Exploring microbial ecology and biogeochemistry in tropical soils: prospecting collaboration opportunities

• Grant number: 24/16336-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: March 14, 2025
• End date: March 23, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Maurício Roberto Cherubin
• Grantee: Maurício Roberto Cherubin
• Visiting researcher: Graeme William Nicol
• Visiting researcher institution: École Centrale De Lyon/Ecl, France
• Host Institution: CENTRO ESTUDOS CARBONO AGRICULTURA TROPICAL/USP
• Associated research grant: 21/10573-4 - Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (CCARBON), AP.CEPID

Abstract

Prof. Graeme Nicol, a CNRS Director of Research at École Centrale de Lyon, is a distinguished expert in microbial ecology, particularly in soil nitrogen cycling. With over 90 high-impact publications and recognition as a Clarivate Web of Science Highly Cited Scientist, Prof. Nicol has significantly advanced the understanding of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms. His visit to the University of São Paulo (USP) will provide substantial contributions to the FAPESP-funded projects CCARBON and MONS. During the 10-day visit, Prof. Nicol will deliver hands-on training in advanced DNA-SIP techniques, covering microcosm incubation design, 13C enrichment, DNA fractionation, and analysis. This training aims to equip postdoctoral fellows and graduate students with state-of-the-art microbial analysis skills, enhancing their research capabilities. Additionally, Prof. Nicol will engage in academic teaching through seminars and workshops, supporting the internationalization of USP's graduate program in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. These activities will foster knowledge exchange, collaboration, and potential new research initiatives, significantly benefiting the local research community and advancing the objectives of the CCARBON and specific projects. (AU)