Metagenomics Technical Interface Meeting: Protocol Critique and Convergence

The Metagenomics Technical Interface Meeting: Protocol Critique and Convergence is scheduled for Jan. 27-29, 2026, at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. This will be a hybrid event. The purpose of the meeting is to build consensus around a metagenomics pipeline for robotic, low-biomass missions to Mars.

Event Information

• Goal: To facilitate convergence toward a U.S./NASA standard protocol.
• Format: Plenary presentations, community discussion and live polling.
• Objectives:

• Present experimental results for each major pipeline step: sample prep, DNA extraction, sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Invite community critique and refinement.
• Showcase industry technologies and identify alignment or gaps.

There is also an optional tour of JPL on Thursday, Jan. 29.

The workshop will be held at JPL in Building 321, Room B20.

Click here for a map of JPL that includes details on where to park and how to get to the meeting.