Our planet’s surface and all life forms on it are composed mostly of water. Yet, survival at extremely low water content, anhydrobiosis, is essential for organisms across all kingdoms of life. The Water and Life Interface Institute (WALII) studies how life interacts with water from the molecular to the whole organism level across plants, fungi, and animals, considering reduced water across the entire spectrum.
Muscles (red), nuclei (purple), and enlarged lipid droplets (green) are labeled in this tardigrade specimen.
Photo Credit: Thomas C. Boothby
Breaking News
18 September 2026
We’re just TWO WEEKS away from the deadline to submit an abstract to the 2nd Annual WALII Symposium! Don’t miss the deadline and submit your abstract now! https://bit.ly/4xkAOqL
18 September 2026
Our Anhydrobiosis Research, Tools & Techniques Webinar Series continues on October 8 with Dr. Julia Miller’s webinar “WALII Intellectual Property and Commercialization.” Learn more and register here!
9 September 2026
Abstract submissions are OPEN! Share your research at the 2nd Annual WALII Virtual Symposium and connect with researchers exploring anhydrobiosis and desiccation tolerance. Deadline: October 9, 2026 Submit your abstract: https://bit.ly/4xkAOqL
28 August 2026
We are excited to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for the 2nd Annual Virtual WALII Symposium on November 12, 2026! The program will also feature contributed talks selected from abstracts. Abstract submission will be open soon! Register Now: https://bit.ly/3UrLohM
25 August 2026
Speakers for the 2nd Annual WALII Virtual Symposium on November 12 have been announced! Learn more here!
24 August 2026
Our Anhydrobiosis Research, Tools & Techniques Webinar Series continues on September 10 with Dr. Jill Farrant’s talk “Understanding Vegetative Desiccation Tolerance as a Tool for Climate Smart Agriculture.” Learn more and register here!
7 August 2026
Mark your calendars!! We are excited to announce the date for this year’s WALII Virtual Symposium on November 12, 2026! More details will be shared soon!
