Aquillah Kanzi, a PhD student of the TPCP research group in FABI, attended the EMBO Conference in Barcelona, Spain, from 17-22 October where he presented results of his research project. The conference was hosted by the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) at Eden Roc Hotel in Sant Feliu de Guixols. The theme of the Conference was “Exploring the genomic complexity and diversity of eukaryotes”. The keynote address was by Prof. Michael Gray from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, who spoke about “Mitochondrial genomes - anything goes”. The conference commenced with a range of speakers presenting exciting and thought provoking work. Topics included phylogenomics, single cell genomics, biodiversity, functional genomics, evolution of sex, environmental genomics, symbiotic and parasitic interactions, genome organization, ancestral genomes, and horizontal gene transfer. 

The conference organisers arranged a social activity where attendees toured the ancient Roman city of Girona. The conference was closed with a cocktail party with entertainment by Flamenco dancers and a dinner. Aquillah described the conference as a great success and an excellent learning experience for him.