Linking Genes, Rates, and Biogeochemistry in Marine Microbiology

Microbes inhabit every habitat in the global ocean, from the surface to the abyss. Their ubiquitous presence is facilitated by extreme diversity and rapid and responsive metabolisms driving nutrient biogeochemistry and, thereby, productivity of the oceans. Recent molecular advances have improved our understanding of the genetics governing microbial life, from individuals to communities including symbiotic relationships. However, our understanding of the linkage between genes, process rates, and the environment is still in its infancy. This hampers predictions of microbe-driven biogeochemistry, which is particularly critical in the face of climate change. The current Marine Microbes Research Conference - " Linking genes, rates, and biogeochemistry in marine microbiology" - aims to highlight the need for cross-disciplinary efforts to decipher couplings between genetic makeup, identity and microbial functionality – and how we scale microbial processes to the global ocean. In the spirit of GRC, this meeting will highlight inspiring presentations and open discussion of pioneering, unpublished research and state-of-the-art approaches, in a collaborative and interactive atmosphere.