The AMICI Symposium 2024 brought together 153 participants from 22 universities, creating an inspiring environment for knowledge exchange on the complex and ever-evolving field of microbial ecology. The symposium showcased groundbreaking research, from microbial community dynamics to planetary protection, highlighting the latest developments in understanding the microbial world and its vast applications.

The symposium opened with a keynote from Otto Cordero (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), who delved into the theoretical ecology of microbial communities, exploring how complex interactions shape microbial ecosystems. Daniel Amor from École Normale Supérieure followed with insights into community transitions, examining the factors that drive microbial systems toward alternative stable states. These foundational discussions provided a strong theoretical framework, resonating with researchers interested in the stability and adaptability of microbial communities. Later in the day, Mark Anthony from the University of Vienna addressed the critical role of forest soil biodiversity in Europe, emphasizing its relationship with carbon storage—a key element in combating climate change.  Presenting new perspectives on host-microbiome interactions, Sara Ricci of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna discussed her research on small RNAs and their interactions with mitochondria, proposing an innovative mechanism for host-microbiome crosstalk. Alexander Mahnert from the Medical University of Graz took the audience beyond Earth with his work on planetary protection, addressing quality management in the search for extraterrestrial microbial life.

An extraordinary pleasure was to welcome students from the PhD Program in Microbial Symbioses (MAINTAIN), who all gave exiting tasks about their research topics: Julia Krasenbrink is investigating the effects of sulfoquinovose—an abundant sulfur-containing sugar found in green leafy vegetables—on the gut flora of mice. Her research may reveal both positive and negative impacts of sulfoquinovose on gut health, with potential implications for dietary recommendations. In aquatic microbial ecology, Teresa Winter is examining Zoothamnium, a genus of ciliated protozoa, in submerged wooden habitats along the Slovenian coast. Her research offers insights into the ecological preferences and behaviors of these organisms, which thrive in marine and freshwater environments. Addressing the unique group of Patescibacteria, Huifeng Hu’s study in wastewater treatment plants focuses on the distribution, diversity, and ecological role of these tiny bacteria, which often form close associations with larger bacterial species. Understanding Patescibacteria’s influence could enhance the effectiveness of biological wastewater treatment systems. Hamid Rasoulimehrabani is exploring the impact of lactulose on human gut microbiota. Known for its laxative properties, lactulose could serve as a prebiotic in low doses. By using Raman spectroscopy, Rasoulimehrabani can track cellular uptake of lactulose, offering precise insights into its microbial interactions. Meanwhile, Marta Sudo is investigating Lucinidae clams, or moon clams, which maintain symbiotic relationships with sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. These relationships vary from highly specific to flexible, and Sudo’s work aims to uncover the unique dynamics of these interdependent partnerships. Finally, Michael Predl is developing metabolic models of microorganisms to pinpoint growth conditions that could support lab cultivation. His approach could help identify symbiotic partners crucial for survival, advancing our ability to study previously uncultivable species in controlled settings.

The day concluded with Heribert Insam, Professor Emeritus, who delivered an excellent thought-provoking talk on the role of microbes in the context of climate change. Insam underscored the essential influence of microbial processes on global carbon and nitrogen cycles, presenting microbes as powerful yet often underestimated climate actors.

The AMICI Symposium 2024 once again proved itself as a crucial platform for microbial science, sparking new ideas and collaborations across disciplines and shedding light on the profound impact of microbes on Earth—and potentially beyond.