With the rapid development of modern biotechnology and in-depth research in the field of gastrointestional tract microecology, the complex interactions between microorganisms and hosts are gradually being deciphered. The International Symposium on Gastrointestinal Microbial Ecology and Functionality (ISGMEF) was initiated in 2005, and has been successfully organized for eight times since then to promote the theoretical innovation and disciplinary development of the field. During this period, the