The Gordon Research Seminar on Applied and Environmental Microbiology is a unique forum for early career researchers to present their latest results, exchange cutting-edge research approaches and ideas, and network with other peer-level scientists during two oral scientific sessions and two interactive poster sessions. A mentoring session and panel discussion provide the opportunity for young scientists to use four experts from diverse areas of research as sounding boards for their own scientific interests and expectations.

As with all forms of life, microbes are subject to economies of energy, macro- and micro-nutrients, physical space, and other resources. These economies govern microbial physiology and metabolism from the single cell to stochastic interactions within mixed microbial ecosystems. This GRS seeks to explore strategies and mechanisms adopted by microbes to cope with limited resources in systems ranging from lab- and industrial-scale monocultures to complex environmental communities. Discussions on how this knowledge can be leveraged to improve biotechnological processes and address issues of climate change, waste remediation, and human health are encouraged.