March 27-30, 2006 - Innsbruck, Austria

International Conference on Alpine and Polar Microbiology

E-mail: info@alpine-polar-microbiology2006.at

Conference Program

Arctic, antarctic, and alpine environments are characterized by low temperatures and are thus colonized by microorganisms that have evolved a series of adaptations to survive and grow successfully in these cold ecosystems. Psychrophilic and cold-tolerant microorganisms contribute essentially to the processes of nutrient turnover, biomass production and litter decomposition. Moreover, these microorganisms and their cellular constituents or products provide a large biotechnological potential.

 

The objective of this meeting is to bring together scientists and professionals to discuss all aspects of psychrophilic and cold-tolerant microorganisms, to address recent developments and exchange ideas and experiences on an international scale.

 

The broad conference topics for oral and poster sessions are

A Ecology and biodiversity of cold terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems:
Soils, sediments, permafrost, glaciers, ice, etc.

B Biogeochemistry and nutrient cycling in cold ecosystems

C Biotransformation and biodegradation of biopolymers and xenobiotics at low

temperatures

D Physiology and metabolism of psychrophiles:
Biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology and stress responses, etc.

E Genetic approaches:
Genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics of cold growth

F Biotechnology using psychrophiles:
Bioremediation of contaminated cold environments, cold-active enzymes,

genetic tools, etc.

G Astrobiology

H Methods in alpine and polar biosciences:
Sampling, sample storage, isolation and cultivation techniques, etc.

 

A half-day excursion to a glacier close to the conference location will give you an impression of a typical cold alpine environment. For more information, please click here.

Last Update: August 08, 2005