Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs) and Isotope Techniques: Advancing Ecosystem Research
PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE at University of Copenhagen
Subject area:
Terrestrial ecology, marine biology, chemical ecology, volatolomics, chemodiversity, ecosystem-atmosphere interactions, environmental biology.
Scientific content:
This PhD course provides an in-depth look at biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and their role in ecosystem processes. Participants will explore BVOC exchange across plants, soils, water, and microbial communities, focusing on isotopic techniques for tracing BVOC cycling and advanced tools for VOC analysis. The course combines interactive lectures on state-of-the-art BVOC measurement techniques, and hands-on data analysis sessions covering volatolomics, statistical approaches, and data visualization. In addition to lectures, the course features hands-on laboratory demonstrations, an "odor tour" through the Botanical Garden, and opportunities for networking.
As a part of the course students will also attend the 1st International Symposium on Volatile Interactions in Ecosystems organized by VOLT. The symposium will bring together scientists working with biogeochemistry, chemical ecology and ecosystem-atmosphere interactions related to biogenic volatiles to present cutting-edge research, and discuss current progress and challenges in the field.
Assessment:
Students are required to submit an assignment at the end of the course, related to the course and the symposium.
Course Schedule Highlights:
• Day 1: Introduction to BVOCs and isotope applications, lab demonstrations, and poster session.
• Day 2: Specialized isotope applications in plant, soil, and water studies, metabolomics, and an experiential tour.
• Day 3: Data analysis techniques, data visualization, and course wrap-up with a group photo.
• Day 4-5: Participation in the 1st International Symposium on Volatile Interactions in Ecosystems 1st International Symposium on Volatile Interactions in Ecosystems | About
Learning outcome
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Discuss BVOC exchange processes and their link to broader ecosystem functions.
• Choose appropriate experimental and analytical methods for BVOC studies, from sampling and isotopic analysis to data visualization.
Lecturers
Professor Riikka Rinnan,
VOLT, Dept. Biology, UCPH
Postdoc researcher Kajsa Roslund,
VOLT, Dept. Biology, UCPH
Professor Christiane Werner,
Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Germany
Professor Kimberly Halsey,
Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, USA
Postdoc researcher Nasmille Larke-Mejía,
VOLT, Dept. Biology, UCPH
Researcher Andrea Ghirardo,
Environmental Simulation and Phenomics, Helmholtz Munich, Germany
Professor Rasmus Bro,
Dept. Food Science, UCPH
Professor Robert Junker,
Department of Biology, AG Junker – EvoEcoPlants, University of Marburg, Germany
Postdoc researcher Tamás Plaszkó,
VOLT, Dept. Biology, UCPH
Remarks
If you would like to participate, please:
1) Click on Apply.
2) Register to the 1st International Symposium on Volatile Interactions in Ecosystems by submitting an abstract, through the following link: 1st International Symposium on Volatile Interactions in Ecosystems | Abstract Submission
This course is an official part of the Symposium, therefore registration and participation in the symposium is a requirement for participation in the course. The deadline for registration is 24 February 2025 at 23:59 (CET)!
3) In addition, please send a brief description of your motivation to participate in this course including a 1-page CV to Tamás Plaszkó, tamas.plaszko@bio.ku.dk
The course is provided free of charge, but you are expected to arrange your travel to and accommodation in Copenhagen.