X European Congress of Protistology
Protistology & Society
University of Kent in Canterbury (UK)
August 2 - 6th, 2027
We welcome contributions on all aspects of protistology and especially encourage those that embrace ECOP X’s theme: Protistology & Society. Our vision is to create an affordable, accessible, and inclusive meeting in the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage city of Canterbury.
Through keynote lectures, symposia, your contributions, and outreach sessions, we will explore the importance of protists to humans, plants, animals, and ecosystems. In doing so, we hope to increase public and scientific awareness of the integral role that protists play in a surprisingly wide range of fields, including food security, human health, biotechnology, bioremediation, environmental change, and even education.
ISEP and ISOP sponsored sessions will be announced soon, highlighting evolutionary protistology and additional thematic areas to ensure a broad and inclusive scientific programme.
Protistology & Society:
Integrating protists into One Health
Affordability, Accessibility, and Inclusion:
We see an inclusive scientific conference as paramount. ECOP X is held at the University of Kent, which offers inexpensive on‑campus accommodation and meals at reasonable rates. The University of Kent has committed to achieving net‑zero carbon emissions by 2040, supporting a more sustainable conference experience. Finally, travel awards for early‑career researchers are available through ISOP.
Affordable single and double rooms, with optional breakfast, will be available at the University of Kent, placing delegates within easy walking distance of all ECOP X venues. Lunch, tea, and coffee are all included in the registration fee. Child‑care options may be available at an additional cost once confirmed with our partner organisation. Additional events, including breakfast options, excursions, and banquet-style dinners, are offered at accessible prices to support full participation from conference attendees.
Organizing Committee:
Dr. Anastasios D. Tsaousis - Congress Chair
With over a decade of leadership in molecular and evolutionary parasitology, Dr. 'Tasos' is a Reader and PI at the University of Kent, the founder of AgrosBiome, and Secretary General for the World Federation of Parasitologists. His website can be found here.
As Congress Chair, he leads the strategic direction of ECOP X and represents the meeting across ISOP, ISEP, and Protistology‑UK.
Protistology-UK Committee:
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Ordinary Member - Local Meeting Coordinator
Webmaster
Ordinary Member
Ordinary Member
Membership Secretary
Timeline at a glance:
Registration opens:
End of 2026
Early-bird rate closes:
April 1st 2027
Abstract submission deadline:
31st March 2027
Registration closes:
1st July 2027
Conference dates:
2nd-6th August 2027
Sessions:
Protists and Human Health
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Diseases, beneficial symbionts, foods...
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The Human Microbiome: Beneficial Roles of Intestinal Protists
Protists and the Big Question
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Origins of eukaryotic life and organelles
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Endosymbiosis 2.0: Secondary and Tertiary Acquisitions
Agriculture and Aquaculture
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Protists in crop and aquatic systems
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Precision Agriculture: Leveraging Protist Communities
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Protists and Organic Farming Practices
Protists in Biotechnology
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Bread, wine, fatty acids, supplements, bioactive molecules
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CRISPR and Genetic Engineering of Protists
Protists as Tools for Education
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Teaching and learning with protists
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Museum Exhibits and Science Communication about Protists
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Protist Education
Plus Local Excursions and Networking opportunities
Please find the schedule here
Canterbury: The Cathedral City
Canterbury is a historic cathedral city in the heart of Kent, known for its medieval architecture, green spaces, and vibrant cultural scene. The city centre is compact and walkable, with cafés, pubs, parks, museums, and riverside paths all within easy reach. Canterbury offers a blend of heritage and modern life: quiet gardens, Tudor lanes, contemporary restaurants, and excellent transport links.
Delegates can also explore nearby coastal towns such as Whitstable, Margate, and Deal, or visit the iconic White Cliffs of Dover - all easily accessible by public transport.
This is a warm, welcoming city with plenty to enjoy for attendees, friends, and families. For more information, please visit this site.
Traveling to Canterbury:
