Welcome to CGUE26

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the 2026 edition of Comparative Genomics of Unicellular Eukaryotes: Exceptions to the rules.

Despite accounting for an estimated 70% of all eukaryotic species, protists remain dramatically underrepresented in genomic databases. Even with the comparatively limited data available, protist genomes have repeatedly challenged long-held assumptions in cell and genome biology. They reveal extraordinary structural, functional, and evolutionary innovations. As sequencing technologies advance, the field is shifting toward a “post-genomic era,” where understanding the function of genomes—how they shape cells, ecology, and evolution—becomes the central challenge. This workshop brings together researchers from across disciplines to explore that frontier.

We warmly welcome participants from all backgrounds and career stages. We have an exciting program planned filled with invited and contributed talks, poster sessions, early career researcher training events and networking opportunities.

Join us as we explore the most diverse, surprising, and still largely uncharted branches of the eukaryotic tree.

More details to follow. Please save the date!