3 interesting talks
Today, on 15 December at 11 AM in the Alboran Room and online 3 different talks on GMOS-Train relevant topics are taking place.
1.
Claudio Sáez, PhD Ecotoxicology
Associated researcher
Head of the HUB AMBIENTAL UPLA, University of Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile
Title: The HUB AMBIENTAL UPLA, collaboration and synergy to meet the environmental challenges of the Anthropocene
Abstract: The integrative research center between environmental sciences and analytical services HUB AMBIENTAL UPLA, is established as a research pole of excellence within the University of Playa Ancha. Its name (HUB = node) represents a point of convergence for researchers, students, ideas, projects, and initiatives dedicated to basic and applied research in the field of environmental sciences; always based on objectivity and high scientific/technical rigor.
2.
Céline Lavergne, PhD Microbial Ecology
Associated researcher
HUB AMBIENTAL UPLA, University of Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile
Title: Microbial mercury cycling from Chilean and Antarctic ecosystems
Abstract: In South America, Chile is a country with a long mining history, having played a major role in global emissions of mercury into the atmosphere or into aquatic ecosystems. If the mines are generally located in the North and the Center of the country, the transport and the storage of this metal led to a possible accumulation in the Andean glaciers as well as the Antarctic ice. As a result of global warming, this mercury might be released during the austral summer from glaciers to rivers and ultimately to the sea. Little is known in this region about the form in which mercury is delivered, its reactivity and its quantity. Also, the proportion of methylmercury produced by microorganisms in rivers, in the oceans or/and when the ice melts is still elusive. Hence, we propose to present the latest results and on-going research about microbial mercury cycle from these southern ecosystems.
3.
Join Zoom Meeting
Time: Dec 15, 2022 11:00 Paris
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84295360439?pwd=RURWR2dSMWtrZElZL0lLR3VOL1JMdz09
Meeting ID: 842 9536 0439
Passcode: 366241
Candlelit Lucia Procession
Stockholm University was in charge of arranging the annual candlelit Lucia procession of the Section for Earth and Environmental Sciences this year. Of course, led by our own GMOS-Train Lucia!
“Celebrated annually in December, this historic custom is an atmospheric event involving Christmassy treats and a singing line-up of candle-carrying characters dressed (mostly) in white gowns. These tuneful “Luciatåg” processions – led by Lucia herself – play out on national TV and in kindergartens, schools, care homes, churches and offices across the country. Waiting in anticipation, the audience’s first sign that Lucia and her posse are nearing is a mellow chorus approaching from the distance, followed by soft light cutting through the pre-dawn darkness.
Lucia Day – also called Saint Lucy’s day – can be traced back to the 4th century. A Christian feast day, it commemorates the martyr Lucia of Syracuse, who, as legend has it, brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting her way with a candlelit wreath on her head.
The 13 December was the historic Julian calendar’s shortest day, and according to Swedish folklore, the long night was dangerous, with dark spirits out in force. Staying awake was paramount, and eating helped – another connection to the small feast associated with today’s Lucia celebration. Lucia made her first recorded appearance in a Swedish rural home in 1764, but the custom really established itself in the 1900s.”
(https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/culture-history-and-art/swedish-traditions/christmas/lucia/)
We wish you all a wonderful day and remember to eat a lot of treats so you don’t fall asleep on this long dark and dangerous day!
Cheers Sofi, Charlotte and Sonja
Science Day with Stockholm University
On the Science Day at Dibber international school, all grades (6-9) participated to learn more about environmental science from 5 environmental scientists from Stockholm University. Among them was Sonja Gindorf (ESR 7) who described the day with the following words: "We started with a general introduction of what scientists do and what environmental science is and let the kids brainstorm and write their ideas in groups on posts – we then discussed their ideas together. Afterward, each of us showed some aspects of our research and then we divided the students into groups of 20 to go for some experiments. For that, we marched with 5 more SU scientists who were at a Swedish school for the presentation. The students could e.g. gain some insights into basic air quality measurements, chromatography, and pH measurements of different natural waters we found on a little walk. Afterward, we had a sum-up session and lunch together. The students were very motivated, had lots of questions, and were excited about the day."
Upcoming Mercury Webinars
Mercury Webinars and Chemicals and Waste Negotiations briefing on 7th and 14th December 2022.
More information can be found here.