Computational and experimental microbiomics Bath, UK 6-18 July 2026 We are pleased to announce the EMBO Practical Course: Computational and experimental microbiomics, to be held at the University of Bath, UK from 6-18 July 2026. Course website: https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-microbiomics Recent advances in computational approaches including metagenomics and multi-omits dataset integration are transforming understanding of microbiota composition and dynamics. At the same time, genetically tractable zebrafish have emerged as a powerful alternative to rodent models for sophisticated imaging-based characterisation of dynamic host-microbe relationships. This EMBO Practical Course is designed to give participants a comprehensive exposure to these cutting-edge approaches. You will learn how to sample, sequence, assemble and interpret metagenomes, quantify the host responses they elicit and study the evolution of their constituent taxa and host co-evolution - using a range of genomic, comparative genomic and phylogenetic methods. Concurrently, you will learn how to characterise the impacts of core members of the bacterial microbiome on metabolic signalling in zebrafish and determine the effects of modified bacterial communities on lipid metabolism using state of the art imaging approaches. This mix of computational and experimental skill training will be complemented by speakers who represent leading lights in microbiome studies using both computational and experimental approaches, as well as experts on microbial evolution. Application deadline: 15th April (abstracts), 11 May (registration) Travel grants and registration fee waivers are available for participants. For more information and to apply, visit: https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-microbiomics Tom Williams (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)