Collaboration strengthening between the CEBIMar/USP (Brazil) and the ECIM/PUC (Chile)

• Grant number: 12/00519-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: May 27, 2012
• End date: September 26, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Augusto Alberto Valero Flores
• Grantee: Augusto Alberto Valero Flores
• Visiting researcher: Sergio Andres Navarrete
• Visiting researcher institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
• Host Institution: Centro de Biologia Marinha (CEBIMAR). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Sebastião , SP, Brazil

Abstract

During his stay, Dr. Navarrete will be involved in four different academic activities which will consolidate ongoing bilateral collaboration between the two institutions. A 4 month stay is proposed to achieve several goals; (1) discuss and set up initiatives to strengthen future cooperation, merging the efforts of the Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas and the Center for Marine Conservation of Universidad Católica de Chile and NP-Biomar (Centre for Studies on Marine Biodiversity, USP, Brazil). This will include joint research programs on marine ecology and coastal oceanography, but also setting up new programs for graduate and undergraduate exchange between our institutions. (2) Prepare and submit 2 manuscripts on the dynamics of rocky intertidal communities based on the research conducted on the coast of Sao Sebastiao over the past 3 years, which included field and laboratory activities funded by FAPESP at CEBIMAR, USP (3) launch additional research programs related to the larval ecology of the invasive sun coral. This research is part of a USP Ph.D. thesis project co-advised by the responsible investigator and Dr. Navarrete. (4) Offer a 1 week intensive course on community ecology: theoretical and empirical advances, which will be part of the curricular activities of graduate students (Comparative Biology, FFCLRP, USP; Oceanography, IO, USP), but open to CEBIMar staff and visitors. (AU)