Professor Katarína Holcová
A senior scientist; currently the Head of the Institute of Geology and Paleontology; the leading scientist of the Micropalaeontology Foraminifera-Nannoplankton Group, interested in a plethora of general micropalaeontological topics resulting in training of students in various micropalaeontological specializations.
The main focus of my research are Miocene Foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton. I enjoy being a part of large research teams, where the integrated, multiproxy study leads to a comprehensive palaeoenvironmental analysis of specific palaeoceanographic conditions. I actively collaborate with the IGP Mesozoic Group on a project dealing with the palaeogeography and palaeoceanography of the late Jurassic and late Cretaceous European sea systems. Another topic I am interested in deals with the Lower Palaeozoic Foraminifera and their gradual infiltration to various habitats. Additionally, my current project is focused on microboring organisms as destructors of calcareous shells (including foraminifera). Moreover, I closely collaborate with art historians on determining the origin of rock material in classical artworks using calcareous nannoplankton.
The Czech Science Foundation project no. GA20-05872S; GA23-05217S; GA23-06084J
Filip Scheiner
An early career researcher currently based in the Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Charles University and in the Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences; interested in Foraminifera, geochemical proxies in Foraminifera and basic organic biomarkers and their use in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions
The main topic of my research is centred around the broad variety of geochemical proxies in Foraminifera, including their development as well as their use in limiting fossil environments such as epicontinental seas; for instance Mg/Ca, 143Nd/144Nd, REEs, and stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen, to name the most crucial ones. I am also concerned with palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic reconstructions based on these proxies. Lastly, I am interested in basic organic biomarkers in marine environments and their use for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, especially when coupled with the anorganic proxies in Foraminifera.
Currently, I am working on the 143Nd/144Nd palaeoceanographic tracer and its analytics with respect to the current analytical limits. Besides, there are ongoing projects dealing with palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of the Mediterranean–Paratethys marine realm during the Middle Miocene.
The Czech Science Foundation project no. GA20-05872S; GA23-05217S; GA23-06084J
Anna Tichá
An early career researcher currently based in the Institute of Geology and Palaentology, Charles University; interested in diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) and their use in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.
I have focused on reconstructions of past conditions in lakes based on diatoms together with other proxies (e. g., geochemistry of sediments, pollen, chironomid and macrophytic remains). Particularly, I have conducted quantitative reconstructions of pH and phosphorus concentrations based on diatom species composition preserved in lake sediments. My main field of study has been the Holocene so far, however, my intended projects are bringing me to the Pleistocene and even the Miocene. Deeper we go to the history the species-based reconstructions become less applicable. Therefore, I am currently challenged by palaeoreconstructions supported more by diatom functional traits.
I am partly at maternal leave, so I am trying to collect material for future projects.
Manuel F.G. Weinkauf
An idependent researcher currently working in a private sector; interested in the shell bearing plankton at large, with special focus on Foraminifera and Coccolithophyceae, their adaptive capacity, and ecology/evolution.
My research focuses on the ecology and evolution of the marine heterotroph and phototroph plankton under environmental upheaval. I am employing biometric analyses to evaluate pathways of adaptation of the marine microplankton to environmental change. With these data, I evaluate the capacity of the marine microplankton to adapt to environmental change and the impact this has on the marine carbon cycle and carbonate sequestration.
I am using past environmental upheavals, such as the Pleistocene glacial–interglacial cycles and the Messinian salinity crisis as natural experiments to understand and predict future changes in marine bioproductivity and carbon capture.
Currently working in a private sector.