After the success of the First International Congress on Marine Flavobacteria held in Cargèse, Corsica in June 2018, CNRS are pleased to announce the holding of a Second Congress in Roscoff, Brittany from May 27-31 2024.

Members of the family Flavobacteriaceae (a.k.a. flavobacteria) within the Bacteroidota phylum are a diverse and abundant component of heterotrophic marine bacterial communities. They are found in the water column, in tidal flat sediments or at the surface of marine algae, plants and animals. Marine flavobacteria encompass a range of key ecological functions, from major pathogens of fish to symbionts of algae. They are also known as master degraders of organic matter.

Our knowledge regarding marine flavobacteria has been boosted by recent sampling campaigns and by the “OMIC” revolution, confirming the huge taxonomic and functional diversity of this bacterial clade. Meanwhile, meta-omics surveys increasingly show the importance of flavobacteria in marine ecosystem functioning. At an international level, some species have emerged as model organisms and are now subject of detailed mechanistic studies, embracing fundamental aspects such as secretion systems, substrate assimilation, community interactions and pathogenicity.

Although growing substantially in recent years, the scientific community working on marine flavobacteria is still rather fragmented. The congress “Marine Flavobacteria – Roscoff - 2024” aims at gathering the most active scientists on the different aspects of the ecology and biology of these fascinating microorganisms. Keynotes will also highlight major breakthroughs that have been achieved on the Bacteroidota phylum.

The focus will be on recent discoveries and open questions that provoke curiosity and require new research. Sessions will include:

• Ecology and diversity of marine flavobacteria
• Flavobacteria /host interactions
• Functional genomics, biochemistry and biotechnology applications

The workshop will be held in an informal scientific community atmosphere and will encourage free discussion and presentation of preliminary or unpublished research and ideas, to foster new collaboration opportunities.

Deadline for abstract submission: 1st February 2024