Objective
Bacteria in freshwaters are key players in the degradation of organic carbon. Their important functional role is related to the specific growth features of different genotypes within mixed assemblages. Limitation by substrates and nutrients (bottom-up factors) and high predation by bacterivorous protists (top-down factors) together shape the composition of microbial assemblages. Bacterial species have developed strategies that are either aimed at maximizing their competitive abilities for bottom-up limitations or at resisting protistan top-down control. Both specializations conceivably also represent trade-offs, either of metabolic versatility or of growth efficiency. We propose studying the effects of different types of growth limitations (carbon and phosphorus) on experimental assemblages of freshwater bacteria in the presence and absence of predation. Particular focus will be put on the relationship between the diversity and the metabolic function of the bacterial communities. Representatives of key populations will be isolated and tested for physiological versatility, growth efficiency and sensitivity to chemical cues (kairomons) by the predator. The growth of isolates and their response to predation will also be determined at close to natural conditions. The proposed work will provide novel insight into the specific metabolic differences of freshwater bacteria that are most successful at either top-down or bottom-up selection. It will also produce new physiologically well characterized model strains to study chemical interactions between bacteria and predators. The project will combine the research proficiency of the applicant with the ample facilities and the expertise available at the host institution. The candidate will benefit from a research environment that offers possibilities for fruitful collaborations. Moreover, it will be advantageous for his envisaged career to gain teaching experience in a university environment.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biological behavioural sciences ethology biological interactions
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology bacteriomes
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
Zürich
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.