Working Group 1
Addressing knowledge gaps and constraints in chemical ecology
Addressing knowledge gaps and constraints in chemical ecology is a cross-thematic task in nature, bringing together participants through various coordinated activities. First, WG1 will inventory existing knowledge on chemical communication and the CE methodologies used by E-NICHE participants. In its first meeting (M1.1), CE terms will be collaboratively defined to obtain a standardised lexicon and thus facilitate information transfer among researchers (RCOs 1–3; CBOs 1,5). Next, a series of workshops (M1.2) will be held to identify gaps in knowledge and technical constraints in CE (RCOs 2,3; CBOs 1,5) and to draw up a roadmap for filling these gaps (RCOs 2,3). To this end, concrete strategies will be developed during several WG meetings (M1.3) and two Training Schools (M1.4) attended by the next generation of chemical ecologists (CBOs 1,2,4,5). WG1 will focus on three main topics: (1) elucidating biosynthetic pathways and the underlying genes, with a view to designing strategies for identifying the gene networks behind the biosynthesis of specialised metabolites; (2) deciphering chemical communication in multipartite and multitrophic interactions, with a view to designing robust experimental research examining these interactions also in aquatic systems; and (3) comparing laboratory and field experiments, with a view to developing approaches for studying complex chemical interactions in natural ecosystems rather than under controlled laboratory conditions. Several STSMs will be organised around these three topics. The results of this work will be published in well-respected international journals, and we will communicate about the findings via social media.
TASKS
- Inventory CE knowledge and methodology (topics 1–3)
- Identify knowledge gaps and technical constraints (topics 1–3)
- Prepare strategic roadmap (topics 1–3)
- Network, develop scientific collaborations, and broaden experiences of YRIs
ACTIVITIES
- Initial WG meeting
- WG meeting, workshops, Training School (TS)
- WG meeting, TS
- Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs)
Working Group 2
Applying insights from chemical ecology to promote ecosystem management and preservation
By applying insights from chemical ecology to promote ecosystem management and preservation (RCO2, RCO3, CBO2, CBO3), WG2 will focus on identifying CE tools and methods for preserving biodiversity. It will also propose innovative CE technologies that directly impact food security and human health and that have applications in agriculture, forestry, breeding systems, aquaculture, antifouling, and medicine. Furthermore, WG2 will compare research approaches and applications across terrestrial and aquatic systems. Two workshops (M2.1) will be held to (1) explore the CE methods used to control pests and parasites and explore emerging ideas on sustainable pest control in animal husbandry and breeding, agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture and (2) examine communication systems in invasive species, including how they may interfere with the sensory systems of native species. WG2 will also examine how anthropogenic environmental changes and physical pollution affect the chemical information landscape experienced by plants/animals, including impacts on their ecological interactions. To this end, a Training School (TS)(M2.2) and STSMs (M2.4) will delve into the global effects of environmental factors (e.g., contaminants) on plant and animal metabolism, natural substances, and natural chemosensory activities. Results will be compared for natural aquatic and terrestrial systems versus managed ecosystems under different models of climate change. Finally, a workshop (M2.3) will focus on biotechnological innovations in sustainable pest control, animal husbandry, public health (i.e., disease vectors), biofouling, marine ecosystems, and medicine. The workshop will also identify key areas in which technologies based on olfactory cues could be used for aquatic pest management. The participation of end users will be encouraged.
