Description
This proposed project links institutions with shared research interests and complementary competences. At least 100 cryptogams will be DNA-barcoded, and a permanent work-station will be established for continued DNA-barcoding at the beneficiary. This project will be the first to DNA barcode cryptogams in the Czech Republic. Some taxonomic challenges in relation to the lichen genera Cladonia, Placynthium, and Solenopsora, and the bryophyte genus Sphagnum, will be studied in more detail. Multi-locus DNA-sequence datasets will be produced at both institutions for phylogenetic analyses. For population level studies, the production of RADseq data will be initiated during our stay at NTNU, and completed in our own lab, and by this establishing this NGS approach locally. This project will result in several joint peer-reviewed publications and form the basis for further collaboration in future. By the end of the project, the process and results will be presented for least 50 students.
Summary of project results
The project partners Masaryk University (MUNI, Czech Republic) and NTNU has shared the research questions, complementary competences, and desire for data sharing, both in taxonomical and methodological level. At the both institution, there are lichenologists and Sphagnologiscts - mire group. Both have the DNA-barcoding, evelution and ecological research in their strategic plan. However, only the partner (NTNU, Norway) houses the infrastructure and competence to undertake DNA-barcoding and genomic approaches to biosystematics in the modern way. In perticular, the extra mobilities were needed for data-handling in January and February 2016, but total budget of the project has not been changed (see request of changes) . Sharing of this knowledge and technology has enhanced human capital at the MUNI (Czech Republic) and simultaneuosly result in joint research projects strengthening the bilateral cooperation. The beneficiary from MUNI (Czech Republic) and subcontracted researchers have got experiences in the DNA-barcoding pipeline during the NLS excursion (Stenkjer, August 2015) and followed by DNA-barcoding workshop in Oslo (January, 2016). During this period , the number of cryptogams have been DNA-barcoded and folloowed localy at the MUNI (Czech Republic), where the new DNA-barcoding work station has been established. The station can be used as a new change to get and implement DNA-barcoding project in Czech Republic! The overall objectives 1. to initiate collaborative biosystematic studies and DNA-barcoding 2. to set the stage for continued cooperation between the beneficiary and partner They have been reached as follow: -iniciation of biosystematic studies and collaboration -DNA-barcoded individuals of cryptogams -barcodes used for further study -collaboration in the future established.
Summary of bilateral results
The main benefit for the beneficiaries was the new collaboration with the partner institution, while sharing the similar questions, but from the different perspectives. While working together - experts in taxonomy at the NTNU (Norway) and ecological experts from MUNI (Czech Republic), they create complementary for the research on higher level. The beneficiaries 1. increased human capitals and competences (DNA-barcoding knowledge, RADseq. wet-lab experiences, genomic data-handling knowledge) 2. increased competence of the institution (established DNA-barcoding work place, implemented RADseq experiences while preparing the scientific publication) 3. sharing knowledge and experiences with public and students (ability to organized Final workshop, presentation for students) 4. strengthened collaboration with donor institution in to the future (1 project has been already accepted!) 5. presented project activities and research in the international conferences and symposiums The main benefit for the donor institution was the same. New collaboration with the Czech institution,brings overview from perspective of ecologist (MUNI) While taking both groups - experts in taxonomy at the NTNU (Norway) and ecological experts from MUNI (Czech Republic), together, they create complementary for the research on higher level.