Welcome to the Workshop 

We are delighted that you will be part of the Microbial Systematics for the Next Decade I workshop. In preparation for the workshop, we would like you to do three things:

• Fill in your online profile.
• Add to the background reading section. Each of you brings a unique perspective to this challenge. What would you recommend for us all to read? Please add your suggestions to the comments box, at the bottom of the reading list page
• Take a moment to learn about your fellow participants.

The organizing committee.

Brian Hedlund, Anna-Louise Reysenbach, Phil Hugenholtz, Kostas Konstantinidis, Ramon Rossello-Mora, Antonio Ventosa, Barny Whitman

Event description

The workshop brings together ~25 participants from the broad fields of microbial systematics, microbial ecology, and microbiology database experts. The ambitious goal of the workshop is to develop a publication recommending a path forward to modernize microbial taxonomy, particularly with regard to enhancing communication of large datasets within a taxonomic framework. Participants are encouraged to read papers associated with microbiology databases on the Background Reading page. We particularly recommend papers related to databases and data-rich taxonomy (e.g., Rodriguez et al., 2018 (MiGA paper); Parks et al., 2018; Lewin et al., 2018; Maddison et al., 2012). We also encourage people to consider three thought questions: 1) What do you think are some of the most pressing taxonomic database issues that can help launch microbial taxonomy into the next decade? 2) Is there a way to reach a consensus for a common taxonomy that is treated equally in all databases or how can all databases cross-reference their proposed nomenclatures? Suggest some ways. 3) Do you think there is way to facilitate data-rich systematics in the future? (e.g., automated classification and nomenclature systems). How?

Participants are also welcome to view online seminars associated with our previous workshop in Hood River, OR, focused on how microbial taxonomy should deal with the taxonomy and nomenclature of uncultivated microorganisms (mostly metagenome-assembled genomes and single-amplified genomes). 

Logistics

Travel Information

Please book your flight as soon as possible to get the best rate and best flight. Fly to Oakland (OAK) or San Francisco (SFO). The BART (rail) has easy connections to Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa BART stations. From SFO, the easiest way is to take the Yellow line toward Antioch (~$10 and 69 minutes). From OAK, you will have to take three lines, but transfers are simple (Beige, Orange/Blue Sun, Yellow)(~$10 and 63 minutes).

Hotel Reservations

For your hotel reservations, we recommend Booking.com for good rates, or similar alternatives.  The two hotels that are closest to the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa BART station are the Embassy Suites or Renaissance ClubSport Hotel. 

Reimbursement. People who want to be reimbursed and have not already registered with UNLV will have to do so (see column F in workshop participant list). It would be best to register before the workshop. Please also save all receipts (e.g., flight, BART, hotel) and be prepared to send copies to UNLV during/after the workshop.