Mapping the Road to Synthetic Ecosystems

Ecosystem science has long used population dynamics to link species interactions with system-level behavior. Synthetic biology now enables the design of engineered ecosystems, from microbial consortia to large-scale habitats, employing genetically modified strains to test ecological principles and address applied challenges. We survey modeling approaches and experiments across three classes and scales: microcosms, closed ecospheres, and large-scale ecosystem interventions. A proposed “synthetic ecosystem morphospace” defined by species diversity, community development, and human intervention provides a framework for research, design, and applications, ranging from basic studies to planetary stewardship.

About Victor

Victor is completing a PhD with Ricard Solé at the Complex Systems Lab (Barcelona). He integrates experimental and theoretical methods in community ecology and synthetic biology to test how engineered organisms could help restore damaged ecosystems; current work includes dryland soil experiments and research on Ascension Island. He also collaborates with the Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona on the Mesocosmos project.

Info

• The talk will be in English
• This is a free talk, everyone is welcome!