Molecular microbial ecology as a tool to study Colombia’s unique environments
Written by Dr. Nasmille Larke-Mejia, Post-Doctoral Scientist in the Agricultural Diversity Programme
Microbes are essential to the health and functionality of the environment. In the field of microbial ecology, we study microbes as well as their connections and interactions with other organisms and their surrounding environment. Last year, we were fortunate to be able to deliver two workshops that joined 47 Colombian scientists interested in molecular microbial ecology (MME). The purpose of the workshops was to share and discuss the latest methods in the field, as well as to identify the training needs for early career researchers.
The workshop began with a variety of talks that were presented by the delegates on a variety of research topics, including an insightful plenary presentation by Professor Colin Murrell from the University of East Anglia, UK. During the afternoon session, we discussed the strengths and needs of microbial ecology studies in Colombia. All delegates agreed that microbial biodiversity, linked to the variety of unique environments, and the quality/enthusiasm of the MME community as their greatest strengths.
We also identified international collaborations, more frequent interactions and the training of early career scientists as the tools necessary to raise awareness and enhance the quality of microbial ecology in Colombia. Using the insights and conclusions of those workshops, we hope to deliver a training event in functional metagenomics by the summer of 2021.
