M S Swaminathan Research Foundation’s Post

6 Exciting Ph.D. & Postdoc Openings in Food & Agriculture! In this newsletter, we're sprouting a bounty of opportunities for passionate researchers hungry to make a difference! Dive into the frontiers of sustainable agriculture and food science with these exciting Ph.D. and postdoc positions: 1. Cultivate the Future of Food with Cellular Agriculture at TU Delft: Join pioneering research shaping delicious, protein-rich alternatives to traditional meat production. (Link to Opportunity 1) 2. Nurture Nature-Inclusive Practices: Shape agriculture that thrives alongside biodiversity in this impactful social science Ph.D. project. (Link to Opportunity 2) 3. Decipher the Economics of Sustainable Food Systems: Investigate critical market forces driving food security and environmental responsibility in this Ph.D. role. (Link to Opportunity 3) 4. Unravel the Secrets of Pollination Ecology: Dive deep into the vital dance between flowers and pollinators in this agroecology Ph.D. position. (Link to Opportunity 4) 5. Cultivate Cutting-Edge Innovations at the Technical University of Munich: Explore the potential of cellular agriculture in this exciting Ph.D. opportunity at a renowned research powerhouse. (Link to Opportunity 5) 6. Unlock the Potential of Biochar: Prepare and explore the agricultural applications of nutrient-enriched biochar in this funded Ph.D. scholarship. (Link to Opportunity 6). #phd #postdoc #agriculture #foodscience #sustainability #cellularagriculture #ecology #biotechnology #research #opportunities2024

🌟 Professors Pablo I. Nikel and Søren Molin join global drive for microbial literacy in children’s education! 📚 We are thrilled to announce that our esteemed Professors Pablo Ivan Nikel and Søren Molin from The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) are now part of the Microbial Literacy Initiative (IMiLI) - a groundbreaking international effort dedicated to integrating microbial literacy into education, particularly for children. This initiative aims to enhance societal understanding of microbiology and its pivotal role in our lives, sustainability, and global challenges. 📚 About the initiative: The IMiLI provides learner-centric teaching resources that are accessible to educators worldwide, aiming to develop a society well-versed in microbiology. These resources highlight how microbial technologies can contribute to food security, clean water, climate change mitigation, and much more, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Professor Pablo Ivan Nikel shares his enthusiasm for the initiative, saying: "I am honored to be part of the IMiLI. The initiative is key for fostering a deeper understanding of microbiology from a young age, empowering future generations to make informed decisions that positively impact our planet."🌍 For more information, read the full publication: https://lnkd.in/d2NYN-HM Novo Nordisk Foundation DTU - Technical University of Denmark #biotechnology #sustainability #microbiology #education

PhD Scholarship to characterise genetic diversity in wheat to understand interactions between soil strength, texture and water at The University of Queensland, Gatton/St Lucia. High soil strength (HSS) restricts root growth and crop access to soil nutrients and water. Despite the long-term recognition of the need to identify how plant root systems penetrate HSS and compacted soil layers and to identify crop types/genotypes with greater ability to do so, progress in achieving this goal has been slow. Recent progress in the development of non-destructive, high-throughput root imaging systems (MRI and x-ray CT) offers a promising alternative to traditional root coring and destructive sampling methods to visualize root-soil interactions that are very labour-intensive and slow. These new procedures, especially when combined with the use of intact soil cores that maintain the physicochemical of the soil profile, allow an in-situ 3D visualisation of roots growing in soil. Some crops and crop varieties have root traits that improve their ability to extract resources from the soil-root interface in high soil strength and compacted soils, which can potentially improve agricultural productivity and profitability. However, we have a poor understanding of i) which root traits are most important in high-soil strength soils and how these affect water and nutrient extraction; ii) which wheat varieties, have the greater ability to penetrate high-strength soils; and iii) how much root growth in HSS reduces shoot growth, independent of water and nutrient supply. Glasshouse experiments will use a multi-pronged approach including root physiology, and anatomy using traditional and non-destructive imaging (3D image, MRI and CT) to understand the morphological mechanisms by which different wheat cultivars overcome high soil strength and quantify comparative intra-, and inter-species differences in root anatomy and shoot growth as that relates to HSS. The scholarship includes: living stipend of $32,192 per annum tax free (2023 rate), indexed annually your tuition fees covered single overseas student health cover (OSHC). For details, please see https://lnkd.in/dzRbjvDR

