The ProkaGENOMICS 2020⁺¹ conference is devoted to the motto “From Small Viruses to Complex Communities”. The three main topics are as follows: (1) Structure & Function of Microbiomes, (2) Bacterial & Archaeal Viruses, and (3) Biocatalysts & Molecules from Microbes or Microbial Assemblages. One of the most revolutionary advances in the biological sciences in recent years has been the realization of the importance of microbiomes.

Microbiomes could be key to health and disease of their hosts, and play central roles in the biogeochemical processes that sustain life on our planet. At present, one of the main goals is to elucidate the composition and functions of the microbiota, and the complex interplay between the microbiota and the environment. In the past, microbiomes have mainly been defined by their bacterial, archaeal as well as their fungal members, but also viruses play pivotal roles in microbial communities. Unraveling the biology of bacterial and archaeal viruses and their relationship with their hosts is key to understanding microbial systems, their exploitation and how our microbial driven world is tempered by them.

Our rapidly increasing understanding of microbes and microbial communities also offers new horizons for white biotechnology. Being applied to the industry to replace polluting technologies for clean ones white biotechnology provides large benefits – both environmentally and economically. All these above mentioned topics in microbial research are covered by ProkaGENOMICS 2020⁺¹.

The symposium is co-sponsored by the Leopoldina.