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Content archived on 2024-06-18

MEasurement of Lichen and Seed Survival through non-invasive Assessment of metabolic activity

Objective

"Desiccation tolerance is an intriguing phenomenon that allows certain organisms, including lichens and most plant seeds, to survive long periods of time in the absence of water. As yet, the molecular mechanisms that underpin the ""desiccome"" are not fully understood. Tools that can diagnose how long desiccation tolerant organisms can remain in the dry state would be extremely valuable, especially for the seed industry, and for conservation projects.

MELISSA will use a unique combination of the most modern non-invasive techniques to diagnose cell viability (infrared thermography, PAM microscopy imaging, hyperspectral imaging, headspace GC-MS) in conjunction with state-of-the-art metabolomics techniques (UPLC-MS, GC-MS). At the forefront of knowledge, the primary scientific aims of MELISSA are to
(1) characterise the early stages of rehydration of seeds and lichens (i.e. to diagnose whether or not an organism can ""spring back to life"" after periods of desiccation);
(2) develop novel tools for the non-invasive diagnosis of viability; and
(3) transfer the knowledge gained to the industry sector.

The ""scientist in charge"" at the University of Innsbruck (UIBK) has an unparalleled expertise in both seed and lichen biology, and staff have widely-acknowledged expertise in plant stress physiology generally. This, the unique facilities available, and the location within the European Alps, where lichens required for the project are abundant, makes the UIBK the most suitable place in the world to develop the proposed research program.

This Marie Curie Fellowship will strongly enhance the applicant’s scientific credentials. She will receive extensive training in the most modern analytical techniques used in the biomedical sciences, including metabolomics, in non-invasive methods beyond the ""omics"" techniques, will establish first contact with industry sector, and overall, will develop into a mature scientist."

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF
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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.

MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Coordinator

UNIVERSITAET INNSBRUCK
EU contribution
€ 179 137,20
Address
INNRAIN 52
6020 Innsbruck
Austria

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Region
Westösterreich Tirol Innsbruck
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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