The Photosynthesis 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scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages.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.
Photosynthetic organisms are found nearly everywhere on Earth, operating under vastly different regimes of light, temperature, water availability, and nutrient supply. This extraordinary environmental breadth is supported by a rich diversity of molecular architectures, regulatory mechanisms, and dynamic responses within the photosynthetic machinery. The Photosynthesis GRC brings together researchers from across disciplines to examine the molecular foundations of photosynthetic diversity and to understand how they enable photosynthetic organisms to function across a wide range of environmental conditions. The conference will focus on mechanistic, structural, and functional studies of photosynthesis in plants, algae, and bacteria, with an emphasis on how natural variation reveals both conserved principles and novel molecular strategies. Sessions will address light harvesting, photoprotection, electron transport, and regulation, highlighting structure–function relationships and the organization of photosynthetic complexes in vivo. Recent progress driven by advanced experimental and theoretical approaches will be featured, including molecular genetics, high-resolution structural methods, multidimensional spectroscopies, and computational modeling. Together, these tools allow photosynthetic processes to be explored from the molecular level to the functional organization of photosynthetic complexes within living cells. Biodiversity is viewed as a key source of mechanistic insight and adaptive solutions that may help improve the productivity and resilience of algae and crops.
Consistent with the Gordon Research Conference tradition, the five-day meeting will emphasize the presentation of unpublished results, extended discussion, and informal scientific exchange. The conference will be held for the first time at a new site near Amsterdam, close to the international airport and the beaches of the North Sea. The residential format, poster sessions, and shared activities are designed to foster close interactions among early-career and established scientists, promoting open dialogue and the development of lasting collaborations within the photosynthesis community.
