Over time microorganisms have evolved many different molecular mechanisms to sense, respond and adapt to stress conditions. These mechanisms can drive altered gene expression and provoke changes in protein composition, metabolism, morphology and physiology. What are these molecular mechanisms? How are signals conveyed within a cell or a microbial community? Which cellular responses are triggered by sensing stress? What methods are used to analyze these stress responses?

Synthesis of value-added products at levels relevant for industrial production often requires microorganisms to perform under conditions that are different to optimal physiological conditions that may trigger different stress responses. Stress in this context includes but is not limited to physical (e.g., pH, temperature, aeration), chemical (e.g., high substrate and product concentrations), and metabolic (e.g., carbon, energy and redox) parameters. How can stress responses be mitigated or exploited in a bioproduction environment? What are the implications for strain design?

Microbial life is found in almost all ecosystems on Earth. Various biotic and abiotic stresses serve as evolutionary drivers. Harsh conditions associated with these ecosystems include high or low temperatures, salt stress, high or low pH, etc. Specialized microorganisms (extremophiles) can thrive under these conditions. These organisms display a broad range of sophisticated mechanisms to deal with the challenges of ecological niches. What are these mechanisms? Which evolutionary drivers shape microbial life?

Soil is a complex, heterogenous habitat, which is critical for plant growth and performance. The composition and properties of soil are in turn significantly influenced by microorganisms. Changing climatic conditions, agricultural practices and the input of man-made substances lead to changing stresses that affect microorganisms. Plant pathogens, which can cause enormous crop losses, are exposed to numerous stresses through plant defence mechanisms. How do successful pathogens ameliorate these stresses? What are some examples of these stresses, and what impact do they have on the responses shown by organisms in the soil?

Human cells are in direct contact with multiple microbial communities primarily via intestine and skin. Lifestyle, nutrition and diseases are some of the environmental factors influencing and changing the interactions between microbes and the host organism. Which stress mechanisms are associated to this complex network of interactions?