International Conference

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Welcome to the 1st International Conference on Emergent Functions of Bacterial Multicellularity

The development of multicellularity is a major evolutionary transition and a prerequisite for the occurrence of higher life forms on Earth. While multicellularity originated in prokaryotes, dating back 3 billion years, our current understanding of multicellularity is still largely based on studying eukaryotic organisms. In contrast, microbes are still perceived as archetypically unicellular, owing to bacteriological tradition and methodological limitations.

Recent technological advances – such as time-resolved 3D live-cell imaging, mass spectrometry imaging, multi-parameter flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptomics – now allow re-solving macroscopic bacterial communities in time and space at single-cell level.

These approaches open completely new perspectives on microbial life beyond the individual cell, with crucial relevance for understanding the ecology, physiology, genomics, molecular mechanisms, and evolution of multicellularity and microbial tissue formation. Analyzing how the architecture, biophysical properties, and developmental dynamics of bacterial consortia are established and maintained will provide insights into the origins and molecular mechanisms of bacterial multicellularity. Studying the emergent functions of differentiated microbial consortia will unravel the physiological consequences and ecological implications of how bacteria communicate, cooperate, and coordinate their activities to generate a multicellular fitness gain that goes beyond individual cells.

This conference, the first of its kind, will focus exclusively on such multicellular traits of bacterial communities.

Join us in Berlin and share your research on bacterial multicellularity!

Where and When?

The conference will be held in the Harnack-Haus (Ihnestr. 16-20) Berlin from January 6th to 9th, 2025.

Confirmed Speakers

We are pleased to confirm the lineup of international experts panel attending the conferences; we are sure it would be an excellent contribution to the field and will open the door to new enthusiasm in bacterial multicellularity.

Abstract Submission

Join us to explore cutting-edge topics, learn more about bacterial multicellularity, and gain first-hand knowledge from pioneers in the field. The committee will select abstracts for the program as oral or poster presentations.

Submission deadline 31 of October 2024
Review deadline 15 of November 2024

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Registration

Register now for the first International Conference on Emergent Functions of Bacterial Multicellularity, from 06. to 09. January 2025 in Harnack-Hause Berlin.

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Registration is possible using the online platform. Just pick up your ticket and fill out the form to be redirected to online payment via PayPal or pay the conference fee by bank transfer. Payment details can be found once completing the online registration.  For transfers made 10 working days before the start of the event, proof of transfer must be presented at check-in.
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