Annual Reviews said the addition of Underline expands its ability to help research communities convene effectively, including through virtual, hybrid, and in-person programming. The organization emphasized that the move builds on decades of community engagement, spanning both publishing and convening activities.

Beyond its journal portfolio, Annual Reviews runs the Charleston Conference Series and related events, reaching audiences through a suite of science communication products. These include Knowable Magazine and Katina Magazine, as well as Knowledge Unlatched, positioning the organization at the intersection of research dissemination and public engagement.

Underline’s event platform and operational expertise are expected to translate directly into improved attendee and speaker experiences. Annual Reviews highlighted capabilities such as ticketing, attendee and speaker management, and award-winning event application support, all aimed at streamlining conference operations.

The acquired services also include preservation and management of conference video materials. This capability matters for continuity and long-term access, enabling organizers to extend the life of talks and sessions beyond event dates.

Annual Reviews further described onsite audiovisual services and global event coordination. Together, these features address a common technical challenge in large academic meetings: maintaining consistent delivery quality across venues, schedules, and time zones.

Richard Gallagher, President and Editor-in-Chief of Annual Reviews, said that while review articles advance knowledge, the conversations that conferences enable are equally important. He framed the acquisition as a way for organizations to build relationships and broaden the reach of meetings.

Underline Science CEO Jernej Masnec added that Underline was founded to help scholarly organizations deliver event experiences and extend impact beyond the conference venue. He stated that the Underline team and operations will remain in place to ensure continuity for clients.

About the organizations, Annual Reviews publishes 51 journals across biomedical, life, physical, and social sciences, and it supports scientific progress through convenings like the Charleston Conference Series.

Subject of Research: Scholarly conferences and science communication platforms
Article Title: Annual Reviews Acquires Underline Science to Expand Event Capabilities
News Publication Date: Not specified in provided content
Web References: https://underline.io/ ; https://www.annualreviews.org/
References: Not specified in provided content
Image Credits: Not specified in provided content

Keywords

Annual Reviews, Underline Science, scholarly events, conference platform, virtual and hybrid conferences, science communication, ticketing and management, audiovisual services, video preservation, Charleston Conference

The newly minted MCSG is co-chaired by two prominent leaders in microbial ecology: Jack A. Gilbert, President of AMI, and Raquel Peixoto, President of the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) and recipient of AMI’s Rachel Carson award in 2023. Together, they lead a coalition of scientists and experts encompassing a wide range of disciplines, including microbiology, ecology, traditional knowledge, and conservation policy. This interdisciplinary coalition aims to innovate targeted conservation tools, develop informed strategies, and advocate policies that explicitly incorporate microbial life into existing biodiversity governance mechanisms. The overarching goal is to advocate for microbial conservation as a mainstream priority, rather than a niche scientific curiosity.

Microbial life, encompassing bacteria, archaea, fungi, and microeukaryotes, constitutes the vast majority of Earth’s biodiversity and underpins ecosystem functioning worldwide. Despite their pivotal ecological roles — from nutrient cycling and soil health to host-microbe symbioses critical for plant and animal health — microbes have been routinely marginalized in biodiversity assessments and policy frameworks. Traditional conservation efforts have largely focused on macroscopic species, often neglecting these foundational organisms. The launch of the MCSG thus represents a paradigm shift that challenges ingrained conservation paradigms and insists on the essential inclusion of microbial ecosystems in biodiversity protection initiatives.

To chart this ambitious path forward, the MCSG has outlined four priority objectives to be pursued in its inaugural year. First, it aims to build a global network of experts, explicitly emphasizing the inclusion of voices from low- and middle-income countries and Indigenous communities. This inclusive, multidisciplinary advisory body will establish robust conservation targets tailored to microbial diversity and develop an evaluative framework suitable for the complexities of microbial ecosystems. Recognizing that microbial conservation must be context-specific and culturally sensitive, this approach ensures broad representation and expertise to inform policy.

Second, the group is undertaking the monumental task of mapping microbial conservation hotspots and enumerating threats. This will be achieved by compiling and visualizing comprehensive global datasets that reveal vulnerable microbial ecosystems such as stromatolites — ancient microbial mats crucial for understanding Earth’s early biosphere — cryptoendolithic communities that inhabit extreme environments like deserts, and host-associated symbionts integral to animal and plant health. Such spatially explicit mapping is essential for prioritizing conservation triage and focusing limited resources on protecting ecosystems at greatest risk.

