International Society for Diatom Research
  • Home
  • About
    • About ISDR
    • Council Members
    • Society People
    • Diatom Research
    • Contact Us
  • Membership
  • ISDR Meetings
  • ISDR Grants
    • About
    • How to apply
  • Announcements
    • News
    • Meetings
    • Opportunities
    • Networking
  • Diatom Of The Month
    • About
    • DOM
  • Young ISDR
    • About
    • Young ISDR Blog
  • Log in
Select Page

ISDR26: A reflection on diatoms and the people who study them

by Caroline McKenzie |

Diatoms are globally widespread, highly diverse and deeply linked to ecological life as we know it. Perhaps then, it is unsurprising that such diverse organisms have a way of bringing together people from different walks of research. Material scientists, biotechnologists, taxonomists, ecologists, geologists, bioinformaticians, molecular biologists and phylogeneticists  are all united under the umbrella of ‘diatomist’. Experiencing a gathering of diverse specialists at ISDR26 was something of a treat for me coming from a  biochemical/molecular background. I learnt so much about the sheer breath of diatom species and how they interact with, and indicate for, the environment. Personally, I was challenged in my assumptions of how we use model organisms to represent ‘diatoms’. How can one or two organisms truly reflect the ecological diversity present? Perhaps in future I will assess claims with a more nuanced eye.

Aside from the diatoms, I found that the people studying them were friendly, encouraging and cared not just about my research but about me as a person. This was a refreshing experience in the often fast-paced world of scientific research. I am hopeful that relationships established in Yamagata will be nurtured and flourish over the years. In particular, meeting the network of young diatomists stimulated a desire in me to continue studying, sharing and caring about these tiny organisms. I was given the opportunity to share my research and ask questions of others. To discuss, and eat, and laugh and sing with new friends from across the world.

Caroline presents her poster at the conference.

Caroline McKenzie

Recent News

2023

  • Andrzej Witkowski – in Memoriam
  • ISDR26: A reflection on diatoms and the people who study them
  • PUBLICATION: Diatoms of Montana
  • ISDR Working Groups
  • Report from Yamagata
  • Report from Yamagata
  • Scenes from Yamagata
  • Report from Yamagata
  • Live from Yamagata
  • Image folder for IDS Yamagata



    Get In Touch

    If you’d like to know more, please contact us to get involved and learn about diatom research around the world.

    Contact ISDR

    • facebook
    • twitter

    ISDR Mission

    The International Society for Diatom Research promotes fundamental diatom research and translation of that research for public benefit throughout the world.

    The International Society for Diatom Research

    Society Details

    secretary@isdr.org
    president@isdr.org
    treasurer@isdr.org
    editor@isdr.org
    webmaster@isdr.org
    youngISDR@isdr.org

    Registered Charity (1054897)

    ISDR Constitution
    Privacy Policy

    Copyright 2023 © The International Society For Diatom Research | Site design by The Big Idea