From 6 to 9 July 2026, the joint BlueRemediomics and BlueToolsfinal conference brought together both consortia at the picturesque EMBL campus in Heidelberg, Germany, to celebrate almost four years of research, innovation and collaboration. Participants were also able to join remotely through a hybrid attendance option.
Over the course of three days, participants reflected on the projects’ key achievements and explored the opportunities that lie ahead for marine microbiome research and innovation. Partners from both consortia delivered six oral presentation sessions addressing topics ranging from science to policy. A dedicated poster session provided a platform for presenting additional research results and technological developments. Together, these sessions highlighted the remarkable potential of the marine microbiome for applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, aquaculture and other sectors.
The event also provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, enabling participants to share lessons learned and identify future research and innovation opportunities. From novel discovery approaches to cutting-edge tools, presentations demonstrated how both projects have contributed to unlocking the vast potential of marine microbial resources.
From left to right: Rob Finn, BlueRemediomics' co-coordinator, and Aurelio Hidalgo, BlueTools' coordinator
Collaboration and knowledge transfer remained at the heart of this final conference. Numerous networking opportunities throughout the event encouraged participants to connect across disciplines, exchange ideas and strengthen existing relationships.
As both BlueRemediomics and BlueTools move into their final phase, the conference served not only as a celebration of their achievements, but also as a platform for future collaborations and continued impact in the blue economy.