Research Team
Alejandro Román
Postdoctoral Researcher
Beatriz Fernández-Marín
Research Scientist
JAE Intro Candidate
Research Assistant
ABANTI
ABANTI aims to study the spatio-temporal evolution of massive snow algae blooms on Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica), a growing phenomenon that has significant implications for snow melting, biodiversity, and the biogeochemistry of Antarctic ecosystems - currently a topic of great international interest.
The research focuses on analyzing remote sensing data and integrating it with biochemical pigment data. Data and biological samples will come from previous Antarctic campaigns (PiMetAn 2021-2022, RTI2018-098048B-100) and upcoming 2025/2026 expeditions (POLAROMICS PID2023-146919NB-C21 and POPEYE PID2022-139455NB-C32), led by the research groups of the principal investigators.
This research represents a unique opportunity to integrate two complementary and rarely combined approaches - remote sensing and polar plant physiology - together with artificial intelligence techniques in a context of high scientific relevance linked to climate change.
Snow Algae Blooms on Livingston Island
The South Shetland Islands are experiencing unprecedented snow algae bloom events, transforming pristine white snowfields into colorful biological hotspots.
JAE Intro Training Program
The selected candidate will develop their activity at ICMAN-CSIC under the supervision of Dr. Román and co-direction of Dr. Fernández-Marín (UPV/EHU).
Spectral Data Analysis
Drone-based remote sensing for mapping snow algae blooms
Artificial Intelligence
AI techniques for spatio-temporal analysis optimization
Pigment Analysis (HPLC)
Identification and quantification of pigments via chromatography
Scientific Publishing
Preparation for high-impact journal publication
Program Details
Duration: 6 months · Dedication: 20 hours/week (on-site)
Location: ICMAN-CSIC (Cádiz) + 2-week stay at UPV/EHU (Basque Country)
More info coming soon!