We invite PhD students, early post-docs, young entrepreneurs and start-ups to apply to our summer school by 17th April. The course address the need to look into algae as a sustainable and unexplored natural source for finding novel bio-active compounds that can be developed into functional food and pharmaceuticals. Using the example of algae and inflammatory bowel disease, the course will explore the diverse aspects of compound discovery, product development and more:   ·      What is the potential of algae and how to best cultivate them? ·      How to improve algae strains ·      How to increase compound extraction to an industrial scale? ·      How to identify and characterise compounds? ·      What bioactivity tests are established and how do they work? ·     What to consider when developing algae-based products? ·      How to cook delicious algae-based food? ·      How to pave a career? ·      Visit to microalgae production and animal testing facilities Experts from different universities and representatives from companies will present the latest knowledge and methodologies. In practical workshops, participants will use the acquired know-how in wet-lab experiments. Participants will also get a behind-the-scenes peek into a microalgae production company and research facilities, enjoy relaxed networking opportunities, and can participate in a boat trip along the sunny coast of the Algarve, looking for dolphins and whales. 🗓 15th – 26th July 2024 🇵🇹 Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal More information:   https://lnkd.in/eYuprNMh #Algae #Microalgae #Macroalgae #BlueBioeconomy  #Algae4IBD #SummerSchool

Journey To #R learning Excited to share that I've recently embarked on learning R, a powerful tool that is already proving invaluable in my MPhil research With #R, I will be able to explore data more efficiently and uncover insights that will drive my research forward. This step is not just about enhancing my current work but is also part of my broader ambition to contribute meaningfully to #plant_Sciences. As I continue to grow in this field, I’m eager to explore #PhD opportunities abroad, where I can collaborate with leading scientists and push the boundaries of our understanding in plant biology. Here’s to the journey ahead and the discoveries waiting to be made! 🌾💻 #RStats #PlantScience #Research #PhDGoals #DataScience

PhD scholarships now available! Embark on a career-defining journey with our PhD projects. You’ll acquire the skills and networks necessary to secure positions in government, industry, or academia upon graduation. With the confidence to advance into diverse, rewarding leadership roles with excellent earning potential, you’ll be well-prepared for your future. Find out more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gZg3iatz Projects include: - Explore the use of MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry to differentiate species and populations of fruit fly.  - Help protect Australia by developing plant disease assays to detect viruses and bacteria in high-risk tissue culture. - Assess the suitability and efficacy of a combination of fruit fly management techniques for use in Papua New Guinea Treaty Villages, to protect food security.  - Investigate the taxonomy and biology of shot hole borer beetles including the highly destructive beetle that triggered an eradication campaign.   - Untangle the taxonomy of the 21-species pumpkin fruit fly complex using a combination of morphological, molecular and biological evidence.   - Use novel genomic and metagenomic methods to study the invasion biology of well-established exotic forestry pests and pathogens to investigate how populations have changed post-incursion.   - Exotic snail species are not only significant agricultural pests, they also act as vectors of parasites and pathogens. This project will improve our knowledge of vectoring and biosecurity planning.   - Combining big data and forest biosecurity, this project aims to create a comprehensive catalogue of forest pest surveillance and diagnostic data to guide areas for improvement.   - Work on a molecular characterisation of three rust fungi that damage sugarcane to help industry prepare for a possible incursion and gain insight into population shifts.   - Investigate significant insect pests of the wine industry, integrating methods from ecology and whole organism biology with genomics and biodiversity monitoring.  