TASKS
- Explore how CE principles, tools, and methods can inform ecosystem management and preservation across different systems
- Investigate pollution’s impact on chemosensory activities across different systems
- Examine effects of environmental factors on plant and animal metabolism
- Identify innovative CE-based solutions in collaboration with R&D companies and SMEs
ACTIVITIES
- Symposium on CE methods and uses
- STSMs
- TS on how environmental changes impact CE-mediated interactions
- Workshops
Working Group 3
Building a toolbox of shared resources
Building a toolbox of shared resources will promote interactions, collaboration, and knowledge-building among CE disciplines via the development of toolkits and the implementation of best practices. WG3 will gather information about all the know-how, tools, methods, experimental sites, platforms, and laboratories currently available in the domain of CE. This work will be accomplished with the help of the other WGs. An open source searchable database will then be constructed using the above findings. The main objective will be to help researchers and industry stakeholders identify and establish collaborations with CE platforms, tool providers, laboratories, and research institutions. With E NICHE funding, the database will be built by software developers with help from network participants. Users will be able to find any information they need using appropriate keywords. The database will be continuously updated with new information obtained by network participants. It will be hosted on the E-NICHE website and transferred to other reliable web hosts identified during the Action. WG3 will also organise a meeting (M.3.1) to (1) structure the database’s contents; (2) take stock of existing CE methods, tools, and experimental sites; and (3) lay the foundation for future research and best practices in CE. Two subsequent meetings will take place during the funding period: one halfway through to assess the progress being made on the database and the development of best practices (M.3.3) and one towards the end to review what WG3 has achieved (M.3.6). In addition, a workshop (M.3.4) will be held to explore CE concepts and knowledge in greater depth and to highlight existing gaps. WG3 will promote networking, partnership building among participants, the dissemination of cutting-edge CE knowledge, and the development of grant proposals. A series of STSMs (M.3.2) will foster collaboration in general and identify any bottlenecks. A Training School (TS)(M.3.5) will be organised for the next generation of chemical ecologists at which CE experts give presentations about gaps in knowledge and promote best practices.
TASKS
- Classify and review available CE expertise, tools, methods, experimental sites, platforms, and laboratories
- Create a database of CE researchers and laboratories
- Develop a methodology to promote best practices in CE research
ACTIVITIES
- Initial, intermediary, and final WG meeting
- One 4-day workshop
- TS (8-10 days)
- Series of STSMs
Working Group 4
Communicating about E-NICHE and disseminating its results
Communicating about E-NICHE and disseminating its results will take cross-thematic efforts. WG4 brings together marine and terrestrial chemical ecologists from across Europe, including junior, mid-career and senior scientists in a balanced gender ratio. This multidisciplinary WG will organise, promote, and support capacity building objectives (CBOs 1–5) through rapid and transparent communication, dissemination activities, and knowledge transfer among scientists, end users, decision-makers, and the general public (RCO 5). First, WG4 will define the identity of the E-NICHE network. It will be in charge of setting up the E-NICHE website and updating it periodically. Consequently, at E-NICHE’s first meeting (M4.1), a Science Communications Manager will be chosen. This person will be responsible for boosting visibility of the network and its activities, including via the development and maintenance of the website. Second, WG4 will ensure that the resources generated by all the WGs are mobilised to promote novel scientific perspectives. Data and resources will be made available in accordance with specific stakeholder needs (bottom-up approach). WG4 will monitor and evaluate the Action’s impacts on science and society. The communications plan will be updated as necessary during intermediary WG4 meetings (M4.2) (see section 3.2.2). Third, WG4 will pave the way for a long-lasting pan European CE network. This WG is tasked with actively recruiting new members and organising scientific meetings for the entire network. During the final WG4 meeting, the goal will be to lay the foundation for a European Society of Chemical Ecology (ESCE), an entity that could ensure the continued pursuit of E-NICHE’s objectives (M4.3).
TASKS
- Publicly announce E-NICHE
- Increase visibility of E-NICHE scientific activities and outputs
- Disseminate scientific knowledge to target end users through reports, workshops, professional fora, and a MOOC
- Monitor E-NICHE impacts
- Review research needs
- Promote network durability—creation of ESCE
ACTIVITIES
- E-NICHE logo and templates for main documents and presentations
- E-NICHE website
- Media content (e.g., reports, blog posts) and newsletters
- Quarterly e-newsletter
- Social and broadcast media output
- MOOC on CE
- Open-house events
- Monitoring website visitors, social media followers and interactions, MOOC attendance, and impact of (scientific) publications
- Workshop minutes, reports, policy briefs to decision-makers and funding agencies
- Preliminary organisation of future ESCE (committee)