• Dr Karim Benzerara, Institut de Minéralogie, CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France - Carbonate biomineralization by bacteria.
• Dr Magnus Ivarsson, Department of Palaeobiology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden – Fungi in deep rock and deep time.

Geomicrobiology is the interdisciplinary field that focuses on the interaction between microorganisms and mineral materials. It deals both with the role of microbes in biogeochemical processes, as well as with the influence of minerals and metals on microbial activity. Both prokaryotes and fungi are recognized as major biogeochemical agents; however, up to now, the role of prokaryotes has been more thoroughly characterized as compared to fungi. As a result, there is still a large scope in developing fundamental research in this field. In addition, such knowledge is essential in applied fields such as bioremediation and metal recycling for instance. Therefore, in an era of increased awareness regarding sustainable development, this research field is more than ever a timely answer to develop environmental-friendly approaches using the geomicrobiological potential of microbes. In this workshop, experts in the field of geomicrobiology will present and discuss with PhD students the most recent advances regarding knowledge and methodologies used to answer open questions in this field.

This two-day activity is intended for both microbiologists and geologists. It consists in three activities: 1) lectures by two experts in the field; 2) a visit of an analytical facility presenting tools that can be used in the field of geomicrobiology; and 3) a practical exercise for the students.

For the practical exercise, ahead of the activity, each of the two experts will propose two research topics in their field of expertise, along with 3-4 selected publications. Upon inscription to the activity, the students will be asked to select two of these research topics. Based on this, the organizers will set groups of students with mixed backgrounds (i.e. biologists and geologists). During the exercise part, each group will have to develop a small research project based on the propositions by the experts and considering the analytical possibilities at hand at CSEM. Each group will be coached by one of the expert on his particular topic, but there will also be time for discussion and inputs by the other experts. At the end of the activity, the students will be asked to present the research project they have developed to their fellows.