First of many Galápagos Microbiome Symposia

After two exciting expeditions to the Galápagos Islands to explore the diversity and evolution of microbiomes associated with the endemic and endangered Scalesia species, we launched the next step in our work. The Microbial Ecology Department of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) organised a dedicated Galápagos Microbiome Symposium on 12 March, led by Luzia Stalder, Jos Raaijmakers, Mark Zwart and Viviane Cordovez. 

The event brought together scientists from the Netherlands (NIOO-KNAW, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research, Free Universty of Amsterdam, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute ), Norway (Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)), United Kingdom (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), Spain (Universidad de Málaga) and Ecuador (Universidad San Francisco de Quito & Jocotoco Foundation), who are already engaged in Galápagos research.

Across ten exciting talks and a lively panel discussion, participants shared new insights from microbial and plant ecology, soil and plant microbiomes, microbial evolution, bioinformatics, mycology, population genomics, island biogeography, soil biochemistry, remote sensing, and restoration ecology. The symposium aimed to exchange knowledge, strengthen the current national and international network, initiate outreach activities and identify joint research initiatives that can contribute to the conservation and restoration of the unique Galápagos ecosystems.

Many thanks to all participants and speakers who made this day dedicated to Galápagos microbiome research both exciting and inspiring. Looking forward to building on this shared enthusiasm, the first of many symposia to come!