2025 Archaea: Ecology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

The 2025 GRC “Archaea: Ecology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology” will bring together a group of ~200 scientists seeking to understand fundamental biology and evolution of Archaea and their relationships with eukaryotes, while looking into their potential for biotechnological, bioremediation, clinical and other applications. Emphasis will be placed on archaeal genomics and its application for understanding the origin and key pathways of eukaryotes, establishing the role of archaea in human health and for biotechnology applications. Scientific aims of the meeting are the following: 1) Promote experimental characterization of new archaea-specific CRISPR-Cas systems and numerous anti-CRISPR proteins identified in genomic and metagenomic data and develop biotechnological application of these systems for genome editing, molecular diagnostics and gene regulation; 2) Continue exploration of Asgard archaea, the closest relative of eukaryotes, which are viewed as future model organisms to study many components of eukaryotic pathways and complexes, which are challenging to study using eukaryotic model organisms; and 3) To investigate further the role of archaea in human gut microbiome. To achieve this we have invited and already received commitments from the top investigators in the respective fields of archaeal research and allocated ample time for discussion of relevant ongoing projects and establishing multidisciplinary collaborations. To promote using state of the art methods, we introduced a “Know How” topic featuring a lecture on CryoEM technology and experts in computational biology will share their knowledge on the best methods of sequence analysis. The prime objective of the meeting is to promote a balance of attendees across career stages with a specific emphasis on early career scientists. As such, 40% of oral presentations will be delivered by new investigators, postdoctoral scientists, and graduate students (early career researchers - ECRs). Such ECRs will be of high priority for financial support from the conference budget. A Gordon Research Seminar will be organized by and run for students and postdocs, who will present their most exciting research.