 10-11 April 2024

On 10 and 11 April 2024, the Symposium ‘Biodiversity Change in the Anthropocene’ will be held at the Fano Marine Centre. The symposium is open to all experts dealing with biodiversity in Italy, both terrestrial and aquatic.

The symposium will be divided into three sessions:

  1. The examples of change;
  2. Predictions of change;
  3. The tools, actions and management of change.

In addition, there will be a session dedicated to PhD students funded and co-funded by the CNR.

The symposium is organised by the CNR Biodiversity Working Group and CNR-IRBIM Ancona in collaboration with the Fano Marine Center, LifeWatch Italia and the National Biodiversity Future Center.

Registration is free for all participants. To complete registration, a one-page abstract in English must be submitted by 10 February 2024 to submissions@irbim.cnr.it.

All information is available at https://registrazioneeventi.cnr.it/event/31/

Here is the event flyer

Hic Sunt Lupi: a new project to monitor the return of wolves in Salento

“Hic sunt leones“ is an expression used in cartography to describe unexplored, unknown territory. Similarly, the Hic Sunt Lupi project aims to understand the causes of a hitherto unknown situation: the wolf’s return to Salento (Italy).

Partners of this project are Regione Puglia, CNR-IRET, and the Sapienza University of Rome, which will implement it with the support of LifeWatch Italy, the National Biodiversity Future Center and the University of Salento.

In recent years, people have spotted several wolves in the Salento area. However, gathering data and understanding the situation better is crucial before taking any measures to manage this phenomenon. Where do they come from? Have they crossed with dogs?

Thanks to this project, researchers will start investigating and answering these and other questions. Data collected throughout the project will be hosted and made accessible to the scientific community through LifeWatch Italy web services, such as its Data Portal and MetaData Catalogue. Moreover, the Italian Node of the Research Infrastructure will also support citizens’ engagement thanks to its Citizen Science platform, where data coming from people’s observations will be collected, validated and hosted.

Why this project matters

“The wolf has a crucial role in local ecosystems” – explains Francesco Cozzoli, CNR-IRET researcher. Its presence can help renature heavily anthropised habitats in Salento. Also, it controls the populations of wild or feral animals like wild boar. Although it can be a catalyst for ecotourism, the presence of large carnivores can create management issues.

Francesco De Leo, researcher at the CNR-IRET, says it’s crucial to comprehensively understand the local situation: “The wolf is a mammal that adapts to changes in its environment, including its diet and habits”. This knowledge will be the foundation for an informed and effective management plan.

Therefore, the Hic Sunt Lupi project will systematically monitor the Salento area to determine the wolves’ demography, distribution and diet, mainly through photo-trapping and scat collection. This phase is aimed at mapping wolves’ population in the area. Furthermore, studying their genetics will help to understand their origin, most likely the nearby Apennines. Also, the analysis will provide information on their family structure and the degree of hybridisation with domestic dogs, thanks to molecular analysis technologies and spatial modelling.

“In an era in which human beings have colonised a large part of the habitats of wildlife, the issue of coexistence with large predators, such as bears and wolves, arises with increasing urgency. The latter has started re-populating Salento and its presence is arousing curiosity and concern. In order to find a solution, we need to put aside prejudices and ideologies and rely on research, on science. This is why I strongly wanted this project.” – says the regional Councillor for Environment, Anna Grazia Maraschio – “The first step we can take is to know, in as much detail as possible, its presence in the Salento area, so that we have the necessary tools for any assessment”.

sRedList: the new platform of LifeWatch Italy is arrived!

We are excited to announce the launch of the sRedList platform. A collaboration between the sRedList working group and LifeWatch Italy, sRedList aims to simplify the work of experts in the process of assessing threatened species by providing reliable support and advanced analysis tools. sRedList offers easy and interactive access to different types of analysis, such as calculating range and expansion or reduction trends using observations already online or uploaded by the user, extracting the list of countries where the species is present, calculating trends in forest cover within the species’ range, and more.

For more details on how to use sRedList, please consult the documentation, the quick guide or the video tutorials available on the platform itself.

Ecological Transitions: A Journey with LTER Network

Prepare for a journey that celebrates the wonders of biodiversity, the importance of ecosystem services, and the future of sustainable tourism. From October 15th to 18th, this immersive experience organized by the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Italia, sponsored by LifeWatch Italy, CNR-IRET, and UniSalento, promises a unique opportunity to witness Italy’s natural wonders in a responsible and conscious manner.

