Franck Lejzerowicz

I am a postdoctoral researcher experienced with multi-omics bioinformatics, biostatistics and molecular biology for the analysis of large microbiome datasets. I completed a PhD studying the diversity of marine, deep-sea microbial eukaryotes at the University of Geneva, and worked as a postdoc on environmental and human gut microbiome projects related to mining and nutrition at UC San Diego, where I participated to developing bioinformatic tools and to the crowd-funded citizen-science Microsetta Initiative. I found that transcending research fields and borders to learn and exchange from diverse experts and enthusiasts is most stimulating and key to promote science and humanities for peace and cooperation in the face of global challenges.

My early-career research is focused on benthic deep-sea and molecular biology, using ancient DNA and multi-omics techniques, to understand the eco-evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes, and the amazing Foraminifera. My fascination for deep-sea Life - from molecules to ecosystems - was contented by joining five expeditions, including two across the Atlantic and three in the Northwest Pacific. Moreover, I currently serve as Communications Officer for the Deep-Sea Biology Society.

At the University of Oslo, I work on a project to study microplastic biofilm microbes spreading in oceans, and assess their envrionmental and human health impacts. I will be adjusting the metagenomic and computational lenses through which our international team will understand gene exchange and ecological mechanisms determining antibiotic resistance and other metabolisms.

Alexander Eiler

When my grandfather explained photosynthesis to my 5 year old self my scientific curiousness was instigated. I can still remember that I imagined the flow of protons and elements in various colors. The cycling of elements is still at the center of my research. As such I study microbes since they shape the physical, chemical and biological state of our planet by facilitating the storage, transport, and turnover of elements. To study microbes and their role in the biosphere requires collaborations across the fields of aquatic ecology and biogeochemistry.

By combining omics (including DNA/RNA/protein sequencing and advanced computational approaches) and stable isotope tracer studies we intend to advance our understanding of microbes in the biosphere. The need for such understanding has never been more relevant than now in the light of ongoing global climate warming and massive human-induced alterations of ecosystems.

My original training is that of an ecologist at the University of Vienna and of a microbial ecologist at Uppsala University where I worked on describing microbial diversity of inland waters and the mechanisms underlying patterns in microbial diversity. Later I was a post doc at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology working on marine microbes. During my time as an Assistant Professor at Uppsala University I have started to unravel the role of microbes in biogeochemical cycles, in particular microbes' repercussions on climate through greenhouse gas production. Since 2018 I am Professor at the University of Oslo.