Blog listing

International Women’s Day takes place annually on 8 March with the aim of forging a gender equal world, free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination. This year, to mark the day, we caught up with a few of our Champions to discuss some of challenges of being a woman in science, as well as their biggest achievements.

Women’s History Month takes place every year throughout March. This year, to mark the occasion, we have an update and request from Champion, Dr Corrado Nai (Indonesia), who is creating a graphic novel about microbiology’s forgotten woman, Fanny Angelina Hesse (1850–1934). Fanny discovered that agar could be used to grow micro-organisms. You can read more about the idea behind the project in Corrado Nai’s previous blog: Creating a graphic novel about microbiology’s forgotten woman. 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place every year on 3 December, during UK Disability History Month. Both look to highlight the challenges faced by Disabled people. Member, Iga Wieczorek, has provided insights on her personal experiences, those of others and what needs to change.

LGBTQ+ STEM Day takes place annually on 18 November to celebrate and highlight the work and barriers of LGBTQIA+ people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). 

This year, we caught up with Members Panel member, Liam Cremona. He shared his insights and journey as a Gay person working in STEM. 

Celebrated annually during the month of October in the UK, Black History Month recognises the contributions, culture and history of Black people. This year, we spoke to Onalenna Neo, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK, who shared her experiences as a Black scientist and reflected on the vital role of Black representation and visibility in the science.  

South Asian Heritage Month takes place annually from 18 July to 17 August. The awareness month was started by the South Asian Heritage Trust, which seeks to elevate the prominence of British South Asian history and heritage in the UK. This year’s theme is ‘Roots to Routes’, which honours the journeys and experiences that have shaped South Asian identities across generations. To celebrate this year’s theme, Society Impact and Influence Committee member, Dr Arya Gupta shares his story and career journey so far.

June is Pride Month; a month that celebrates and honours those within the LGBTQIA+ community and recognises their ongoing fight for equal rights and acceptance. During this year’s Annual Conference, held in Liverpool, UK, the Microbiology Society’s member-led group, Queer in Microbiology, hosted their fourth LGBTQ+ Networking Event, in collaboration with the collective artists group, Flow.Walk.Drag. Champion, Rebee Penrice-Randal, reflects on their experience at the event and the importance of such events in ensuring microbiology is inclusive and accessible to all.

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is an annual event that takes place on 17 May to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community and celebrates its diversity. This year’s theme, ‘the power of communities’, shines a light on the strength, unity and resilience within LGBTQ+ groups around the world.

To mark the day, this year we caught up with member and Champion, Daniel, to discuss his experiences at the LGBTQ+ social event, held at the Society's Annual Conference 2025.