Mechanisms of the Process Driving the Biosphere, Through the Lenses of Experiment and Computation

With the dual challenges of sustainable food production and the disruptions of climate change, advancing our understanding of photosynthesis remains critical. Photosynthesis research also presents a variety of fundamental challenges, from the physics of solar energy capture to the biological evolution of diverse energy transduction mechanisms. This meeting will highlight progress in photosynthesis research facilitated by technical advances in experimental methods ranging from modern molecular genetics to advanced physical approaches (e.g., serial X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and multidimensional spectroscopies), enhanced by advanced computational techniques modeling processes from light absorption to electron flow, to metabolism and cell growth, and extending to the analysis of large ecosystems. We will see how the interplay between experiments and computation/modeling has increased our understanding of photosynthetic structure and function at scales ranging from the atomic to cellular levels. The Photosynthesis GRC represents a unique opportunity to facilitate intense and productive communication between researchers from multiple disciplines, all sharing a common interest in photosynthesis. Given the interdisciplinary nature of research in this field, the invited speakers will represent a diverse array of scientific approaches aimed at understanding key aspects of photosynthesis. To ensure the fruitful exchange among the diverse group of attending scientists, the 2025 photosynthesis GRC will, as with its predecessors, encourage the presentation of exciting unpublished data. The aim is to promote collegial interactions among participants through open discussions, joining young talented scientists with more ‘seasoned’ investigators, creating opportunities for informal and lively gatherings in the afternoons and evenings. Graduate students and postdocs will have the opportunity to present their latest research findings and discuss their results with leaders in the field during highly interactive poster sessions scheduled throughout the conference.