Online Training School on  Metagenomics & Metatranscriptomics in Plant Systems

Metagenomics and metatranscriptomics are increasingly important tools for studying microbiomes in plant systems. These methods allow for functional analyses of microbiomes beyond taxonomy and biodiversity. With bacteria these approaches have been validated. Progress in data analysis and reference databases allows to analyze prokaryotic and more recently also fungal metagenomes. The methodological knowledge taught in course is especially valuable for early-career researchers and scientists aiming to enhance their research capabilities and address holistic scientific questions in crop plant holobionts.

Scientists of the WG Microbial Biogeochemistry (MicGeo) from ZALF (Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research e.V., Germany) and ROOT-BENEFIT will organize a 2-day online workshop on metagenomics and metatranscriptomics in plant systems. The training course will combine theoretical sessions with hands-on practical bioinformatic training. Participants will also benefit from scientific presentations by experts in the field, showcasing strategies and applications of ‘omics’ approaches in microbial ecology.

While the workshop will primarily focus on prokaryotes (Bacteria, Archaea), invited speakers will also present fungal metagenomics, providing a broader perspective on microbiome studies in agricultural ecosystems.

Due to the combined format of open scientific talks and a limited capacity of practical workshop, the event will have:

• Open access for all attendees of Cost Action to the scientific presentations (online).
• A maximum of 20 participants for the hands-on workshop sessions.

Because of the limited number of places, participant selection will be based on formal application. Applicants with basic experience in programming (R, Python, and/or Linux Bash) will be given priority to enable effective teaching and learning.