The 1st International Marine Microbiology Conference (IMMC) was held from May 22 until May 25, 2015, in Qingdao. Jointly hosted by Ocean University of China (OUC) and several other institutions, this academic event invited 22 experts from home and abroad, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Japan to deliver keynote speeches. More than 20 other scientists in the marine microbiological community gave presentations on the designated topics.

At the opening ceremony which was attended by over 300 participants, Professor Li Huajun, vice president of OUC, spoke highly of the active role played by IMMC in promoting marine microbiological research. He also encouraged participants to share their experience and make friends among themselves. Dr. Ahmed Fahmi, Programme Specialist of UNESCO, gave a talk on the “UNESCO’s Biotechnology Program in the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda”.

The other purpose of organizing the 1st IMMC was to commemorate Professor Xu Huaishu, a marine microbiologist and the founder of UNESCO Marine Biotechnology Center. To encourage young scientists to play an active role in academic research, the Xu Huaishu Foundation was set up during the conference, under the sponsorship of Professor Rita Cowell, chairperson of US National Science Foundation and Professor of University of Maryland. 

Professor Zhang Xiaohua was appointed to be the new director of UNESCO Marine Biotechnology Center. Madam Xu Fujin, daughter of Professor Xu Huaishu, made a speech titled “Commemorating Prof. Xu Huaishu, My Father as A Scientist”, sharing Professor Xu’s life experience and academic career. 

The IMMC was comprised of six sessions, namely, marine microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles, microbial oceanography, microorganisms in deep sea and polar oceans, marine microbes in aquaculture, marine microbes in biotechnology, unexplored therapeutic targets: intraspecific and interspecific signaling. 

Marine microbiology is one of the academic disciplines which have enjoyed fastest development. The 1st IMMC not only provided an excellent platform for scientists in this field to exchange ideas, but also served as the starting point for further academic collaboration. 

Prof. Li Huajun met with Dr. Ahmed Fahmi and other experts

Participants at the conference 

Translated by Allison Zhang

Proofread by Robert Lackman and William Zou