This symposium will highlight the latest breakthroughs in uncovering and understanding microbial dark matter—the unseen, unculturable, and uncharacterized microorganisms identified through metagenomics, whose biological functions, ecological roles, and evolutionary relationships remain largely unknown. Discover emerging technologies, case studies, and practical applications in:

      •    Microbial Dark matter in Metagenomics to Explore Microbial Frontiers
      •    Exploring Microbial Dark Matter in Extreme and Low Biomass Environments
      •    Understanding Microbial Communities in the Built Environment
      •    Bioinformatics Tools for Large-Scale Exploration of Hidden Microbial Life
      •    Novel Methods for Cultivating ‘Unculturable’ Microbes

Join interactive presentations and discussions exploring the technologies that are transforming microbial research, from next-generation sequencing (NGS) to advanced data analytics. Learn how microbial dark matter in humans, space, extreme environments, and built settings informs our understanding of life’s adaptability, potential extraterrestrial biosignatures, and microbial resilience in engineered systems.

Engage with renowned researchers and thought leaders in dynamic panel discussions, and contribute your own insights to help shape future research directions. From supporting long-term space missions to designing healthier, microbially aware built environments, your participation will contribute to the next wave of discovery.

Join us for this unique opportunity to explore the frontiers of microbial science. Together, we will unlock the secrets of microbial dark matter, pushing the boundaries of exploration on Earth, in space, and in extreme conditions.

Scientific Organizers: Kris Locken, Katrine Whiteson, Haley Sapers, Libusha Kelly

Your poster should be 36 x 48 inches (landscape or portrait permitted) and should include the following elements:

▪ Title
▪ Author(s) with affiliation
▪ Introduction | Introduce the research: What is the problem or knowledge gap your research is aiming to address?
▪ Methods | What did you do and how did you do it?
▪ Results | Outline the key findings
▪ Conclusions and/or discussion | What are the outcomes, implications and future possibilities?
▪ Acknowledgements
▪ We recommend using at least 14-point type in the body of your poster.

Travel Awards

We will be offering travel awards to the presenting authors of highly-rated abstracts to help offset the cost of attending the Microbial Dark Matter Symposium. Additionally, we will present Excellence in Research awards at the end of each poster session, where selected presenters will receive a monetary award along with a special certificate for their achievements.

▪ Travel Award Consideration date: July 24th, 2026
▪ Travel Awardees Notified: August 7th, 2026
▪ Abstract Submission Deadline: August 21st, 2026
▪ Abstract Decision Notification: August 26th, 2026
▪ Presenter Registration Deadline: September 4th, 2026

Abstracts submitted by July 24th will be considered for a Travel Award, provided applicants indicate their interest during abstract submission. Travel Award recipients will be notified by email no later than August 7th.

The general abstract submission deadline is August 21st. Applicants selected for presentation will be notified by August 26th. Presenters must complete registration by September 4th to confirm their acceptance.