ABOUT
The network aims at strengthening biodiversity research in the Philippines and Cambodia by building an academic qualification scheme. The project covers modern, interdisciplinary approaches in Biodiversity Research and provides a broad basis for internationalized research collaboration.
Main focus of the four-year initiative are (1) the further development of research-based biodiversity science curricula for graduates, (2) the training of academic instructors and research staff, and (3) the joint conduct of applied research projects on SE Asian biodiversity. This will be achieved through academic training, research and network building activities. Five jointly developed and taught graduate-level university course modules are the core of the project.
MEET THE TEAM
Thomas von Rintelen
Project Coordinator Germany
Dr. Thomas von Rintelen is the Programme Leader Southeast Asia at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN) and Curator of the DNA library collection at MfN. His research focusses on systematics, evolution and biogeography of freshwater invertebrates, particularly gastropods and shrimps.
Hendrik Freitag
Project Coordinator Philippines
Dr. Hendrik Freitag is Professor and Research Coordinator of the Department of Biology at the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), where he leads the Biodiversity Laboratory. His mayor research focus are systematics, biogeography and ecology of aquatic insects, particularly SE Asian beetles and decapods.
Marivene Manuel-Santos
Ms. Marivene R. Manuel-Santos leads the Division of Zoology of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) and headed the taskforce that realized the newly opened Natural History Museum of the NMP. As the resident carcinologist of the museum she primerily conducts taxonomic research on the countries crustacean biodiversity.
Astrid Sinco
Dr. Astrid Lara Sinco is the Research Deputy Director, Kinaadman: University Research Office and a faculty member at the Xavier University (XU) in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Her current research focus is mainly on taxonomy and ecology of freshwater diatoms and riverine biota as indicator taxa.
Marites Bonachita-Sanguila
Dr. Marites B. Bonachita-Sanguila is Professor at the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in Butuan, Philippines and the Coordinator of its Biodiversity Informatics and Research Center. Her research interests are in evolutionary biology and systematics, especially in amphibians and reptiles.
Sophany Phauk
Mr. Sophany Phauk leads the Cambodian Entomology Initiatives at the Department of Biology of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), Cambodia. His main research interest focusses on taxonomy and ecology of true bugs (Hemiptera) of continental SE Asia.
MODULES
Module 1
Oct. 27, 2018 to Nov. 2, 2018 GMT+8
Ability to write research papers & to develop a publication strategy, familiarity with Open Access strategies, illustration of results, editorial and peer-review processes; (2) Ability to present successfully at conferences and select conferences strategically; (3) A…
Module 2
2019 TBA
(1) Experience in using identification keys; (2) Practical familiarity with common groups of aquatic and/or terrestrial animals and epilithic algae; (3) Familiarity with appropriate sampling and collection techniques, including environmental sampling, and documentation/s…
Module 3
Aug. 12, 2019 to Sept. 1, 2019 GMT+8
(1) Practical familiarity with basic lab procedures in molecular systematics (DNA isolation, PCR), documentation of experiments
(2) Familiarity with basic molecular phylogenetic data analyses (from raw sequences to phylogenetic trees)
(3) Skills in interp…