More than 100 researchers around the world gathered at ELSI for the 8th ELSI International Symposium. 

The 8th ELSI International Symposium of the Earth-Life Science Institute at the Tokyo Institute of Technology was held on February 3–7, 2020. Because the term “Catalysis” is interpreted and used in many different ways among various research fields, the goal of the symposium was set to bring together researchers from various fields to extend the view(s) of catalysis. 

The programme started with a keynote lecture from Shuji Akiyama (Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences) on catalysis within the circadian rhythm, a process that synchronises biological reactions to the day-night cycle of the Earth. This was followed by six scientific sessions that encompassed experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to understand catalysis applied to materials organisation, biopolymer synthesis, geochemical processes, planetary dynamics, and life in extreme environments and beyond. Researchers from each field were exposed to these seemingly unconnected subjects, and were led to brewing thoughts over a few days, resulting in an intensive and creative discussion among participants during the both the group discussion as well as the panel discussion, held on the final day of the main symposium. The outcome of the discussion raised some emerging discussion topics such as “catalysis theory and reaction networks”, “catalysts for the origin of life” and “catalysis in geochemistry and biochemistry: a continuous progression or independent?”. These topics were discussed in independent after-shop group meetings, in which some were so intensive that they decided to spend the entire day for further discussion. 

The symposium attracted 110 participants from 11 countries. More than 20 students and young scientists participated in the early career session held one day before the main symposium. The combination of the six scientific sessions helped to extend the view(s) of catalysis in chemical, biological, and planetary processes, providing a unique outlook to anticipated developments in the coming year and the distant future.

Recorded lectures: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgCfQ_4nJyOjbIfF086PABTrJ_l3cK1fk

Symposium programme: https://symposium8.elsi.jp/#h.p_fUFYH6rsCd98

Group photo of the 8th symposium organisers.