Interview: "Understanding how microbial communities change helps us understand how entire ecosystems may respond to climate change"

In this interview iC3 postdoc Aurélie Labarre discusses her research on how microscopic organisms respond to climate-driven changes in Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems, her passion for fieldwork and bioinformatics, and her vision for advancing polar science.

Could you describe you briefly and what is the focus of your research?

My name is Aurélie Labarre, I am an MSCA postdoctoral fellow in microbiology and oceanography working on microbial ecology in polar environments with iC3. My research focuses on how microscopic organisms - like algae, bacteria, and protists - respond to environmental changes in the Arctic and Antarctic. These microbes form the foundation of polar ecosystems, and I study how changes in ice systems, such as melting glaciers or sea ice loss, reshape microbial communities and influence ecosystem functioning.

Credit: Aurélie Labarre

Why it is important to study microbes in the polar regions?

Polar regions are warming faster than the rest of the planet, and this is transforming ecosystems very rapidly. Microbes respond quickly to environmental change, so they act as early indicators of ecosystem shifts. Because they drive processes like primary production and carbon cycling, understanding how microbial communities change helps us understand how entire ecosystems may respond to climate change.

How do you study microbes? 

My research combines fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and computational methods. During polar expeditions we collect environmental samples such as seawater, sea ice, or sediments. In the lab we extract DNA and RNA from these samples, and then we analyze the genetic information using bioinformatics and statistical tools to understand community composition and ecological interactions.

I recently participated in polar expeditions in Antarctica; the Kong Håkon VII Sea (KHS) region and in Svalbard, collecting samples to study how melting ice influences microbial ecosystems.

Credit: Aurélie Labarre

Can you explain what bioinformatics entails?

Bioinformatics is essentially the computational analysis of biological data, particularly genetic sequences. When we sequence environmental samples, we generate enormous datasets containing millions of DNA fragments. Bioinformatics allows us to process those sequences, identify organisms, and analyze patterns in biodiversity and ecosystem function.

What technologies or methodologies are you most excited about in your field?

Not that I know much about it but I’m particularly excited about integrating remote sensing with microbial ecology. It allows us to link microscopic processes - like the growth and interactions of algae or microbial communities, with large-scale environmental patterns across glaciers and ice sheets.

How would you allocate an unlimited budget for your research? 

I would create a global network of polar microbial observatories, combining long-term sampling, genomics, and satellite data to track ecosystem changes in real time.

Credit: Emeric Babut du Marès

How did you come to work up here at the Arctic University of Norway and be affiliated with iC3?

I came to iC3 through a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship, which allowed me to develop a project at the Norwegian Polar Institute and UiT. Tromsø is an ideal place for polar research because it brings together strong scientific institutions and direct access to Arctic environments.

How has your research focus evolved since the beginning of your career?

My early work focused on the evolution and genomics of microbial eukaryotes. Over time, my research has expanded toward ecosystem-scale questions, specifically how microbial communities respond to environmental change along the glacier–ocean continuum. I am particularly interested in understanding glacier-fed systems, from meltwater inputs in fjords and coastal waters to their downstream effects on microbial food webs, biogeochemical cycling, and ecosystem resilience.

Can you describe a particularly memorable moment or breakthrough in your research?

One memorable moment was participating in my first polar expedition in Canada, where I could see firsthand how the environments I study in genomic datasets actually function in reality.

Have you always aspired to have a career in science? 

Yes, I was always curious about how nature works, especially the ocean. That curiosity naturally grew into a career in science. I think I owe my passion for microbes to my parents - they gave me a small solar-powered microscope for my fifth birthday, and I still have it! That early gift really sparked my fascination with the microscopic world.

Where do you see yourself after your postdoc?

I would like to continue developing independent research on cryosphere–ecosystem interactions, ideally leading projects that connect microbiology, glacier-fed streams and climate science.

What does an ideal day off look like for you? 

I enjoy outdoor activities, and on an ideal day off, I’d probably go hiking in the mountains with my dog, June, and enjoy a hot tea while taking in the view.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

I would go to Patagonia. I’m fascinated by its dramatic landscapes of glaciers, fjords, and mountains. A real combination of adventure and scientific curiosity!

What's one thing you're looking forward to in the next year, personally or professionally?

I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my scientific expertise in a supportive environment, while also enjoying personal adventures - like my plan to hike across the Pyrenees in France for 35 days.

Aurélie Labarre is an MSCA postdoc working at the iC3 Polar Research Hub in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. To find out more about her work, please check out her list of publications, or contact her by email.

If you are interested in joining the friendly iC3 team as a postdoc, read this.