Although this is a "European Congress", it is open to all protistologists from around the world, and for that matter, everyone interested in protistology.
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
An overview of the structure
-
ECOP X will be held at the University of Kent.
-
On campus, affordable single and double rooms with breakfast will be available.
-
The full meeting is four and a half days long.
-
Registration includes the opening mixer, lunch, and coffee break refreshments.
-
Child‑care options may be available at additional costs, once confirmed.
-
Additional events, including excursions and the meeting's banquet will be offered at accessible prices.
-
Travel awards for early‑career researchers are available through ISOP.
An overview of costs for attendance
Early-bird Conference Packages are available until Wednesday 31st March
-
Early Careers (students and postdocs within their first 3 years) £300
-
Established Academics £380
Standard Conference Packages after Wednesday 31st March
-
Early Careers (students and postdocs within their first 3 years) £420
-
Established Academics £500
Optional packages:
On campus bed & breakfast accommodation:
-
Single en-suite £50/night
-
Double en-suite (single occupancy) £63/night
-
Double en-suite £73/night
The Conference Banquet (Thursday 5th August) £55
-
includes a pre-dinner drinks reception, wine at the tables, and a cash bar
Registration and payment are through the University of Kent
All registrations must be paid in full at time of booking by debit or credit card. The University does not have the facility to accept purchase orders or invoices for payment
Contact Information
If you have queries regarding the conference, please contact the meeting organizer, Dr. Anastosios (Tasos) Tsaousis: A.Tsaousis@kent.ac.uk
Proposed Session themes
Protists and Human Health
-
Diseases, beneficial symbionts, foods...
-
The Human Microbiome: Beneficial Roles of Intestinal Protists
Protists and the Big Question
-
Origins of eukaryotic life and organelles
-
Endosymbiosis 2.0: Secondary and Tertiary Acquisitions
Agriculture and Aquaculture
-
Protists in crop and aquatic systems
-
Precision Agriculture: Leveraging Protist Communities
-
Protists and Organic Farming Practices
Protists in Biotechnology
-
Bread, wine, fatty acids, supplements, bioactive molecules
-
CRISPR and Genetic Engineering of Protists
Protists as Tools for Education
-
Teaching and learning with protists
-
Museum Exhibits and Science Communication about Protists
-
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Protist Education
Plus Local Excursions and Networking opportunities
Please find the schedule here
Committee Lead & Partners
Dr. Anastasios D. Tsaousis
Congress Chair
Dr Micah Dunthorn
ISOP Program & Meeting Chairperson
Dr. Joel Dacks
JEM Editor-in-Cheif
Dr. Michelle Leger
ISEP representitive
Protistology-UK Support
President
Past President
Secretary
Treasurer
Ordinary Member - Local Meeting Coordinator
Webmaster
Ordinary Member
Ordinary Member
Membership Secretary
Outreach Officer
Dr Ronnie Mooney
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.
