From September 8 to 12, 2025, the 18^th International Symposium on Phototrophic Prokaryotes (ISPP 2025) was successfully held in Qingdao, China. As the most influential international academic conference in the field of photosynthetic prokaryotes, ISPP is held every three years. This year marked the first time the prestigious event has been taken place in China since its inception in 1973, highlighting the country’s growing international influence and academic leadership in the research of photosynthetic prokaryotes. The symposium was hosted by the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), with co-organization by the Institute of Hydrobiology, CAS and Qingdao Zhongke Smart Cyano Biotech Development Co., Ltd. Prof. ZHAO Jindong, an academician of CAS and professor at Peking University, served as the conference chair.

At the opening ceremony, Prof. LU Xuefeng, Director of QIBEBT, delivered a welcome address on behalf of the host institution. He extended a warm welcome to scholars from around the globe and emphasized the landmark significance of hosting ISPP in China for advancing scientific development, technological progress, and international academic exchange in the field of photosynthetic prokaryotes.

The symposium attracted over 300 experts, scholars, and young researchers from more than 90 research institutions and universities across 19 countries. Participants engaged in lively discussions on the latest scientific advancements and emerging trends related to phototrophic prokaryotes. The conference featured five thematic sessions: "Reaction Centers, Antennae. and Bioenergetics", "Metabolism, Biosynthesis, and Physiology", "Cell Structure and Biology, Development", "Taxonomy, Ecology, and Evolution", and "Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology", comprehensively presenting research hotspots and the latest advancements in the field.

Two internationally renowned experts were invited to deliver plenary lectures: Professor Susan S. Golden, a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and an authority in the cyanobacterial circadian clock from the University of California, San Diego, and Professor Shen Jian-Ren, a leading scientist in the structural biology of photosynthetic systems from Okayama University, Japan. The agenda also included 20 invited talks, 45 oral presentations (including 5 Outstanding Young Student reports ), and 110 poster presentations. A committee of 40 senior experts selected ten presentations for the “Excellent Poster Awards”, which encouraged young scientists to pursue innovative research.

During the symposium, breakthrough achievements in photosynthetic microorganism research by the host institution, QIBEBT, garnered significant attention. Professor LU Xuefeng presented an invited report on the development and industrial application of cyanobacteria-based glucosylglycerol technology, which received widespread interest. Prof. XU Jian, Prof. ZHANG Yongyu, and Dr. ZHU Tao presented their work on high-throughput Raman-activated cell sorting of microalgae, interactions between cyanobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria and CRISPR-transposase regulation in cyanobacteria, respectively, demonstrating the institute’s comprehensive research capabilities.

In keeping with ISPP’s tradition of fostering academic exchange through sports, the conference specially organized traditional Chinese group activities, such as “Dragon Dancing”（舞龙） and “Team Drum”(同心鼓), which fostered friendship among participants. The conference logo creatively blended the structure of photosynthetic membrane protein complexes with elements of Qingdao’s cityscape, symbolizing the harmonious fusion of academic themes and local culture.

The closing ceremony was presided over by Academician Zhao Jindong. Dr. Duan Yangkai, CEO of Qingdao Zhongke Smart Cyano Biotech Development Co., Ltd., offered a speech as a representative sponsor. Prof. Annegret Wilde, Chair of the ISPP International Scientific Committee from the University of Freiburg, Germany, highly praised the organization and academic quality of the conference. She also announced that the next ISPP will be held in Třeboň, Czech Republic. Prof. Michal Koblížek from the Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the next organizer, warmly invited experts and scholars worldwide to gather once again to contribute to the future development of the field.

ISPP 2025 provided a high-level, broad, and multi-dimensional exchange platform for global researchers in photosynthetic prokaryotes. It not only significantly enhanced China's international influence in this field but also injected strong momentum into future international cooperation and innovative research and development.