Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the organizing committee, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 15th International Congress on Extremophiles (Extremophiles 2026) to be held in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

This congress carries special significance as it celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the International Society of Extremophiles (ISE)—a community that has pioneered and advanced extremophile research across the globe. It also marks the 10th Anniversary of the Division of Extremophiles within the Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology (KMB), further emphasizing the importance of this moment in the context of Korean scientific development. Set against the vibrant and dynamic backdrop of Seoul, where centuries-old tradition meets world-leading innovation, this event aspires to connect the society’s rich history with the forward-looking vision of extremophile science in the age of bioeconomy.

Under the central theme, “Extremophiles and extremozymes: From Life at the Limits to a Sustainable Bioeconomy,” this conference will spotlight the immense potential of extremophiles and extremozymes as next-generation key drivers of sustainable biotechnology. By focusing on the integration of advanced omics technologies and computational biology, Extremophiles 2026 will explore how these remarkable organisms can power a more sustainable and resilient bio-based economy.

The scientific program will encompass a wide spectrum of cutting-edge topics—from the origin of life and microbial ecology to molecular adaptation, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and biotechnology in extreme environments. Special sessions will address the integration of omics technologies and computational platforms, bridging fundamental discovery and practical innovation.

Extremophiles 2026 will be a dynamic venue to share breakthroughs, foster international collaborations, and inspire the next generation of researchers. We are especially committed to creating opportunities for young scientists and early-career researchers to engage meaningfully with leading experts in the field.

We warmly invite you to join us at Yonsei University, Seoul for this landmark congress as we celebrate the legacy of ISE and look ahead to the exciting future of extremophile research.

We look forward to welcoming you to Extremophiles 2026.

Warm sincere anticipation,