“SoilMATs is a project that combines advanced training, international collaboration, and attention to the invisible biodiversity beneath our feet,” said Prof. Roberto Guidetti, PI of the project. “Hosting this workshop in Modena is a unique opportunity to pass on technical knowledge and passion for these extraordinary organisms to young trainees.”
SoilMATs: Training a New Generation of Taxonomists
The SoilMATs – Soil Meiofauna Advanced Taxonomy School project started at UNIMORE under the Horizon Europe program TETTRIs. Its goal was clear: train a new generation of experts in the identification of soil animals.
The Final Workshop in Modena
To begin with, from August 24th to 29th, 2025, SoilMATs held its third and last workshop in Modena, Italy. During this final stage, nineteen students from across Europe joined the training. They learned how to identify tardigrades under the guidance of UNIMORE specialists and TETTRIs consultant Dr. Iasmi Stathi.
Moreover, this workshop completed the SoilMATs course. By that time, the group had already grown close. In fact, after finishing online lessons, they had joined two practical trainings: on rotifers in the Czech Republic (May) and nematodes in Germany (July).
Tackling the Shortage of Experts
Overall, the project addressed a major problem: the shortage of experts in soil animal taxonomy. These include nematodes, rotifers, and tardigrades. To solve this, SoilMATs combined lectures, field trips, and lab work at three top European centres: UNIMORE, the Senckenberg Museum (activities coordinated by Karin Hohberg), and the Biologické Centrum (activities coordinated by Miloslav Devetter).
Fieldwork in Giardino Esperia
As a first step, each module began with a field trip. This experience allowed students to collect samples and discover Europe’s natural reserves. For example, in Italy, they explored the “Giardino Esperia” near Monte Cimone (Apennines, 1500 m). For two days, they stayed in the botanical garden’s guesthouse and campsite.
Interestingly, the name “Esperia” comes from Greek mythology. It was a magical garden at the edge of the Western World. There, a tree bore golden apples of immortality, guarded by the Hesperides. Similarly, in today’s Esperia, students collected soil, mosses, litter, and sediments. They searched for tardigrades, tiny animals famous for surviving extreme conditions. Consequently, their resilience recalled the myth of immortality itself.
A Temporary Laboratory in the Mountains
Meanwhile, the students transformed the guesthouse into a temporary laboratory. They quickly assembled microscopes, organised tools, and prepared slides to observe tardigrades.
Furthermore, living together for two days created strong bonds. They shared meals, explored nature, and exchanged experiences. As a result, their “SoilMATs trainees” WhatsApp chat in the AWESoMe community remains active and lively.
Back to Modena: Advanced Training
Afterwards, back in Modena, the training continued. Experts from the Laboratory of Evolutionary Zoology guided the students, together with Dr. Edoardo Massa and Dr. Daniele Camarda. Since both had trained as Future Local Trainers in February 2025, they could now support the participants. Therefore, this final stage focused on identifying tardigrade species and recognising key anatomical traits.
In addition, lectures introduced integrative taxonomy. Students learned molecular characterisation, voucher specimen preparation, and microscopy techniques. They worked with SEM and CLSM to study details invisible to the naked eye.
Finally, the week ended with a celebration. Local food, wine, and music filled the evening. Thus, this joyful farewell softened the sadness of parting and sealed new friendships.
In conclusion, SoilMATs is more than a school. Indeed, it is a transformative journey. Young enthusiasts become skilled taxonomists and, at the same time, lifelong colleagues.
Further Information
For more information, visit the EvoZooLab website:
http://www.evozoo.unimore.it/site/home/soilmats.html
Or the TETTRIs project website:
https://tettris.eu/3rd-party-projects/soilmats/
