The Greenland Ice Sheet hosts a unique microbial ecosystem, including algae, bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses, adapted to this extreme, cold environment. The microorganisms in supraglacial habitats of the ice sheet are pivotal for the biome's function but understudied, especially in their ability to produce natural products with potential biotechnological applications. Ate’s thesis investigates the microbial diversity and biosynthetic potential of these communities, uncovering significant biosynthetic capabilities and previously unknown gene clusters. These discoveries suggest important roles for natural products in microbial adaptation and competition within this harsh environment. The research advances our understanding of the ice sheet's microbiome and the ecological significance of its biosynthetic potential, while also highlighting opportunities for bioprospecting.

The PhD study was completed at the Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at 10:00
Place: Building 7410, room A1.20 Kantinen, Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 400 Roskilde.
Title of PhD thesis: The Microbial Diversity of the Greenland Ice Sheet and its Biosynthetic Potential
Contact information: Ate Jaarsma, e-mail: ahj@envs.au.dk

Members of the assessment committee:
Docent Jenni Hultman, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Helsinki, Finland

Professor Lars Hestbjerg Hansen, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Associate Professor Rumakanta Sapkota (chair), Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Denmark

Main supervisor:
Professor Alexandre Anesio, Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Denmark

Co-supervisors:
Mariane Schmidt Thøgersen (Researcher), Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Denmark

Professor Peter Stougaard, Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Denmark

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS,

Jens Baggesens Vej 53, building 5221, 8200 Aarhus N.