At this year’s Japan Geoscience Union Meeting (JpGU), I served as a convener of the Marine Microbial Ecosystems session together with Dr. Hoshino and Dr. Yamada from JAMSTEC.

Marine microorganisms are the hidden key players driving global biogeochemical cycles, supporting the flow of carbon, nitrogen, and other essential elements. From primary production to the degradation of organic matter, and even nitrogen fixation, their diverse roles are fundamental to understanding ocean dynamics and predicting climate change.

In this session, we discussed microbial diversity, metabolic functions, and environmental responses in a wide-ranging dialogue. The key to unlocking the future of our planet may well lie in these tiny, yet powerful, organisms.