Microbiome ANCHOR

June 8-10, 2026

For researchers interested in microbial communities, the methods used to study them, and their diverse applications.

Microbiome ANCHOR (Advancing Novel Computational and High-quality Omics Research) is an intimate microbiome conference to share ideas and foster meaningful connections.
The goal of the conference is to bring together researchers interested in microbial communities, the methods used to study them, and their diverse applications.
Microbiome ANCHOR aims to bring together scientists from Canada and around the world to share cutting-edge microbiome research and facilitate networking.
The program includes presentations by globally acclaimed researchers and brilliant early career researchers, as well as multiple short talks and poster presentations from trainees.
With just under 100 attendees, Microbiome ANCHOR will provide an intimate environment for researchers to interact.
The program is structured in a single session format with sponsor tables in the refreshment area. This allows both attendees and sponsors to attend all sessions while maximizing interactions during the breaks and poster sessions.

Human Health (disease and AMR)
Computational approaches (new tools or assessment of tools)
Integrating Omic Technologies (non-genomic approaches,
and/or combining metabolomics/transcriptomics, etc.)
Environmental Interactions (ocean, soil, plastics, etc.)
Host-associations
Viral and Eukaryotic communities
Putting Microbes to work
Ecological Modelling

Sean Gibbons, PhD
Institute for Systems Biology
Seattle, Washington

Isabelle Laforest-Lapointe, PhD
Université de Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke, Quebec

Deanna Gibson, PhD
University of British Columbia
Kelowna, British Columbia

Leila J. Hamdan, PhD
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Come take in the ocean air, sweeping coastal views, and experience the mysteries of Oak Island!
Microbiome ANCHOR is being held at Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre, – 36 Treasure Dr, Western Shore, Nova Scotia, Canada (Map) .
Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre is approximately 100km (~1 hr) from Halifax Stanfield International Airport Travel.
You may rent a car or take a taxi to Oak Island Resort. For taxi service, we recommend On Time Flight Taxi Services. They accommodate up to 6 passengers, offer student discounts, and can be booked online in advance.

After an inspiring day of talks, head to Three Sheets Bar + Social in the evening to continue networking and take in some live entertainment.
Interested in the mysteries of Oak Island? Boat tours are available here.
At the on-site marina you can access boat tours or rent a bike, paddle board, or kayak.
Oak Island Resort has multiple options for on-site recreation including an indoor pool, fitness room, tennis court, mini putt, and walking trials. Check out a full list of activities here
Just a short drive away are several great attractions.

Organized by the Langille Lab and the Integrated Microbiome Resource (IMR) at Dalhousie University.