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Training program in non-marine diatoms from the (sub-) Antarctic Region

 Description of project: 

Non-marine diatoms are one of the most abundant algal groups in the (sub-)Antarctic Region both in number of individuals as in number of species. Due to mis-identifications and force-fitting, the actual number of species is rather limited and still composed on only cosmopolitan species, resulting in a bad knowledge of the biogeography of this important group. The past few years, there has been a growing interest that resulted in the description and/or correct identification of a large number of new species, typical for the region. Biogeographical results using this refined taxonomy show a much more transparant separation of the different parts of the (sub-)Antarctic region.
Duration of training: 
1 week
Training period: 
To be discussed with mentor
Target Audience: 
MSc students, PhD students and young post-docs lacking the necessary training in diatoms
Practical experiences: 
- Preparation techniques for both light- and scanning electron microscopy - Identification of important non-marine diatom groups using LM and SEM techniques
Lectures: 
- Morphology and biogeography of the genera Muelleria, Stauroneis and Luticola - Biogeography of non-marine diatoms in the sub-Antarctic region
Name of mentor / supervisor: 
Dr. Bart Van de Vijver
Institution/Organisation: 
National Botanic Garden of Belgium
EDIT partner number: 
15
Unit/Department/Laboratory: 
Department of Bryophyta & Thallophyta
Address: 
Domein van Bouchout B-1860 Meise Belgium