Hi everyone, I hope this email finds you well! I’m writing to share a few important updates from the microGalaxy community, including upcoming meetings, hackathons, and progress on our Nature Microbiology manuscript. 1. Manuscript <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jFOzIm8aE0XBM2PTaQqO3JzAsd8WW16qXDPgFzRukt8/edit?tab=t.0> for Nature Microbiology Thank you all for the productive discussions during last Friday’s meetings! You can find the meeting notes here <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uVQ8E_8HpIuHDYHwR82jU8pCvj0tnebFKyS0juAoyGc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.84s98ahhtc95>. Next Steps: Introduction: We aim to reshape the introduction <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jFOzIm8aE0XBM2PTaQqO3JzAsd8WW16qXDPgFzRukt8/edit?tab=t.0#bookmark=id.djc3sbavhnl> by highlighting key challenges in microbiology and tying them to our solutions. Graphical Abstract: Raphaëlle has started working on a nice draft <https://excalidraw.com/#json=Ix0NdYygNbjO8oVKRWqd4,lUms1KiKi0B1c1pDrHgqbw>, which might also serve as a figure for the introduction. Please review and expand on it as needed. Overview Figure: The first version <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jFOzIm8aE0XBM2PTaQqO3JzAsd8WW16qXDPgFzRukt8/edit?tab=t.0#bookmark=id.2onpl0kyy3v7> is ready! Your feedback is invaluable, so please share your thoughts in the manuscript <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jFOzIm8aE0XBM2PTaQqO3JzAsd8WW16qXDPgFzRukt8/edit?tab=t.0#bookmark=id.2onpl0kyy3v7>. Tools/Workflows/Subdomains: We're continuing to refine these (see point 2 below). Updates on the subdomain will be shared soon for your input. We are targeting submission—at least as a preprint—before Christmas. To Coordinate the Work: Next Meetings (November 29th): 8 AM UTC / 5 PM AEST / 9 AM CET  <https://arewemeetingyet.com/UTC/2024-11-29/08:00/microGalaxy-paper>– Zoom Link <https://cnrs.zoom.us/j/93068549437?pwd=6lDAIN1TvFkSDbzrkA4jkxq3xWvNab.1> 3 PM UTC / 10 AM EST / 4 PM CET <https://arewemeetingyet.com/UTC/2024-11-29/15:00/microGalaxy-paper> – Zoom Link <https://cnrs.zoom.us/j/99703731107?pwd=ZbbV38ehNOcyrmSQbthiURYs34z4HP.1> Write-a-thon (December 10th): Details below in point 3. 2. microGalaxy Meets IWC: Hackathon for Workflow FAIRification Date: November 21st, 2024 Location: Online Time: Full day, 9/10 AM CET to open end The focus of this hackathon is to identify, prepare, integrate, and FAIRify microbial data analysis workflows in Galaxy for inclusion in the Intergalactic Workflow Commission (IWC). These workflows will also feature in the manuscript. This event is open to everyone! Many tasks do not require technical knowledge, except interacting with the Galaxy workflow editor or Galaxy histories. Format: Zoom room <https://cnrs.zoom.us/j/95387124571?pwd=KMw6DXoedea5swdlw5SWDiPeGfT5Jj.1> available throughout the day Two stand-ups (8 AM UTC / 5 PM AEST / 9 AM CET <https://arewemeetingyet.com/UTC/2024-11-21/08:00/microGalaxy-Workflow-Hackathon-Stand-up> & 3 PM UTC / 10 AM EST / 4 PM CET <https://arewemeetingyet.com/UTC/2024-11-21/15:00/microGalaxy-Workflow-Hackathon-Stand-up>) to accommodate multiple time zones MicroGalaxy Matrix chat for ongoing communication A Google doc <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tXy3lMYDqpq6A08MLS52U7t9f41V1ByE4jAb6Ss8Qgk/edit?usp=sharing> and a tracking spreadsheet <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/154s6YnabgX5oEMpAgdu0kLTKIEl_Ydu8aMGummRIjYc/edit?usp=sharing> with information, task descriptions, etc Your participation will make a significant difference, whether for a few hours or the whole day! 3. microGalaxy Write-a-thon Date: December 10th, 2024 Location: Online Time: Full day, 9/10 AM CET to open end This event is dedicated to finalizing the manuscript collaboratively, both synchronously and asynchronously. Format: Zoom room <https://cnrs.zoom.us/j/99513690948?pwd=zauQ7LRtQyU9XkJmOUH6pZEb2m4O6N.1> open all day Two stand-ups (8 AM UTC / 5 PM AEST / 9 AM CET <https://arewemeetingyet.com/UTC/2024-12-10/08:00/microGalaxy-write-a-thon> & 3 PM UTC / 10 AM EST / 4 PM CET <https://arewemeetingyet.com/UTC/2024-12-10/15:00/microGalaxy-write-a-thon>) for time zone flexibility MicroGalaxy Matrix chat for discussions A Google doc <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SHN9IXkjmcyDylKDt0kiiwsRBR0Vvi3AFS9RjuP88sc/edit?usp=sharing> and [WIP] a tracking spreadsheet with information, task descriptions, etc We look forward to seeing many of you to finalize the paper! All events have been added to the microGalaxy Google calendar <https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=npu7puk75n6p0u4aapv5t21uj8@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=Europe/Brussels>. Thank you all for your contributions and dedication to the microGalaxy community. Let’s make great progress together in the coming weeks! Best, Bérénice