Cupriavidus metallidurans: a unique β-proteobacterium, appearing where you least expect it.

Cupriavidus metallidurans is a β-proteobacterium which can be found in some of the harshest environments. Already 30 years of dedicated and collaborated research has unravelled many of C. metallidurans unique properties. Besides being an excellent survivor and a model system for heavy metal response, C. metallidurans harbours a number of interesting characteristics of which some are already economically or ecologically exploited. This 2008 workshop on C. metallidurans aims to offer a forum, where milestones from the past, basic fundamental research, innovative applications and emerging new research can be discussed. We hope that everyone, who is involved or interested in C. metallidurans investigation, will be able to communicate his or hers ideas, work or achievements.