Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC) at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is pleased to announce the KAUST Research Conference 2022 on Advances in Metagenomics and its applications.
Metagenomics has a potential not only to reveal taxonomic and functional diversity of specific environments that could not be done otherwise, but also to revolutionize areas of biotechnology. The results of metagenomics analysis can be used in many different industrial applications, such as soil management, bioprospecting for industrially relevant enzymes and compounds, detection of novel genes and proteins, medical diagnostics, oil industry, epidemiology, and many others; warranting an additional avenue for the diversification of the Saudi economy. Potential industrial applications are still evolving and new ones are being identified regularly. Most recently, metagenomics allowed for better understanding of the nature of SARS-CoV-2 virus through mapping viral mutation dynamics.
The meeting will address metagenomics tools, resources, approaches, results and practical applications as well as present an opportunity for the participants to exchange data, ideas and practices in this field. I strongly believe that this conference will enrich our experiences through the exchange of ideas and inspire young research to undertake the grand challenges of our time
On behalf of CBRC and the organizing committee, I would like to welcome all participants. As always, I look forward to a fruitful exchange of ideas and hope that you will enjoy your stay at KAUST and Saudi Arabia.
Distinguished Professor Takashi Gojobori, Acting CBRC Director and Conference Chair