Conference Description
The Microbial One-Carbon Metabolism GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes an array of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
C1-transforming microbes were architects of the Earth's habitability. They play a crucial role in influencing the biogeochemical cycles of vital elements, including carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, iron, and other essential minerals such as copper, rare earth elements, molybdenum, and nickel. The 2026 C1 Gordon Research Conference will focus on recent developments in understanding the relationship between microbial C1 metabolism—both native and synthetic—and other key biological or abiotic transformations. The conference will emphasize novel discoveries related to the evolutionary history of microbial C1 metabolism and explore C1 metabolism across different scales, from enzymes and cofactors to their subcellular organization, cellular assemblies, and the interaction of C1-transforming microbes with the living and non-living environment. We will seek to understand the natural limitations of these transformations and highlight innovative strategies to design and implement new-to-nature solutions for various applications, such as capturing greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O), enabling novel biocatalysis, and recovering critical minerals to support modern technological advancements.
The 2026 C1-GRC conference, along with its associated GRS, will once again unite early career and senior researchers, academics, and industry professionals from the C1 research community. Investigators who are new to the field are encouraged to apply. The GRC format—featuring extensive discussions, interactive poster sessions, and informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings—will provide an ideal environment for investigators from various fields and generations to exchange ideas, brainstorm, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The topics, speakers, and discussion leaders for the conference sessions are displayed below. The conference chair is currently developing their detailed program, which will include the complete meeting schedule, as well as the talk titles for all speakers. The detailed program will be available by February 28, 2026. Please check back for updates.
Keynote Session: Microbial C1-Transformations at the Cross of Organic and Inorganic Worlds
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Metals at the Core of C1-Transformation
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Cellular Organization and Orchestration of C1-Metabolism
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Evolution and Ecology of C1-Transformations
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Computational and Systems Approaches to Understand C1-Metabolism
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Putting Microbial C1-Transformation to Work
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Metabolic Plasticity: C1-Syntrophy, Mixotrophy, and Chemoautotrophy
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Design of New-to-Nature Enzymes and Pathways for C1-Transformations
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Complexity and Regulation of C1-Metabolism: Co-Feeding, Co-Cultures, and Beyond
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