DEST - Taxonomy Training

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 of 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:
National Botanic Garden of Belgium, Department of Bryophyta & Thallophyta
Domein van Bouchout, B-1860 Meise, Belgium

Registration fee:
€ 200 (Euros)
Participants are responsible for their own travel and subsistence expenses.

Registration:
Deadline for registration: 1 October 2011
Participants will be notified by 14 October 2011 whether accepted to the training.
Click here for the registration form.

Payment:
Payment details and deadline will be provided upon acceptance to the training.