Dear all,

Applications are now open for the NERC funded "Field workshop on
the taxonomy and natural history of freshwater and limno-terrestrial
meiofauna".

This is field workshop designed and run by the Natural History Museum,
London, will take place in the iconic Lake District in the North of
England.

Course dates: 27 August - 11 September 2025
Application deadline: 31 May 2025
Cost: Free
Course website:
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/study/training/taxonomy-and-natural-history-of-freshwater-and-limno-terrestrial-meiofauna.html

This field workshop will cover field techniques for sampling meiofauna
in soils and mosses in limno-terrestrial habitats, as well as standing
and running waters and groundwater. It will also consider the impacts of
human land and water use patterns and climate change on these organisms.
It will be taught by 13 taxonomists and ecologists, many of whom
represent globally prominent experts, teaching the fundamental biology
and natural history of various meiofauna groups. Each will focus on
the microscopical techniques and morphological characters needed for
identification and review the most important literature and database
resources.  Participants will also receive training in

  1.  DNA taxonomy, including an in-field nanopore sequencing component
      targeting popular "barcoding" loci and species delimitation
      techniques.
  2.  taxonomic publication, including peer-review of student-drafted
      species descriptions targeted at an expert audience.
  3.  science communication, including recording a short-form video
      addressed to a public audience.

Applications are welcome from anyone who expects to practice research
in meiofauna systematics or ecology, including staff in environmental
NGOs and charities, public sector bodies, ecological consultancies
and education.

Early-career scientists of any nationality are encouraged to apply,
especially those recently enrolled or expecting to enrol in a PhD
programme. But preference will be given to those in NERC-funded projects.

We seek a competitive, diverse applicant pool encompassing a balance of
female and male students from all backgrounds.

Further information, together with links to the application form can be
found on the course website:

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/study/training/taxonomy-and-natural-history-of-freshwater-and-limno-terrestrial-meiofauna.html

Dr Nick Crumpton (He/They)
Graduate Training and Short Course Coordinator
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD
nick.crumpton@nhm.ac.uk