Expedition to the Kolumbo Submarine Volcano

An upcoming research expedition will be conducted aboard the R/V Aegaeo, operated by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR). The mission will focus on targeted sampling within the extreme environments of the Kolumbo submarine volcano.

Using the remotely operated vehicle ROV MaxROVer, the expedition will enable the precise collection of biological and geochemical samples from hydrothermal vents, gas-rich sediments, and other high-temperature, low-pH habitats.

The primary objective of this expedition is to investigate the diversity, distribution, and evolution of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms thriving under extreme conditions. By exploring these unique ecosystems, the project aims to uncover novel resistance mechanisms, assess their environmental drivers, and evaluate their potential implications for global health and biotechnology.