Internship Proposal:
Research and Analysis of Vegetation in Italy and Worldwide
Host Organization: Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna
Department: BiGeA (Department of Biology, Geology, and Environment)
Laboratory: BIOME Lab
Location: Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna
Host Organization Contact Person:
Dr. Vanessa Bruzzaniti
Email: vanessa.bruzzaniti2@unibo.it
Academic Supervisor:
Prof. Alessandro Chiarucci
Email: alessandro.chiarucci@unibo.it
Internship Period:
Start and end dates: To be agreed upon
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, max. 40 hours per week
Access to premises: Subject to academic provisions
Are You Passionate About Nature and Biodiversity? Become a key player in research on Italian and international vegetation!
Do you have a passion for ecology and dream of exploring how vegetation adapts to environmental changes? Do you want to get hands-on with a cutting-edge research project that enhances the biodiversity of our country? This is your opportunity!
What You Will Do:
You will take part in exciting research on vegetation ecology, combining theory and practice in an internationally relevant scientific project. You will be involved in collecting and analyzing phytosociological data, contributing to the creation and updating of AMS-Vegbank, the vegetation database of the University of Bologna. You will also engage in bibliographic research, data transcription, and critical analysis of information, gaining valuable skills for your academic and professional career.
Why This Internship Is Unique:
• Practical experience: You will have the chance to work closely with field experts, applying your knowledge in a real research context.
• Contribute to an internationally relevant database: Your work will have a concrete impact, enriching a scientific resource used worldwide.
• Personal and professional growth: You will acquire advanced skills in vegetation ecology, scientific data management, and statistical analysis, opening doors in academia and the job market.
• Networking: You will connect with a team of researchers, university professors, and industry professionals, building a valuable network for the future.
Activities You Will Carry Out:
• Bibliographic research: Explore scientific articles and academic sources to gather vital information on plant species and their distribution across Italy.
• Data processing and transcription: You will input the phytosociological data collected into Excel tables and the AMS-Vegbank system, refining your data analysis skills and use of advanced tools.
• Data analysis: You will analyze how variables such as altitude, slope, and exposure affect plant distribution, providing a scientific contribution that will enrich our understanding of Italian ecosystems.
• Collaboration with experts: You will participate in meetings with the research team, discussing results and improving data quality through peer review.
What You Will Learn and How You Will Grow:
• Vegetation Ecology: You will deepen your understanding of natural ecosystems and the relationship between plants and their environment.
• Data Management: You will learn to manage and analyze large quantities of scientific data, a crucial skill in numerous research fields and natural sciences.
• Advanced Analysis Techniques: You will develop skills in using software such as Excel to process phytosociological tables and analyze complex ecological models.
• Bibliographic Research and Critical Thinking: You will gain the ability to critically analyze scientific articles and synthesize complex information to contribute to scientific research.
Requirements:
• Enrollment in a Bachelor's/Master's degree program in Natural Sciences, Biology, Ecology, or related disciplines.
• Passion for nature and ecology.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a research team.
• Good knowledge of Excel and an aptitude for data processing.
• Ability to read and comprehend scientific texts in Italian and English.
Benefits for You:
• A rewarding internship: A hands-on experience that will help you grow professionally and enhance your academic profile.
• Work on innovative projects: You will contribute to a cutting-edge research project that will have a lasting impact on the study of plant biodiversity in Italy.
• Support and mentorship: You will be guided by experienced mentors who will help you develop your scientific skills.
• Visibility in the academic world: The opportunity to be part of a prestigious research team at the University of Bologna, expanding your network of academic contacts.
• Opportunity to link the internship to your thesis work.
Don't miss this opportunity!
If you're ready for an experience that will allow you to make a difference in ecological research, send your CV and a cover letter to Dr. Vanessa Bruzzaniti (vanessa.bruzzaniti2@unibo.it). Join us and become a key player in the discovery and protection of Italy's plant biodiversity!
Published on: January 16 2025