Objective
Millions of people are exposed to harmful levels of the potent neurotoxin mercury (Hg), concretely to the organic form methylmercury (MeHg) that bio-accumulates in organisms and biomagnifies in marine food webs. Understanding Hg transformations in the ocean is critical because commercial fish are mainly marine species. While it is well known that both MeHg formation and degradation are genetically mediated by prokaryotes, there are still sizable gaps in the fundamental understanding of the organisms and mechanisms involved in Hg transformations in the environment and therefore a clear lack of available techniques for Hg removal based on the action of these genes. MER-CURE aims at filling this gap by providing the first Hg reference gene catalogue at a global ocean scale and by quantifying the individual and/or combined effect of the activity of these genes in a pilot Hg removal system. MER-CURE develops a novel and multidisciplinary methodological approach by merging omics and Hg stable isotope tracer technologies for studying the biogeochemistry and detoxification of Hg. Concretely, the fellow will take advantage of the available sequenced metagenomes and metatranscriptomes and isolates from the Global Ocean Circunnavigation Expedition Malaspina. She will carry out laboratory conducted experiments to elucidate the capacity of different marine isolates to detoxify Hg-contaminated sediments. MER-CURE will contribute to advance knowledge by identifying “where” and “which” prokaryotes in the ocean are involved in Hg cycling and to produce readily applicable results that can in the future help municipality and private industries. MER-CURE is committed to knowledge sharing and to engage the public into the action. The incorporation of metagenomic and metatranscriptomics analyses in Dr. Bravo toolbox will lead the fellow to master a rather unique combination of chemistry, biology, experimental approaches, public engagement, and knowledge sharing and communication skills.
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 chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geochemistry biogeochemistry
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme -
H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
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.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2016
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
28006 Madrid
Spain
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.