Training

Eco2Wine Project launches High-Throughput Sequencing training in viticulture and oenology.

Logroño, La Rioja, Spain – June 24, 2024 – As part of the innovative Eco2Wine project, the first training event dedicated to “Natural microbial interactions in winemaking-associated ecosystems as a tool to foster wine innovation” will take place from July 15 to July 19, 2024, in the vibrant city of Logroño, La Rioja. This specialised course, designed for doctoral students involved in the project, will be hosted at the prestigious Biomedical Research Center of La Rioja (CIBIR).

The course will delve into the advanced use of high-throughput sequencing techniques in viticulture and winemaking research. The agenda is structured to cover four comprehensive blocks, including an introduction to next-generation sequencing (NGS) systems and Linux, genomics, transcriptomics, and meta-taxonomy & metagenomics. Esteemed experts from the field, such as Pablo Carbonell-Bejerano, Miguel Mejías-Ortiz, Álvaro Pérez-Sala, and María de Toro, will share their insights and expertise with the participants.

A blend of education and experience

The event kicks off on July 15 with an introduction to Linux and sequencing systems. This foundational day will equip attendees with essential skills in managing NGS data. The subsequent days are packed with intensive sessions on genomics and transcriptomics, leading to an exploration of meta-taxonomy and metagenomics by the end of the week.

A highlight of the training is the technical visit to a local winery on July 17. This visit offers participants a practical perspective on the application of microbial interactions in winemaking. It underscores the region’s rich viticultural heritage and provides field experience that complements the theoretical knowledge gained during the course.

Logroño: A welcoming host

Participants will be welcomed to Logroño, a small, tourist-friendly city known for its charm and hospitality. With a population around 150000, Logroño offers an inviting atmosphere, especially in July, when temperatures range from 20-40°C. Attendees are advised to pack lightweight clothing to stay comfortable in the summer heat. Additional information about the city and instructions on how to reach Logroño and CIBIR are available in the “Venue” section of the course materials.

Technical details and registration

The course will be conducted in a well-equipped classroom at CIBIR, featuring laptops with a Linux environment facilitated through a virtual machine (VBox). While participants can use the provided laptops, they are welcome to bring their own devices. All necessary documentation and the virtual machine will be accessible post-course for continued learning and application.

The program encourages active participation, culminating in a project presentation session on July 19, where students will share their research projects in brief presentations.

Doctoral students interested in attending can register via the “Sign up for the course!” section and direct any queries to mdtorohernando@gmail.com. This event promises to be a significant step forward in integrating cutting-edge sequencing techniques in viticulture and winemaking research, fostering innovation and excellence in the field.

For more information, visit the Eco2Wine project page or contact the course coordinators directly.