Since their discovery as a separate domain by Carl Woese, Archaea have been a goldmine for unexpected discoveries. Their information processing systems are intensely studied as their similarity to their eukaryotic counterparts provides insight into the evolution of these complex machineries in both domains and informs medical research. Unusual viruses and genetic elements of the Archaea have expanded and changed some of the general dogmas of mobile elements, and their widespread CRISPR systems provide novel genetic tools. Besides being extremophilic organisms, an unexpected diversity of Archaea are being discovered in moderate environments through metagenomics. Among these are Lokiarchaeota and related lineages, that have shattered the “three-domain tree of life” and led to novel hypotheses of early eukaryotic evolution. The ecological significance of Archaea is strengthened by the recognition of methanogenic and ammonia oxidizing Archaea as key players in global biogeochemical cycles. Moreover, novel lineages have recently been identified in the human microbiome.

This interdisciplinary EMBO Workshop highlights these important advancements with a focus on molecular biology, genomics, evolution and ecology, and provides a platform for collaborations and open discussions on novel and controversial topics in this rapidly evolving field.

Christa Schleper and Christine Moissl-Eichinger

Visit the website: http://meetings.embo.org/event/18-archaea