The third key priority is the formulation of microbe-specific Red List criteria. Traditional Red List assessments rely heavily on species counts and population trends—metrics often impractical or inappropriate for microorganisms due to their immense diversity, horizontal gene transfer, and metabolic plasticity. Instead, the MCSG proposes criteria emphasizing ecological integrity, functional roles, and resilience of microbial communities. This evolution in assessment methodology reflects cutting-edge ecological understanding and technological advances like high-throughput sequencing and metagenomics that permit more nuanced evaluation of microbial populations and their environmental interactions.

Finally, the MCSG will survey ongoing microbial conservation projects globally—initiatives ranging from microbe-assisted coral restoration, which leverages beneficial symbionts to accelerate reef recovery, to soil microbiome rewilding strategies aimed at restoring degraded agricultural lands by enhancing microbial diversity and ecosystem services. Cataloguing and critically assessing these projects will enable the development of evidence-based guidelines, optimizing conservation outcomes and providing scalable models for microbial ecosystem restoration and management. Such work is crucial for translating scientific insights into practical, policy-relevant applications.

This strategic vision is encapsulated within a comprehensive five-year roadmap focused on fully integrating microbial considerations into mainstream conservation practice. A seminal objective is the embedding of microbial criteria into cornerstone tools such as the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Red List of Ecosystems. This integration ensures that the assessment and protection of microbial life receive the same institutional support and visibility as charismatic megafauna and plant species, thereby safeguarding microbial contributions to planetary health and resilience.

The fledgling MCSG has been bolstered by initial funding exceeding US$100,000 from the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, an organization renowned for its commitment to environmental conservation and scientific research. Supplementary administrative and financial support from the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) and Applied Microbiology International has been instrumental for establishing operational capacity. These resources facilitate critical coordination, gap analyses including hotspot mapping, initial risk assessments, and the compilation of extant microbial conservation initiatives, enabling the MCSG to rapidly develop foundational scientific and institutional capacities.

The call to action from the MCSG is unequivocal and expansive: scientists, conservation practitioners, policymakers, and knowledge holders worldwide are invited to participate actively in this transformative campaign. Opportunities exist to join as members or collaborators within the Species Survival Commission, contribute vital data on threatened microbial habitats and biobanking facilities, share insights on microbiology-informed conservation projects, and advocate broadly across social, academic, governmental, and industrial forums. By fostering a diverse, engaged, and interdisciplinary coalition, the MCSG seeks to catalyze systemic change in conservation science and governance.

The implications of microbial conservation extend far beyond academic interest. Microbes regulate critical ecosystem functions that support food security, climate regulation, disease control, and biogeochemical cycles at global scales. Ignoring microbial diversity imperils the foundation upon which ecological and human well-being rests. The authors eloquently underscore that safeguarding microbial life is not merely a scientific niche, but an existential imperative for planetary sustainability, necessitating urgent reframing of conservation policies to encompass these microscopic but monumental custodians of life on Earth.

Whether investigators focus on methane-producing archaea within thawing permafrost, gut symbionts mediating amphibian health, or policymakers shaping environmental law, the MCSG insists that microbial expertise is indispensable at the conservation table. The formation of this specialist group signals an accelerating convergence of microbial ecology and conservation biology, fostering novel collaborations and methodologies that promise to enrich understanding and stewardship of biodiversity at all scales. This groundbreaking initiative heralds a future in which microbial conservation is mainstreamed, preventing the erosion of Earth’s ecological foundations before irreversible damage occurs.

As the global community endeavors to meet ambitious biodiversity and sustainability targets amid escalating environmental crises, recognizing and enshrining microbial conservation within international frameworks is increasingly urgent. The IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group’s establishment marks a pivotal juncture in ecological science and policy, offering a visionary blueprint for preserving the invisible majority of life whose survival is intertwined with humanity’s own future.

