The first International Researcher School organized by the EcotoxicoMic network took place from October 6–10, 2025, at the Maison de la Nature du Bassin d’Arcachon, in Le Teich, France. Focused on the theme: “Functional Experimental Approaches in Microbial Ecotoxicology”, this week-long event brought together 16 early-career researchers (PhD students and post-docs) from various European research laboratories, working across terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems.
Throughout the week, participants took part in a rich and varied program combining theory, fieldwork, and lab-based experimentation. The training began with a hands-on field session in terrestrial and sedimentary environments, featuring the Biochem-Env mobile laboratory, led by Christian Mougin and Jasna Nikolic. This was followed by a drone piloting session with the GEPEA team, where participants learned how to use drones for sampling and in situ measurements in littoral environments, as well as the application of biosensors. In the lab, the group conducted analyses of collected samples, explored functional measurements in mesocosms, and gained experience with experimental approaches across different environmental matrices. The scientific content was enriched by a series of insightful keynote lectures, while more informal moments — such as birdwatching at the Teich nature reserve — provided opportunities to connect and unwind.
Thanks to all those who helped to make this event sucessful!
Thanks to all those who helped to make this event sucessful!
We are deeply grateful to all those who contributed their time, expertise, and energy to make this first edition a success:
🔬 Lab practices & data analysis
- Chloé Bonnineau, INRAE EABX, main organizer of the research school whose dedication and coordination were key to making the event such a success.
- Mélissa Eon, INRAE EABX
- Laura Kergoat, INRAE RiverLy
- Cristiana Cravo-Laureau, Université de Pau (online)
- Sylvia Moreira, INRAE EABX
- Soizic Morin, INRAE EABX
🌿 Field approaches
- Christian Mougin & Jasna Nikolic, UMR ECOSYS INRAE / AgroParisTech / Université Paris-Saclay, Biochem-Env Platform
- Sulivan Jouanneau & Gérald Thouand, GEPEA – UMR 6144 CNRS / Université de Nantes / IMT Atlantique / ONIRIS – USC 1498 INRAE
🎤 Keynote speakers
- Joan Artigas, Université de Clermont-Auvergne
- Aurélie Cébron, LIEC, Université de Lorraine
- Nicolas Creusot, INRAE EABX
🏡 Warm thanks to our hosts
- The Aquatic Vegetation and Biomarkers labs at UR EABX (INRAE, Cestas) for their kind welcome
- The team at the Maison de la Nature du Teich, especially: Sophie, for accommodation and logistics; Thomas, for guiding us through the soil sampling sites and Anne-Julie for the insightful tour of the nature reserve
💰 To our financial contributors whose support have been instrumental in the successful execution of this event
- EcotoxicoMic Network
- INRAE AQUA department
- H2O Lyon
- ECOTOX network
- Fondation evertéa
- University of Bordeaux
- EPOC laboratory
- Aquitaine Observatory of Universe Sciences
💬 Special thanks to
- Roxanne Dhommée, Maria Osipenko, and Ionna Gkoni for organizing the Ecotoxicomic YR quiz
- Emilie — for her advices on organizing aspects
- And of course, to all the participants, for their interest, enthusiasm, curiosity, and good spirit — even when things didn’t go exactly as planned!