ABSTRACT
We present a checklist of subterranean millipedes from the Iberian Peninsula. Among the 16 orders of millipedes present worldwide, nine are represented in the Iberian Peninsula, of which five have troglobiont species: Polyxenida, Glomerida, Polydesmida, Chordeumatida and Julida. Currently, 75 species of troglobiont millipedes are known from the Iberian Peninsula, although only 68 have been described so far. Most of this diversity occurs in Spain, while only seven species are known from Portugal, two endemic to Gibraltar, and three in the Balearic archipelago. We compiled all of the literature and added our own records of the troglobiont millipedes known in the Iberian Peninsula.

Reference: Reboleira A.S.P.S. & Enghoff H. (2017). Subterranean millipedes (Diplopoda) of the Iberian Peninsula. Zootaxa, 4317(2): 355–369. http://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4317.2.10

Participating in the European Environmental Law Forum 2017 at the University of Copenhagen, with a interdisciplinary work from Biodiversity and Law Making in order to adequate the EU Legislation for the sustainable ecological protection of subterranean ecosystems.

Reference: ​Martinez, B. & Reboleira A.S.P.S. (2017). Subterranean Biodiversity – the Endangered Biota Neglected by EU Conservation Legislation. Annual EELF Conference 2017 – Sustainable Management of Natural Resources – Legal Approaches & Instruments. University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Natural History Museum of Denmark Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD scholarship in Ecology and Ecotoxicology 01.12.2017 or as soon as possible thereafter.  
 
Project description        
This PhD will be working in collaboration with the advisor and a postdoc on a Villum Foundation funded project, which aims at understanding the impact of human activities on subterranean biodiversity. This work will provide ecotoxicological information on the sensitiveness of subterranean species across different taxa from habitats strategically selected to be representative of different climatic, geographical and impacted conditions. We seek candidates with a background in experimentaland theoretical ecotoxicology, practical experience in the evaluation, assessment and statistical evaluation of standard and "big data" originating from ecotoxicological experiments and monitoring efforts (concentration-response modeling, multivariate data analysis, etc.). Focus of the experimental work is the aquatic and terrestrial subterranean-adapted species, with an emphasis on groundwater-associated crustaceans, therefore some knowledge on crustacean taxonomics is a plus. The successful candidate should expect to spend a significant amount of time in thefield each year and visit external research institutions for a total of a few months throughout the project period. Overall aim will be to define the hazards and risks ofenvironmentally relevant contaminants on subterranean ecosystems at a global scale. However, there is room for developing own side projects within the overall theme of subterranean biology. Thus, a great sense of independent thinking and generation of own ideas is expected. 

Job description 
The position is available for a 3-year period and your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are: 
Manage and carry through your research project  
Attend PhD courses  
Participate and (co-)organize field work in subterranean ecosystems in different continents  
Participate on congresses/workshops  
Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis  
Teach and disseminate your research  
Stay abroad at an external research institutions for a few months  
Work for the Department (e.g., curation of scientific collections)  
 
Formal requirements  
We seek candidates with an academic background in ecotoxicology, qualifying for enrolment in the 3 year PhD programme. Good English language skills are necessary. As criteria for the assessment of the candidate’s qualifications, emphasis will also be put on publications (if any), grade-point average, relevant work experience in ecotoxicology preferably in subterranean ecosystems, and other professional activities. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in maintaining cultures of subterranean invertebrate species and performing ecotoxicological assays. 

Terms of employment  
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.  
 
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.  
 
The starting salary is currently at a minimum DKK 312.879 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 43.219). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. 
 
Application Procedure 
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically.  
  
The deadline for applications is 12.09.2017, 23:59 GMT +1. Applications received after the deadline for applications will not be considered.  
 
APPLY HERE: jobportal.ku.dk/phd/?show=145731

I am recruiting one PhD student and one postdoc, to work in my research group based in the Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen. I seek independent, highly motivated persons who are interested in studying biodiversity and ecology of subterranean ecosystems, their relation with surface and how they respond to anthropogenic pressures. Please contact me if you are interested.
​

The lack of light in the subterranean environment gives rise to a peculiar ecosystem composed of species with unique adaptations. This project investigates the impact of anthropogenic disturbance in subterranean ecosystems, providing the first global perspective of how human activities are affecting the largely unknown and extremely fragile subterranean biodiversity of our planet. The grant will allow the recruitment of one PhD student, one postdoc and purchasing of new equipment.

This project is funded by the VILLUM Young Investigator Programme:
 http://veluxfoundations.dk/sites/default/files/alle_projekter_young_investigators_1.pdf

Reference: Henriksen, C.B., Reboleira A.S.P.S., Scharff, N. & Enghoff, H. (2017). First record of a Basidiobolus/Amphoromorpha fungus from a spider. African Journal of Ecology. doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12430

ABSTRACT
Laboulbeniales are well known ectoparasites of insects. Among arachnids they were only known parasitizing mites. A new
genus of Laboulbeniales, with one species, Opilionomyces dicranolasmatis, is described for fungi parasitizing Dicranolasma harvestmen (Opiliones) collected in Turkey and Greece. The new genus is characterized by the uniseriate receptacle divided into two parts, below the perithecium as a pedicel and above as a row of cells adnate and following the dorsal side of perithecium. The three upper tiers of wall cells are equal in height but shorter than the lower tier. The new genus is accommodated in the subfamily Laboulbenioideae. Similarly to some other Laboulbeniales found on insects and millipedes, Opilionomyces shows site specificity, and we relate its restricted distribution on the pedipalps and chelicerae of the harvestmen to sexual transmission of the fungus. Although both Acari and Opiliones belong to the Arachnida subphylum within arthropods, the Laboulbeniales parasitizing the two orders show no morphological evidence of being closely related.

Reference: Santamaria S., Enghoff H., Gruber, J. & Reboleira A.S.P.S. (2017). First Laboulbeniales from harvestmen: the new genus Opilionomyces. Phytotaxa, 305 (4): 285–292. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.305.4.4

​Read about Sofia's outreach talk at the Vin & Videnskab initiative in the Natural History Museum of Denmark:
​ Weekendavinsen

I was in the Museum of Science of University of Coimbra giving a seminar about Subterranean Biology. A kind invitation from my colleague Professor João Loureiro, organized by the Center for Functional Ecology, the UNESCO Chair in Biodiversity and Conservation for Sustainable Development and the Museum of Science of the University of Coimbra. Amazing to see so many old colleagues in the audience and talk with interesting scientists.

See more: University of Coimbra, Museum of Science and Centre for Functional Ecology.

​Sofia was awarded a prestigious Young Investigator from the VILLUM FONDEN for her research on Subterranean Biodiversity in a beautiful ceremony in the Royal Library of Copenhagen.

Read about the researchers and their projects at:
http://veluxfoundations.dk/en/content/young-investigator-2017