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TREC team in Kristineberg, Sweden. On the way to sampling, 28 July 2023.
Joanna Zukowska/EMBL Joanna Zukowska/EMBL
Article

EMBL environmental research supported by ZEISS

25 August 2023 2 min read
Sustainability

EMBL environmental research supported by ZEISS

For a better understanding of the impact of human activity on Europe's seas and coasts.  

A habitat rich in biodiversity – Europe's coasts and oceans are home to a wide variety of plants and animals and are essential for the stability and sustainability of larger ecosystems.

There is a growing awareness of the impact of human activities on natural habitats, their pollution, the reduction of biodiversity and climate change. To gain a better understanding of the human impact on European coasts and oceans, ZEISS is supporting EMBL on the unique research expedition TREC (Traversing European Coastlines) across Europe.

  • The TREC team in Stenungsund, Sweden, near Kristineberg, on 26 July 2023. In the photo are Joanna Barbara Zukowska, CBB unit research associate/interim lab manager (left) and Elisa Merz, expedition field technician (right).
    Joanna Zukowska/EMBL
  • TREC lab
    Vincenzo Lullo/EMBL
  • Joanna Barbara Zukowska, CBB unit research assistant/interim lab manager, collects sediment samples. Photo taken on 4 July 2023.
    Joanna Zukowska/EMBL
  • TREC-Probenahme-Reise nach Tallinn, Estland, 26. bis 29. Juni 2023. Rechts Joanna Barbara Zukowska, Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin/ Interim-Laborleiterin der CBB-Abteilung.
    Kinga Lubowiecka/EMBL

An expedition to tackle ecological challenges

Exploring biodiversity, understanding ecosystems and studying the effects of changing environmental conditions on organisms – these are the goals of TREC, a scientific journey initiated by EMBL along the European coast.

Samples are taken from coastal habitats and the diversity of organisms is studied – from viruses, bacteria and protists to multicellular groups such as algae and animals.

More information about TREC

  • TREC expedition

    Planned TREC expedition map marking transects for sea and land samples (2024 TBC).
  • TREC sample processing trolley – Nuremberg (Nürnberg)
    Kinga Lubowiecka/EMBL

From Roscoff to Bilbao

Mobile truck laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technologies – including ZEISS microscopes – visit over 100 sites in 24 European countries. Launched in April 2023, the TREC expedition is expected to last until the end of June 2024. Within this period, researchers will collect biological samples and environmental data on more than 120 land-sea transects.  

More information about the TREC expedition

  • Der Präsident von Estland, Alar Karis, besuchte am 27. Juni 2023 die Advanced Mobile Services von TREC an der TalTech University in Tallinn. Die Kinder haben einen Workshop - die Nexus-Insel - ein praktischer, spielbasierter Workshop, um die TREC-Expedition kennenzulernen.
    Kinga Lubowiecka/EMBL
  • Der Präsident von Estland, Alar Karis, besuchte am 27. Juni 2023 die Advanced Mobile Services von TREC an der TalTech University in Tallinn. Die Kinder haben einen Workshop - die Nexus-Insel - ein praktischer, spielbasierter Workshop, um die TREC-Expedition kennenzulernen.
    Kinga Lubowiecka/EMBL
  • Der Präsident von Estland, Alar Karis, besuchte am 27. Juni 2023 die Advanced Mobile Services von TREC an der TalTech University in Tallinn. Die Kinder haben einen Workshop - die Nexus-Insel - ein praktischer, spielbasierter Workshop, um die TREC-Expedition kennenzulernen.
    Kinga Lubowiecka/EMBL
  • TREC deployment in Tallinn, Estonia, at the end of June 2023.
    Kinga Lubowiecka/EMBL
  • President of Estonia, Alar Karis, visited TREC's Advanced Mobile Services at TalTech University in Tallinn on 27 June 2023. Local volunteers give the Nexus Island workshop to the children.
    Kinga Lubowiecka/EMBL

Gain knowledge and experience research

Along the TREC route, in cooperation with schools, the opportunity is provided for young people to delve into this topic.

Bringing together people from different countries and with expertise in different disciplines enables discussions about the challenges of the present and the future. Knowledge and progress will be offered to the public through a variety of scientific workshops on a wide range of topics – from demonstrating the power of molecular biology in addressing societal challenges to highlighting the connection and interaction between humans and the planet.

Inspiring the explorers of tomorrow and generating enthusiasm for science – this is also the goal of "A Heart for Science", an international ZEISS initiative that aims to get young people aged 12 to 18 interested in STEM. To raise awareness of the importance of science for sustainability among the younger generation, ZEISS employees are participating along the route as part of this cooperation.3

If you have questions, please feel free to contact us via e-mail.

Sustainability initiatives at ZEISS

ZEISS is committed to contributing to the environment and encouraging sustainable practice in the day- to-day operations. Based on the global sustainability goals adopted by the United Nations, the three focus topics – climate protection, circular economy, and value for society – were derived and initiatives are being implemented worldwide.
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Sustainbility at ZEISS
Sustainability at ZEISS

Sustainbility at ZEISS

Ideas and projects for a resource-efficient and innovative future. Find more details on ZEISS' international sustainability website:

  • Sustainability Strategy
  • Focus Topics: Climate Action, Circular Economy, Value for Society
  • Projects and initiatives
  • Sustainability Insights

Further information about EMBL and TREC
Detailed information about the goals, activities and accomplishments to date of EMBL 1 and the TREC expedition 2.

 

Go to ZEISS Sustainability International
  • 1

    Further information about EMBL: Detailed information about the goals, activities and accomplishments to date of EMBL can be found here: EMBL.org
  • 2

    Further information about TREC: Detailed information about the goals, activities and accomplishments to date of the expedition can be found here: TREC
  • 3

    An overview with all planned activities along the coast can be found here: Public Engagement – TREC (embl.org)