Subject of Research: Microbial biodiversity, microbial conservation, ecosystem integrity, microbial ecology

Article Title: A New Era for Microbial Conservation: IUCN’s Landmark Specialist Group Heralds a Paradigm Shift in Biodiversity Protection

News Publication Date: 2024

Web References:

• Nature Microbiology article detailing MCSG priorities
• Applied Microbiology International (AMI)
• The Microbiologist
• Sustainable Microbiology
• Journal of Applied Microbiology
• Letters in Applied Microbiology

Keywords: Microbiology, Biodiversity, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Conservation Ecology, Ecological Restoration, Ecosystem Management, Ecosystem Services, Natural Resources, Genetic Resources, Renewable Resources, Sustainability, Natural Resources Management, Natural Resources Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Pollution, Soil Science, Marine Conservation

In the rapidly evolving realm of scientific exploration, a unique opportunity has emerged for scholars and researchers to contribute their insights and findings to an upcoming special issue curated by Yong-Bok Lee and Seung-Hyun Jeong. This call for papers invites a diverse array of contributions that reflect the expansive nature of modern scientific inquiry, particularly encouraging profound review articles that delve deeply into the current state of knowledge across various disciplines. With a submission deadline nearing in June 2025, authors are prompted to engage with the scientific community through their meticulous and well-researched reviews.

Scientific endeavors are not merely collections of data; they are narratives that weave together the intricacies of human understanding and technological advancements. Each submission to this special issue is anticipated to provide a thorough examination of a particular topic, illuminating pathways for future research and fostering dialogue across different fields. Review articles offer a powerful medium through which the significance of past research can be synthesized, while also directing attention to burgeoning areas of interest that warrant exploration.

As global challenges intensify—ranging from climate change and public health crises to technological disruptions—the role of interdisciplinary dialogue becomes increasingly critical. Review articles allow for the convergence of ideas, enabling researchers from disparate backgrounds to find common ground and collaborate on comprehensive solutions. This special issue aims to capture the essence of this interdisciplinary approach through a curated collection of essays that challenge traditional boundaries and redefine questions at the forefront of scientific inquiry.

The significance of this call for papers cannot be overstated; it represents a pivotal moment for scholars who aspire to influence the contours of future research conversations. By addressing the state of knowledge concerning various scientific phenomena, authors not only contribute to academia but also engage the curiosity of the general public, providing accessible interpretations of complex subjects and fostering broader societal understanding.

Moreover, the deadline for submissions in June 2025 offers ample time for thorough literature reviews, data analysis, and the cultivation of ideas that can resonate across various fields. Authors are encouraged to explore their passions and expertise, identifying gaps in existing literature while also providing a fresh perspective on established concepts.

In anticipation of the issues surrounding the peer review process, contributors must adhere to stringent academic standards, ensuring that their articles withstand the scrutiny of their peers. The review process itself serves as a crucible that enhances the quality of research, fostering robust discussions that refine arguments and evidence. This collaborative endeavor is fundamental to the advancement of scientific knowledge, cementing the reputation of the special issue as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners alike.

The potential for impact within this special issue extends beyond academia. In today’s climate, where public understanding of science is increasingly critical, the need for clear and engaging scientific communication has never been more pronounced. This call invites authors to craft narratives that bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and public comprehension, thereby empowering individuals to make informed decisions in their daily lives.

As technology advances, the nature of scientific inquiry continues to evolve. The incorporation of new methodologies, tools, and frameworks enhances researchers’ ability to unravel the complexities of the world. Articles submitted to this issue should embody a forward-thinking perspective that embraces innovation while critically assessing the implications of emerging technologies. In doing so, contributors play a vital role in ensuring that the scientific community is equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Submissions should reflect not only individual expertise but also an understanding of the broader implications of research. As each article undergoes the rigors of peer review and revision, contributors will have the opportunity to refine their arguments, ensuring that they resonate with both academic audiences and the public at large. This special issue serves not merely as a publication opportunity but as a collaborative platform for scholars to engage in meaningful discussions that transcend traditional academic divisions.

In conclusion, this call for papers represents an invaluable opportunity for researchers to contribute to an essential dialogue within the scientific community. By submitting their work, authors can influence the trajectory of research across various disciplines, ensuring that their insights are woven into the fabric of future investigations. With a manuscript submission deadline set in June 2025, the time is ripe for scholars to engage with their peers, expanding the horizons of science and enriching human understanding in the process.

Subject of Research: Interdisciplinary Approaches in Modern Scientific Inquiry

Article Title: A New Era in Scientific Inquiry: Embracing Interdisciplinary Research

Article References:

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: Interdisciplinary Research, Scientific Inquiry, Peer Review, Review Articles, Technological Advancements, Public Understanding of Science