Objective Microbial activity underpins the functioning of all global biogeochemical cycles. Microbial ecology, the interaction of microorganisms with their environment, is an essential component in understanding the functioning of the global ecosystem. Fundamental to microbial ecology are the principals that determine the structure and function of microbial communities. Only when these principals are understood will the full impact of microbial activity on the global ecosystem be apparent. Microbes play a major role in many scientifically, economically and socially important areas and represent a vital area of research within the EU. However, microbial ecology is a difficult science that at present lacks a strong theoretical basis.This proposal will address fundament al issues related to microbial biodiversity and place these within an ecological context. This will be achieved by two general approaches. The first will link microbial community structure and function by investigating two indigenous microbial genera as mo del generalist and specialist microbes using metagenomics, gene expression analysis, distribution ecology and traditional isolation and characterisation analysis. The second will investigate microbial phenotypic and genotypic stability. This approach will utilise model systems in chemostats and compare these with natural communities.This work will help define the true ecological context of microbial biodiversity and so redefine microbial ecology. The proposed research is novel and ambitious in its aims and will place Europe at the forefront of hypothesis-driven research in microbial ecology. It will produce four highly skilled, multi-disciplinary researchers with excellent international reputations and career prospects. Building a strong European research base in microbial ecology is vital to structuring the ERA and so meeting the challenges of becoming? the world's most competitive and dynamic economy? within the context of sustainable development. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesplanetsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiology Keywords Structure Programme(s) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Topic(s) MOBILITY-3.1 - Marie Curie Excellence Grants (EXT) Call for proposal FP6-2004-MOBILITY-8 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme EXT - Marie Curie actions-Grants for Excellent Teams Coordinator UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK EU contribution No data Address Kirby Corner Road, University House COVENTRY United Kingdom See on map Links Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
