In today’s research landscape, it is essential for PhD students to go beyond mastering not only their specific research topics but also a broad array of interdisciplinary skills. Recognizing this need, a specialized training course was recently held at Stellenbosch University, offering an integrated approach to three critical areas: science communication, metagenomics, and statistical analysis. This comprehensive course aimed to equip young researchers with the tools to effectively communicate their findings, analyze complex biological data and apply rigorous statistical methods.

Following the science communication course, the Eco2Wine DCs took part in an intensive three-day training on bioinformatics and metagenomics. This was completed at the Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) and the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University. Dr Kristien Nel Van Zyl, a computational biologist at the African Microbiome Institute, led the training on metagenomics and Dr Mpho Mafata, a post-doctoral fellow with the database team at the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST), led the training on multivariate statistical analysis.

The training offered a comprehensive dive into the world of bioinformatics, focusing on metagenomics, statistical analyses, and graphical data representation using the R software environment. The goal was to provide the team with practical knowledge and techniques for unravelling the microbial diversity present in vineyards and how it affects wine quality. Through lectures and hands-on sessions, participants learned how to process metagenomic data, analyze the composition of microbial communities, and interpret the results to gain insights into how these microorganisms influence grape quality and wine flavour. 

The DCs were also treated to a tour of the BMRI labs and fully automated biorepository (BiOS), the first in the Southern Hemisphere, led by the Unit Manager Rubeshan Nayager.

Metagenomics is an essential tool in the Eco2Wine project, as it supports the investigation of the complex interactions between various microorganisms found in vineyard soils, on grape surfaces, and during the fermentation process. By understanding which microbes are beneficial or detrimental to wine production, more informed decisions about vineyard management and fermentation strategies can be made. This deeper understanding will eventually lead to better control of the winemaking process, resulting in wines with enhanced aromas, flavours, and overall quality. Moreover, this training emphasized the importance of statistical analysis in bioinformatics, offering insights into handling large datasets while ensuring data integrity and visualizing findings effectively. The sessions on R programming were particularly valuable, giving participants the skills to produce high-quality graphs and visual outputs that will be used in their ongoing research.

The week concluded with the DCs visiting the experimental research vineyards of Stellenbosch University, led by Prof Florian Bauer. This experience allowed them to see viticulture research in action while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings of Stellenbosch. It was a fitting and memorable way to wrap up their time in South Africa, before many of the DCs returned to their respective universities across Europe to continue their own research.