Inaugural Quantitative Microbial Physiology and Ecology (QMPE) Conference Successfully Launches in Shenzhen

The first International Conference on Quantitative Microbial Physiology and Ecology (QMPE), themed "Quantitative Microbial Physiology and Ecology,"  was successfully held from May 12 to 16 in Shenzhen, China. The event convened over 100 leading scholars and young scientists from 35 institutions across 10 countries, including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan.

A Frontier Discipline for Global Challenges
Microbial physiology and ecology is a cutting-edge field that integrates life sciences with quantitative approaches. By leveraging high-throughput single-cell measurements, multi-omics technologies, and mathematical modeling, it deciphers the fundamental principles behind microbial behavior and interactions. This discipline provides critical theoretical and methodological support for addressing strategic national needs in environmental governance, healthcare, and synthetic biomanufacturing.

A Gathering for Deep-Dive Academic Exchange
The conference featured 47 invited speakers from around the world, including 16 female scientists. Participants engaged in robust academic exchanges centered on four core themes:

Spatiotemporal Regulation of Microbial Growth and Division

Microbial Responses and Adaptation in Changing Environments

Ecology and Evolution of Microbial Communities

Gene Regulatory Networks and Physical Processes Underlying Microbial Physiology

These discussions provided an international platform for sharing expertise, fostering methodological innovation, and deepening quantitative research in the field.

A Conference Highlight: The Charles E. Helmstetter Prize
A landmark event of the conference was the presentation of the second Charles E. Helmstetter Prize, awarded in China for the first time. This international award, named after the pioneer of modern bacterial cell cycle research, honors groundbreaking contributions to the field.

Established in 2022 through the joint initiative of eminent microbiologists including Professor Arieh Zaritsky (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel) and Professor Vic Norris (Université de Rouen, France), the prize is chaired by Researcher Chenli Liu of the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT).

The 2025 Helmstetter Prize was conferred upon two preeminent scientists:

Professor Nancy Kleckner (Harvard University), a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, recognized for her seminal discoveries in chromosome replication mechanics and meiosis that have fundamentally advanced the understanding of bacterial cell cycles.

Professor Nathalie Q. Balaban (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem), a renowned biophysicist, honored for her pioneering work in deciphering bacterial persistence and antibiotic resistance mechanisms, offering novel strategies to combat a global health threat.

Dr. Chenli Liu, Chair of the Award Committee, stated, "The laureates exemplify Professor Helmstetter's ethos of 'fundamental research driving transformative breakthroughs.' This recognition celebrates their scholarly achievements and the enduring legacy of our field's foundational thinkers." The ceremony was further enriched by a special virtual dialogue with Professor Helmstetter himself.

Support and Organization
The QMPE Conference was hosted by the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences. The event received support from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Agilent Technologies, Bruker Corporation, Shenzhen Futurui Technology Development Co., Ltd., the National Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, and the Shenzhen Synthetic Biology Association.

Agenda.jpg