🗣 Great news! We prolonged the application deadline for our summer school! This summer school is not only interdisciplinary in its programme, but also draws lecturers and participants from academia and industry. We invite PhD students, early post-docs, young entrepreneurs and start-ups to apply to our summer school by 17th April. The course address the need to look into algae as a sustainable and unexplored natural source for finding novel bio-active compounds that can be developed into functional food and pharmaceuticals. Using the example of algae and inflammatory bowel disease, the course will explore the diverse aspects of compound discovery, product development and more:   ·      What is the potential of algae and how to best cultivate them? ·      How to improve algae strains ·      How to increase compound extraction to an industrial scale? ·      How to identify and characterise compounds? ·      What bioactivity tests are established and how do they work? ·     What to consider when developing algae-based products? ·      How to cook delicious algae-based food? ·      How to pave a career? ·      Visit to microalgae production and animal testing facilities Experts from different universities and representatives from companies will present the latest knowledge and methodologies. In practical workshops, participants will use the acquired know-how in wet-lab experiments. Participants will also get a behind-the-scenes peek into a microalgae production company and research facilities, enjoy relaxed networking opportunities, and can participate in a boat trip along the sunny coast of the Algarve, looking for dolphins and whales. 🗓 15th – 26th July 2024 🇵🇹 Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal More information:  https://lnkd.in/eYuprNMh #Algae #Microalgae #Macroalgae #SummerSchool #NaturalProducts #Algae4IBD

Today marked an exciting chapter in the world of education as senior students in the IB Group 4 Science Project embarked on a thrilling exploration of energy dynamics within various countries. Students from diverse scientific backgrounds, each tasked with unraveling the energy components of a specific country. IB Food Science, for instance, meticulously dissecting energy consumption in crop growing, livestock management, and technological access within their assigned nation. Not to mention the fascinating investigation into how the global pandemic has reshaped the import-export landscape of agricultural produce. In a magnificent display of synergy, Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry, Sports Science, Biology, and Food Science joined forces, harmonizing their expertise to craft a collaborative masterpiece - the Country Energy Presentation. Like pieces of a complex scientific puzzle coming together, their collective effort showcased the interconnectedness of diverse scientific disciplines in addressing real-world challenges. As the presentations reached their zenith, the students embarked on a scientific odyssey through a gallery walk, immersing themselves in the energy focuses of other countries. It was a journey of discovery, a chance to broaden horizons and appreciate the rich tapestry of global scientific endeavors. And finally, as the morning drew to a close, the students regrouped to pen their reflections, a testament to the power of collaboration and the joy of scientific exploration. It was a celebration of teamwork, curiosity, and the unyielding spirit of scientific inquiry (the IB way). In the world of the IB Group 4 Science Project, every student is a scientist, every idea a spark of innovation, and every collaboration a step towards a brighter, more enlightened future. #IB #Science #Education #Collaborate #Group4 #FoodScience #Teaching

𝐖𝐒𝐔 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 Walter Sisulu University (WSU) researchers are delighted after thier recognition by National Research Foundation (NRF) for their impactful research output. The NRF provides funding and resources for research projects, fellowships, and programmes that aim to advance knowledge, drive innovation, and address societal challenges. The recognition from the NRF is a testament to the high quality and significance of the research conducted at WSU. Researchers from various fields, including education, medicine, agriculture, and engineering, have received high ratings, underscoring their contributions to their respective disciplines. Read here: https://bit.ly/3L3hBUQ

The Distance between Mr Sunil Mohan, a BSc graduate, and Dr Sunil Mohan, a Top Scientist at Harvard, is not just 25 years and a few lost hairs. But its Direction chosen, Strategy adopted, guidance received, encouragement given. At Biotecnika, we firmly believe that every child is gifted and must get the right opportunities. Here is your way to the Catalytic Reaction from a Life Science Student to a successful Bioprofessional. We call it Lakshya Scholarship: lakshya.biotecnika.org