Objective Aerial transport of microbes has fundamental consequences for microbial dispersal, disease spreading, and atmospheric phenomena. In the ocean, aerosolisation largely originates from collection of bacteria by rising bubbles, which burst at the surface and eject cells in microdroplets. This process underlies the enrichment of bacteria in aerosols. While we know that collection rates vary among bacterial species, we know little about the bacterial properties promoting collection, and even less about which factors drive enhanced collection of certain species.Combining state-of-the-art microfluidics and microscopy, I will provide the first microscopic observation of bubble-bacteria interaction, to investigate two hypotheses:H1: Cell motility increases microbial collection by rising bubbles.Motility sets bacteria starkly apart from inert particles, likely promoting collection by increasing encounter rates and changing surface properties. H2: Starvation increases microbial collection by rising bubbles.Starving bacteria modify their surface and size, which may enhance collection by bubbles, thereby promoting dispersal from nutrient poor areas.To investigate H1 and H2, I will develop a novel microfluidic flow channel containing a pinned bubble, and use advanced optical microscopy to quantify collection rates for a range of bacteria. Experiments using mutants to alter motility (H1) and varying starvation levels (H2) will be complemented by characterization of bacterial surface properties. I will also develop the first mathematical model predictive for microbial aerosolisation.This project builds on my experience in modeling and interfaces, enhanced by training in microfluidics and marine microbial ecology within an internationally recognised multidisciplinary group, in order to open an innovative domain linking microscale interactions with global-scale scientific, environmental and societal impacts, and provide a springboard towards an independent research career. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidicsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopynatural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsmathematical model Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2017 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2017 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH Net EU contribution € 175 419,60 Address Raemistrasse 101 8092 Zuerich Switzerland See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 175 419,60