15th European Nitrogen Fixation Conference

The ENFC is a European based biennial congress that brings together scientists investigating biological N2 fixation (BNF) from different prospects (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, ecology, plant physiology, etc.).

The program will combine classical topics within the BNF field (e.g. nitrogenase biochemistry, evolution of symbiosis, signal transduction, nodule development and functioning, regulation of N2 fixation in soil and aquatic free-living microorganisms) with highly relevant and timely topics for modern society (e.g. climate change, environmental impact of BNF, present and future use of BNF in agriculture). The more recent advancements of synthetic biology approaches aimed to transfer BNF capability to cereal crops and to the rewiring of free living bacteria to secrete ammonium will be presented and discussed. Special emphasis will be given to the environmental implications of these new BNF developing tools in order to reinforce a dialog between scientists involved in soil and marine management and the BNF community.  BNF-based approaches to sustain agricultural productivity in sub-arid and arid conditions, as for instance those faced in the Southern Mediterranean basin will be also presented. This will contribute to attract a wide scientific community and to encourage the participation of scientists from outside Europe and from developing countries. The organization of Satellite meetings on topics not covered by the ENFC program or that deserve further elaboration will be advertised in the near future.

Contact: Maurizio Chiurazzi, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources-CNR, [email protected]