Prof. Dr. Jill Banfield (USA) is a world-leading Geomicrobiologist at the University of California, Berkeley, where she is director of microbiology at the Innovative Genomics Institute. Dr. Banfield uses genome-resolved metagenomics to study microorganisms in natural environments. Her research has revealed vast previously unknown microbial diversity, reshaping our understanding of the tree of life. She also investigates how microbial communities influence geochemical cycles and environmental processes, with applications ranging from bioremediation to human health.