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Invasiveness and the microbiome: gut microbial community dynamics in an invasive-native vertebrate system

Objective

Biological invasions are one of the major threats to biodiversity worldwide, due to the many impacts and rapid spread of
invasive alien species (IAS). However, the exact mechanisms underlying invasiveness remain poorly understood. I
hypothesise that metagenomic plasticity may be involved in invasions, i.e. IAS may be able to quickly acclimate and adapt to
their new environment and oust native species thanks to the higher dynamism of their microbial community structure and/or
gene expression patterns. I will study microbiome dynamics in two phylogenetically-close mammals: a successful invader
(grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis) and a native species ousted by the former (red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris), investigating
the diverse interplay among their gut microbiome, parasite infection, dietary flexibility and behaviour (individual personality). I
will employ an observational approach in a natural experimental setting, comparing variation in the microbiome-phenome
dynamics of the two species at both the individual-level (across seasons) and population-level (along a natural-urban
gradient). InvasOME will help disclose the mechanisms behind invasiveness and rapid adaptation of IAS, offering useful
insights that may prove relevant for the prevention and management of biological invasions. This project is highly
multidisciplinary and perfectly integrates several disciplines part of my skill set (invasion ecology, parasitology and
behavioural ecology) with state-of-the-art metagenomics in which I will receive advanced training by the proposed host, who
has a relevant experience and an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to these fields. I designed this project also to
enhance my transferable skills, making the most of the host institution initiatives. I am thus confident that InvasOME will both
open an under-explored line of research and at the same time greatly enhance my potential, helping my transition to an
independent researcher position.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01

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Coordinator

KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 214 934,40
Address
NORREGADE 10
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark

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Region
Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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