Microbial metabolites in complex host ecosystems

Ashley Wolf — awolf@berkeley.edu

Carrie Cowardin — cac4an@virginia.edu

Ansel Hsiao — ansel.hsiao@ucr.edu

Microbial Metabolites in Complex Host Ecosystems will bring together researchers exploring the mechanistic underpinnings of microbial interactions with other microbes and their hosts. The human gut microbiome is one example of a host ecosystem where microbial interactions have a strong impact on host health and biology through complex mechanisms often driven by specific metabolites. This workshop will focus on the production, transformation, and signaling roles of microbial metabolites that shape host physiology, immune responses, and inter-microbial interactions across diverse ecosystems. This topic is inherently interdisciplinary, and we have chosen attendees with diverse expertise in microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, chemistry, physics, computational biology and mathematical modeling. Through integrative discussions spanning metabolomics, multi-omics analysis, and systems biology, participants will examine how metabolic exchange drives community structure, cross-kingdom communication, and health outcomes. The session will emphasize methodological advances and conceptual frameworks linking microbial metabolism to functional resilience and precision interventions within host-associated environments.

We wish to ensure an intimate workshop setting, with no more than 20 to 25 participants. If you are interested in attending but have not received an invitation, please contact the workshop organizer before registering.

Sessions typically run mornings and late afternoons, leaving mid-day free for informal collaboration.

Travel to Telluride can be expensive; please assess your own potential travel costs before registering.

Please book your travel plans! The Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the most reliable and convenient airport for Telluride.

Telluride Science can provide lodging starting as low as $215/night during off-peak weeks and as low as $250/night during peak-season at the Mountainside Inn. These affordable lodging options are limited and available first-come, first-serve. To encourage participants to secure affordable lodging, we offer a $100 discount on lodging provided through Telluride Science that is secured before the Early Bird deadline. Additionally, we work with many lodging providers in Telluride and Mountain Village to offer discounts between 10-15% off your total lodging balance. Additional information provided with registration.

If you have more questions about lodging, reach out to Sara at sara@telluridescience.org.

Registrations may be refunded less a $25 cancellation fee. If cancelled before the lodging cancellation deadline, lodging payments are refundable less a $100 cancellation fee. It is each participant's responsibility to confirm and understand their own lodging cancellation deadline. Travel insurance is highly recommended.