Viruses are a ubiquitous and integral component of Earth’s ecosystems, including marine microbial communities. Virally mediated mechanisms play a central role in carbon cycling and export processes. Despite their known prevalence and activity in marine systems, fundamental knowledge gaps preclude robust representation of viruses in marine ecosystem and biogeochemical models.  

To build a more cohesive marine virus research community, this workshop will bring together the knowledge and perspectives of microbiologists, viral ecologists, geochemists, and ecosystem and biogeochemical modelers. Participants will discuss existing and aspirational datasets to inform representation of viruses in models. Discussions will also focus on identifying standardized protocols, field and laboratory experiments, and other community activities and tools that would help advance our understanding of marine carbon transport via viruses. This workshop will lead to the publication of a synthesis paper describing our current state of knowledge and a holistic roadmap for addressing gaps in our observations, process understanding, and technological and computing capabilities to propel marine virus research forward and improve our capacity to understand, model and predict their roles in marine ecosystem function. Keynote speakers will include: