Researcher associated with CBioClima coordinates course in the Pantanal

Registration open for Metabarcoding course in the Pantanal, Mato Grosso

PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, researchers and professors — especially from Latin America — can register for the practical course: “e/iDNA Metabarcoding for Biodiversity Analysis and Monitoring”, which will take place from August 3 to 9, 2025, at the Pantanal Field Station (UFMS), Brazil. CBioClima associate researcher Carla Lopes is one of the course coordinators.

This intensive five-day course combines theoretical and practical sessions, offering a comprehensive introduction to the use of environmental DNA (eDNA), ingested DNA (iDNA) and sedimentary DNA (sedaDNA) in biodiversity studies. Participants will extract DNA, prepare libraries, sequence real samples and analyze data using bioinformatics pipelines, guided by world-leading experts. This is a unique opportunity to develop skills, strengthen your research and connect with a global network of researchers working at the forefront of biodiversity monitoring.

Topics include:

Experimental design and molecular laboratory techniques;

Primer development and library preparation;

Bioinformatics tools and pipelines (OBITools, MetabaR, R);

Applications in ecology, diet analysis and conservation;

One-on-one mentoring with instructors on your research project.

Instructors include international leaders in the field, such as: Pierre Taberlet, Eric Coissac, Frédéric Boyer, Meng Yao, Philip Thomsen, Anthony Chariton and Carla Lopes.

Requirements:

Fluency in English (all lectures and activities will be in English);

Personal laptop for bioinformatics activities;

Basic knowledge of molecular laboratory work and/or data analysis pipelines is desirable.

Important information:

The course is free of charge;

Participants are responsible for transportation to Campo Grande, as well as accommodation and meals at the Pantanal station (to be paid on site at a very affordable price);

Round-trip transportation between Campo Grande and the field station will be provided by the organizers.

Location: Pantanal Field Station, UFMS.

How to apply:

To apply, send the following documents by May 4, 2025 to cmlopes82@gmail.com:

A copy of your CV;

A cover letter (max. 2 pages) describing your academic background, current research, and how this course will benefit your current and future projects;

Selected candidates will be notified by email by May 11, 2025;

Vacancies are limited to 20 participants.

Don't miss out! It will be a unique opportunity to study biodiversity in one of the most emblematic ecosystems in the world, with complete infrastructure for practical and theoretical activities.

Source: Carla Lopes.