Exploring viral informatics - IMG/M-ER workshop at The Joint Genome Institute

In September, our cohort traveled to the DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) for a hands-on workshop on IMG/M-ER (Integrated Microbial Genomes & Microbiomes Expert Review system). The sessions were led by Dr. Simon Roux, Dr. Natalia Ivanova, and Dr. Rekha Seshadri, who brought their expertise in viral informatics, microbial genomics, and functional annotation to the classroom.

Over the course of the workshop, participants were introduced to:

• Navigating the IMG/M-ER platform for microbial and viral genome analysis

• Exploring microbial community datasets to uncover functional potential

• Annotating genes, comparing genomes, and applying bioinformatics pipelines to real-world environmental data

For many in our cohort, this was their first in-depth exposure to large-scale microbial data analysis. The workshop bridged the gap between benchwork and computation, showing how genomic tools can reveal hidden patterns in microbial and viral communities.

What made this workshop especially impactful was the opportunity to interact directly with the scientists driving these tools forward. Simon, Natalia, and Rekha shared not just technical know-how, but also insights into how computational methods are transforming microbiology—whether in environmental systems, human health, or biotechnology.

The event reinforced a key message: modern microbiology is powered by data as much as by experiments, and learning to work across both is essential for the next generation of scientists.

We are deeply grateful to our colleagues at JGI for hosting this immersive training and for mentoring our students in both the science and the mindset of discovery.

(Photos: cohort working on laptops, exploring IMG/M-ER workflows, and engaging in discussions with JGI scientists)