The Azores Algae and Cyanobacteria Bank is organising the 44th annual meeting of the European Culture Collections’ Organisation
Between 14 and 16 September 2026, the Aula Magna at the University of the Azores, in Ponta Delgada, will host ECCO XLIV – the 44th Annual Meeting of the European Culture Collections’ Organisation (ECCO), bringing together researchers, curators and specialists in microbial culture collections from across Europe.
Organised locally by CIBIO-Azores, through the Azores Algae and Cyanobacteria Bank (BACA), the conference will focus on the theme “Integrative OMICS for a Changing Planet: New Frontiers in Taxonomy, Ecology and Biotechnology”, reflecting the growing importance of integrative omics approaches in the study of the biodiversity, ecology, taxonomy and biotechnological potential of microorganisms.
The scientific programme will feature three guest speakers of recognised international standing. Chris Bowler, from the Institute of Biology at the École Normale Supérieure in France, will give a talk entitled “Exploring the Tara Oceans multiverse”. Tanja Kostic, from the Austrian Institute of Technology in Austria, will address the topic “Microbiome Biobanking: Navigating Complexity – Insights from the MICROBE Journey”. Meanwhile, Pedro Leão, from the Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) in Portugal, will present “Discovery of unique chemistry and enzymology from the LEGE-CC cyanobacteria”.
In addition to the scientific sessions, the meeting includes workshops dedicated to emerging topics in the field of microbial collections. Of particular note is the discussion on biobanks and databases, addressing challenges relating to preservation, characterisation, data management, regulation and sustainability.
The cultural component of the programme includes an excursion to the Furnas Valley, as well as an activity at the Azores Microbial Observatory (OMIC), which will enable participants to discover one of the Azores’ most iconic thermal habitats. The activity consists of a guided tour, during which participants will explore the scientific, historical and cultural aspects associated with the Furnas Thermal Springs. This activity will thus give participants an insight into the microbial biodiversity found in the extreme environments of the Azores, linking the scientific aspect of the event with the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the island of São Miguel.
The local organising team includes researchers from BACA/CIBIO-Azores, namely Vítor Gonçalves, Rúben Luz, Rita Cordeiro, Amélia Fonseca, João Manoel, Maria Francisca Lucas and Samara Rodrigues.
Further information is available at ECCO Meeting 2026
The conference website is: https://eccomeeting2026.uac.pt/
