Issue 4: December 2025
Welcome to the December 2025 edition of the ISOP Newsletter!
I’m delighted to share the final issue of the year with all of you. In this edition, we highlight a rich collection of stories, reports, and achievements from across the protistology community. Our Member Spotlight returns with another engaging interview—this time, Anthony Bonacolta sits down with Lilach Sheiner. In Protists in the News and Protist Research, we bring you a curated selection of recent papers and popular science pieces showcasing exciting discoveries from around the world.
This issue also features two event reports: a look back at the Keeling–Koonin Symposium held in the Czech Republic, and a summary of the 2025 ICOP Meeting in Seoul, Korea, including recognition of the Jahn–Bovee Student Award winners for best student talk and best poster. Don’t miss the video from the Hutner Award ceremony, where Javier del Campo received this prestigious aweard. We also present updates from the Executive Committee and the latest developments in ISOP membership.
Continuing her thoughtful series, Gaytha Langlois offers Women in Protistology – Part 3. We are also excited to spotlight A Pocket-sized Guide to Protists, a handy and beautifully crafted resource for students, educators, and enthusiasts alike.
Finally, take a moment to read our announcement for Protistology Open 2026, taking place April 19–23, 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic—we hope to see many of you there as we gather again to celebrate and advance our science.
As always, we welcome contributions from our members—be they research highlights, community news, book announcements, or tributes to colleagues. Please reach out if you have something to share for future issues.
I hope you find this winter issue both enjoyable and inspiring. Thank you for being part of our community, and I look forward to hearing from you in the year ahead. Merry Christmas and a successful 2026 to all of you!
Tomáš Pánek
Newsletter Editor
Anthony Bonacolta interviews past ISOP member, Lilach Sheiner, from the University of Glasgow. They discuss her research on Toxoplasma. As an early career scholar, Dr. Sheiner shares advice for others starting their career in protistology.
A Pocket-sized guide to Protists – A Biol203 Primer by Sirus Grames-Webb, Vittorio Boscaro, and Patrick Kelling. Download the pdf.
Society Updates
Executive Committee Summary
Tomáš Pánek provides a summary of the Executive Committee activities. >>Read More>>
The Unfolding Saga of Membership Matters
Gaytha Langlois gives an update on membership issues. >>Read More>>
Featured Articles
Women Protistologists Part III
Gaytha Langlois is continuing her review of prominent women protistologists who serve as role models for today’s researchers, based on their dedication and perseverance to their work despite numerous obstacles. >>Read more>>
Meeting Updates
16th International Congress of Protistology
Read all about the ICOP Meeting in Seoul, Korea, including award winners, presentations, and ISOP Business Meeting >>Read more>>
Protistology Open 2026
Join us in Prague in April 2026 for the annual ISOP meeting. Get the meeting details, including information on student support. >>Read more>>
Member News
Keeling’s Honorary Doctorate and a Week of Protistology Debates
Julius Lukeš shares about protistology lectures and debates hosted by two Czech universities and Academy of Science. Plus, Past ISOP President Patrick Keeling received an honorary doctorate from University of South Bohemia. >>Read More>>
Research News
Protists in the News
Sparking interest due to their ecological significance and unique characteristics, protists are making headlines. >>Read more>>
Protist research in Nature, Cell, and Science
A summary of the latest protistology research published in these prestigious journals. >>Read more>>