This event, titled “Ecological Transitions: A Journey with LTER Network from Mar Piccolo to Salento Lagoons” is designed to connect two significant Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Italian sites over three days: Mar Piccolo in Taranto and Acquatina in Lecce. The transitional nature of these environments inspires a path that traverses from the sea to the land. Participants have the option to complete all or some of the bicycle journeys or to join specific events listed in the program.

Alongside researchers from the LTER Italia network, participants will encounter people and projects, exploring the various meanings of words like ecology, sustainability, and transition. They will listen to the stories of ecological research and its potential connections with the history of the places they pass through.

To participate in the bicycle stages, please fill out the form.

Registration to individual events is mandatory, please contact:

carmela.caroppo@cnr.it (Taranto/Mar Piccolo)

ilaria.rosati@cnr.it (Lecce/Acquatina)

 

Event Schedule:

15/10 at 18:30: Visit to the Euromediterraneo CetaceiKETOS Center (TA). Free guided tour and discussion on cycle-archeology.

16/10 at 9:00: Gathering at the Convento dei Battendieri, Taranto. Presentation of LTER research in Mar Piccolo. Walk along the Via Mellifera: 5 km, max 40 participants. Cost: €10.

16/10 at 16:30: Gathering at the Monti farm, Oria (Br). Exploring regenerative agriculture and permaculture for sustainable land use.

17/10 at 10:00: Gathering at Agriturismo Masseria Piutri, Torchiarolo (Br) for discussions on territory, research, ecosystems, transitions, and food.

18/10 at 9:30: Gathering in front of the University of Salento. Visit to the Acquatina site (LE) and insights into LTER activities, participation in biodiversity exploration and conservation activities (e.g., bioblitz). Activities conclude at 13:00.

Submit your abstracts for the workshop “Approaches towards FAIR zooplankton trait data as stepping stones to improved functional ecology”

On 17th of March, the workshop “Approaches towards findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR) zooplankton trait data as stepping stones to improved functional ecology” will take place, organised by Jessica Titocci and Ilaria Rosati from CNR-IRET and LifeWatch Italy, in collaboration with Dr. Kieran Murphy (ARC Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science), Dr. Brian Hunt (University of British Columbia), Dr. Patrick Pata (University of British Columbia).

The workshop will discuss the challenges of implementing FAIR principles and analysing zooplankton trait data. To achieve this goal, researchers in this field are invited to submit their abstracts for presentation at the workshop before 30 September 2023 at the following link: https://meetings.pices.int/meetings/international/2024/zps7/submissions

The workshop’s main objective is to assess the current status of trait-based research on zooplankton and explore future possibilities. The workshop will also focus on sharing and implementing FAIR principles and best practices to ensure that zooplankton trait-based data are findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable.

 The preferred abstract topics for this workshop are:

  •   Zooplankton functional ecology
  •   FAIRness of zooplankton trait based data
  •   Trait data collection and management
  •   Novel frameworks and analytical methods and e-science tools in zooplankton trait-based studies

The event will begin with informative presentations and interactive, hands-on sessions. During these sessions, the speakers will present various digital services and semantic resources developed to promote the harmonisation and interoperability of zooplankton functional trait data.

More information at https://meetings.pices.int/meetings/international/2024/zps7/news

Roundtable Discussion “Changing Biodiversity” – May 22, 2023

On the occasion of World Biodiversity Day and the recent exhibition at CNR “Anthropocene: Earth on Fire,” seven national experts will come together to discuss one of the most dramatic transformations characterizing our era. Their aim is to stimulate reflections on the critical relationship between human activities and the marvelous diversity of life forms on our planet. The event, open to all, will take place in the courtyard of Palazzina Canonica (Riva dei Sette Martiri 1364/A, Venice). No reservation is required, but inquiries and communications can be directed to biodiversity@cnr.it. Following the roundtable discussion, interested participants will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Anthropocene exhibition.

 

The live streaming of the event will be available from 2:30 PM on the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP_HyIwb4LU

Click here for further information and to download the event poster.

*In case of bad weather, the event will be held at the CNR-ISMAR headquarters (Tesa 104 – Arsenale, Castello 2737/F, 30122 Venice, Italy).

 

Photo by canmandawe on Unsplash.