Venue and date
- May 13 · 9am – May 15 · 14 pm
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Stefanou Delta 8 Street, Kifissia, 1451, Athens, Greece
About this event
The training school will provide hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge on insect chemical ecology, with an emphasis on the role of semiochemicals in insect behavior. Participants will be trained to collect headspace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and to use analytical techniques, such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), to identify and analyze them.
The program will also include training in insect physiology, with a focus on Electroantennography (EAG), to measure insect olfactory responses to pheromones and VOCs. The training will also include a statistical approach for analyzing GC-MS data.
It will be supported for E-NICHE participants by funds from the COST action CA22102 (https://e-niche.eu/) program.
Outputs
- Interpreted chromatographic data using retention indices and mass spectral libraries for chemical compound identification.
- Gained experience in sample preparation, chromatogram interpretation, and data visualization.
- Successfully recorded antennal responses to host-plant volatiles and pheromone components in different Lepidoptera species (eg, Tuta absoluta, Spodoptera) using EAG and GC-EAD.
- Insight into applications of chemical ecology in pest management.
- Networking opportunities in the field of insect chemical ecology.
Outline of the Program
The courses will be structured in two complementary parts: a theoretical session introducing the fundamental principles of insect chemical ecology, with particular emphasis on the role of semiochemicals in insect behavior, followed by practicals, hands-on sessions in which participants will be trained how to collect headspace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and how to perform Electroantennography (EAG), using different probes and antennal preparations.
Wednesday, May 13th
Welcome- Tour de table, Presentation of participants. Prepare a short presentation for yourself and your research.
General introduction to Chemical Ecology, covering topics such as chemical communication, tritrophic interactions, VOCs (collection and analysis), as well as electrophysiological and behavioral assays.
Thursday, May 14th
Hands-on training on VOC collection and analysis and key lectures.
Friday, May 15th
Hands-on training on EAD analyses of Lepidoptera adults focusing on host-plant volatiles and pheromones.
Round-table discussion, perspectives, and future directions
Trainers
- Prof. Astrid Groot, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Dr. Zsolt Karpati, Plant Protection Institute, Hungary
- Dr. Eirini Anastasaki, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Greece
- Dr. Aikaterini Psoma, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Greece
Selection Process and Deadlines
To apply to the Training Course, please send to training-school-eniche@bpi.gr
a one-page CV, including
- Details (Full Name, Email, Affiliation),
- Background (studies, potential experience in the field),
- Publications (if any)
and a one-page Motivational letter – Why do you want to participate
Both files are in pdf form.
Please note that your application for the event is not a definitive registration. The selection will be at the discretion of the Training Course organizer.
E-NICHE application deadline: April 10, 2026
Participants will be notified by April 15, 2026
- Selected attendees will have to create an e-COST profile and will receive an e-COST invitation to the training school which must be accepted prior to the event.
- All selected attendees have to arrange travel and accommodation by themselves.
- If their application for reimbursement is eligible according to the eCOST rules, they will be reimbursed after the event.
