The International Society of Photosynthesis Research (ISPR)

NExSS Extraterrestrial Photosynthesis Workshop
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17 | Green Lake, Green Lake, WI, United States
The Extraterrestrial Photosynthesis Workshop will be held May 15-17, 2026, in Green Lake, Wisconsin, USA, preceding AbSciCon2026.
Website: https://nexss.info/extraterrestrial-photosynthesis-workshop/
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The prospect of obtaining light reflected from planets outside our Solar System (“exoplanets”) that might harbor life is a strong possibility within the next few decades. Such observations (“direct imaging” telescope technology) would provide spectral information on the entire atmospheric column to the planet’s surface. Photosynthesis is a key process in the search for life on other planets. On Earth, it produces “biosignatures” that are both atmospheric and at the surface, in biogenic gases, biological pigments, and other organic molecules.

Studies to date on detecting photosynthetic biosignatures have been dominated by oxygen and the vegetation red edge as produced by oxygenic photosynthesis, while anoxygenic photosynthesis could be the dominant form of photosynthesis on a planet prior to the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis, as on the Archean Earth.

In recent years, work has emerged internationally from diverse scientific disciplines to lend greater rigor to key questions about extraterrestrial photosynthesis adapted to other stars and planetary environments. These studies have included co-authors from astronomy, biochemistry, biophysics, microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, geochemistry, and even solar energy.

The search for extraterrestrial life would be propelled by a forum for discussion and feedback for many ideas crossing scientific disciplines.

This workshop will bring together scientists across multiple disciplines to tackle questions such as:

Can there be alternative primary photopigments to chlorophylls?

How did the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) arise and can there be an alternative?

Is there a low CO2 limit for photosynthesis and respiration?

How long can photosynthesis be viable over the life of a planet?

Is there a long wavelength limit to oxygenic photosynthesis? Are there trade-offs at different wavelengths?

What are the limits to the number of photosystems that can be strung in series to support electron transfers?

Could rhodopsin-like proton pumping support autotrophy and serve as a planetary scale biosignature?

Is there a long wavelength limit to rhodopsin-like proton pumping?

What alternative photosynthetic systems developed in the fields of artificial photosynthesis and synthetic biology might arise naturally or lead to technosignatures?

What spectral signatures of photopigments are possible on planets orbiting other stars, and what are the near-term and long-term observatory capabilities that may be able to detect these signatures?

Applications for in-person attendance are now open.
We anticipate inviting 40-50 in-person attendees based on applications received, spanning early career to senior researchers.
Virtual attendance will be unlimited.
The deadline to apply is January 11, 2026.

13th International Conference Photosynthesis and Hydrogen energy research for sustainability
2026-05-17 - 2026-05-20 | Gaeta, Italy, Gaeta, Italy
The conference features plenary sessions, poster sessions, and two series of parallel oral sessions, one focused on photosynthesis issues and the other on hydrogen issues.
Selected papers will be published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
Additionally, please visit the official website of this conference series for more information.
KEY DATES
New abstract submission deadline: January 15, 2026
New abstracts acceptance notification: January 30, 2026
Early bird registration deadline: February 28, 2026
Regular registration deadline: April 15, 2026
Conference: May 17-20, 2026
For all up-to-date information, please visit the conference website at https://phrs.entrat.eu/

International Conference on Algae and Sustainability 2026
2026-07-24 - 2026-07-26 | Nanchang, China, Nanchang, China
The International Conference on Algae and Sustainability 2026 (ALGS 2026) has developed from the highly successful International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts. By broadening the conference scope, we aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, address global sustainability challenges, and highlight innovative solutions that leverage algal research for a more sustainable future.
The conference will focus on exploring the latest research frontiers, innovative applications, and practical solutions that leverage algae to address global sustainability challenges.
The scope encompasses the entire value chain of algae research and utilization, from fundamental biological studies to cutting-edge technological developments and industrial implementations.
The conference will also emphasize cross-disciplinary collaboration and international cooperation to accelerate the translation of algal research into real-world sustainable practices, fostering a greener and more sustainable future through the power of algae.
For full details please see the website.

International Conference on Photosynthesis Research: ICPR2026
2026-07-26 08:00 - 2026-07-30 17:00 (Europe/London) | Liverpool, England, Liverpool, United Kingdom
We are delighted to announce that ICPR2026, the International Conference on Photosynthesis Research, will take place from 26–30 July 2026, hosted at the iconic AAC Liverpool, United Kingdom, and available online for remote participants.
The last five years have seen historic advances in our understanding of photosynthetic mechanisms, regulation, and biotechnological improvement. Now, the challenge is to translate this knowledge into powerful applications—improving crop yields, enhancing terrestrial carbon sinks, and building nature-based solutions to address climate change sustainably.
ICPR2026 will bring together researchers from academia and industry at the forefront of this field. Attendees will share the latest breakthroughs, explore emerging directions in both natural and artificial photosynthesis, and collaborate on solutions that advance food security and environmental resilience.
Programme Highlights:
– Keynote and plenary lectures from leading international scientists
– Thematic concurrent sessions covering mechanistic insights, engineering, environmental applications, and more
– Lively poster sessions and dedicated time for networking
– Opportunities for early-career researchers
– Social events, including an opening reception and a conference dinner at Liverpool Cathedral
► Registration opens January 2026
► Full programme and details: https://web.cvent.com/event/58e19504-6a4b-43f2-b19e-f8c009e4f3d5/summary
We look forward to welcoming you to Liverpool for an inspiring exchange at the frontiers of photosynthesis research!
