The conference, held from September 8th to 11th at the Caixa Forum in València, located within the City of Arts and Sciences complex, served as a platform for knowledge exchange and debate on the latest scientific breakthroughs in the physiology, metabolism, and genetics of yeasts and filamentous fungi, as well as their biotechnological applications. The event brought together researchers, academics, and industry professionals.
Amparo Querol, a researcher at IATA and member of the Scientific and Organizing Committee, highlighted the success of the congress, which allowed for «cutting-edge results, methodology comparison, and exploration of interdisciplinary synergies».
The presentations focused on the diversity of yeast and filamentous fungi species, combining fundamental and applied approaches. Challenges and advancements in fungal biotechnology were addressed, including evolution and adaptation, synthetic biology, systems biology, applications in food and beverage fermentations, and the use of artificial intelligence and data science. Poster sessions were also held.
Throughout the sessions, the mechanisms of fungal evolution and adaptation, their pathogenicity and resistance, and new biotechnological tools were explored. Emphasis was placed on the potential of these microorganisms to innovate in food and beverage production, develop new biotechnological processes, and promote a more sustainable bioeconomy, with artificial intelligence as a key tool.
IATA staff actively participated in the organization, session moderation, and as speakers. The organizing committee included researchers such as Amparo Querol, José Manuel Guillamón, Sergi Puig, Paloma Manzanares, José F. Marcos, Sandra Garrigues, Estéfani García-Ríos, Davis Peris, and Juan Antonio Tamayo, along with Eladio Barrio from the University of València. Amparo Querol is also part of the Scientific Committee.
The PYFF conference, held triennially since 2001, is sponsored by the Microbial Biotechnology Division of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB). This year, IATA co-organized the event with the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the University of València (UV), and IMDEA.
