Recap on UBRA Conference on „Oceanic Nitrogen Cycling“

After the two conference chairs, Prof. Dr. Bess Ward from Princeton University and Dr. Hannah Marchant from MPIMM, warmly welcomed the participants, a series of presentations followed, focusing on the dynamics of the nitrogen cycle in oxygen-deficient zones. Dr. Xin Sun (Carnegie Science, USA) gave a presentation on the influence of ecological factors on microbial denitrification processes and their role in the accumulation of nitrite in marine environments. Dr. Shengjie Li (MPIMM Bremen, Germany) provided insights into microbial colonization of sinking particles in such regions, while Prof. Dr. Bo Thamdrup (University of Gothenburg, Sweden) highlighted denitrification as a dominant nitrogen loss pathway in low-oxygen marine waters.

The program continued with a talk by Samantha Fortin (Princeton University), who explored how large-scale climate patterns such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) impact nitrogen transformation processes in low-oxygen zones. Prof. Dr. Michael Beman (University of California, Merced) presented findings on the diversity and metabolic activity of nitrifying microorganisms that convert ammonium into nitrite and nitrate. Dr. Scott Wankel (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) expanded the discussion by examining interactions between nitrification and other redox-active elements, including iron, manganese, and sulfur, in the Baltic Sea.

Overall, the UBRA Conference proved to be a great success. In addition to the scientific exchange on current research findings, the event also actively promoted networking among the attending researchers, who represented approximately 70% of the participants at ICoN conferences. The content focused not only on classic processes of the marine nitrogen cycle, but also on emerging research perspectives – such as the structural flexibility of microbial denitrification pathways, the significance of organic particles for nitrogen loss in the ocean, and interactions with other biogeochemical cycles. The presentations sparked lively discussions and provided valuable input for future interdisciplinary collaborations.

Further joint projects to promote personal exchange and cooperation between the participating UBRA member institutions are already being planned. These include joint fieldwork as part of the new infrastructure initiative SPP 2520 “Research Vessels,” which will investigate the links between microbial nitrogen regeneration and its impact on marine productivity and carbon export in a changing ocean.