ELVIS · Understanding the involvement of an Endogenous timing system in saLps as a driVer of vertical mIgration and its implications for carbon fluxeS

While gelatinous zooplankton such as salps are becoming more abundant globally, little is known about their biology, phenology and behavior — knowledge that is essential for understanding the ecological roles of salps. By producing rapidly sinking fecal pellets and by migrating vertically in the water column, salps can significantly alter the carbon export efficiency. However, our limited understanding of salp behavior and the underlying mechanisms hinders our understanding of the impact of changing zooplankton communities on marine biogeochemical cycles. The ELVIS project addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the role of endogenous clocks in regulating life cycle functions and behavior of salps. Specifically, ELVIS will (1) develop and refine methods to study salp behavior in situ and ex situ, (2) characterize the endogenous timing system and diel vertical migration behavior and (3) synthesize findings into a functional characterization of salps relevant to a broad scientific community. By combining laboratory maintenance of salps, transcriptomics, and observations of their behavior, I aim to elucidate the role of endogenous timing in the salp life cycle. ELVIS builds on current efforts to assess the consequences of potential salp dominance on carbon fluxes in the Southern Ocean, and the growing need to improve our understanding of gelatinous organisms. Collaboration with leading experts — Dr.Tiozzo (IMEV, France), Prof. Pakhomov (UBC, Canada), and Prof. Tessmar-Raible (AWI, Germany) as supervisors, along with Prof. Iversen (AWI, Germany) as an additional mentor — will ensure high-quality research and education at the host institutions. Through ELVIS, I will gain expertise in interdisciplinary methods and push the boundaries of conventional thinking, accelerating my career as an early-career scientist.