The Society for General Microbiology Annual Conference 2015 was held from the 30 March to 2 April at the ICC, Birmingham, UK.
The Society’s Annual Conference attracts over 1,000 attendees from the UK and further afield and is Europe’s largest annual gathering of microbiologists. Whether you are a veteran microbiologist or just starting out in your career, attending the Society for General Microbiology Annual Conference is a must for all of those with an interest in microbiology.
If you have any questions please email [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter (@MicrobioSoc). Information on the Annual Conference 2015 can be found using the hashtag: #sgmbham
Antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections represent one of the most serious threats facing our world today. This symposium will explore various aspects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including its origins, reservoirs, economics and ecology, and also novel ways in which it might be combatted.
Alison Mather (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK), Nicholas Thomson (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)
Microbiome in Health and Disease: For this session we have invited world leading scientists in the area to provide insight into how the microbiome interacts with the host and promotes/maintains health and its role in disease. This is a rapidly growing field and the speakers will provide us with current information on various microbiomes in the human body.
Julian Marchesi (University of Cardiff, UK), Sandra Macfarlane (University of Dundee, UK)
This symposium will delve into the evolution of human, animal and plant viruses. As well as considering natural evolution, the impact of human intervention will be explored; to what extent do vaccination and antiviral treatment drive selection? Have we learnt any lessons about the injudicious use of antimicrobials? Genetic engineering (including ‘gain-of-function’ studies) can aid our understanding of what makes viruses tick, but should studies that generate potentially dangerous viruses be censored – or not conducted in the first place? This and who should decide (science or society?) will be debated.
Janet Daly (University of Nottingham, UK), Alain Kohl (University of Glasgow, UK), Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London, UK)
Microbial evolution is key to understanding many aspects of biology including ecology, life at extremes of temperature, pressure and aridity as well as pathogenicity. With the latter in mind, it was important to develop the symposium to illustrate that these interactions are as old as life itself, though at a more basal level! This symposium will bring together many leading microbiologists working in a diverse range of specialties related to early microbial evolution that would be of interest to many delegates. The intended audience will be wide-ranging and include many who have an interest in the diverse aspects of paleobiology, ecology as well as pathogenicity.
Derek Pickard (Sanger Institute, UK), Richard McCulloch (University of Glasgow, UK), Thorsten Allers (University of Nottingham, UK)
Antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections represent one of the most serious threats facing our world today. This symposium will explore various aspects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including its origins, reservoirs, economics and ecology, and also novel ways in which it might be combatted.
Alison Mather (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK), Nicholas Thomson (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)
Microbiome in Health and Disease: For this session we have invited world leading scientists in the area to provide insight into how the microbiome interacts with the host and promotes/maintains health and its role in disease. This is a rapidly growing field and the speakers will provide us with current information on various microbiomes in the human body.
Julian Marchesi (University of Cardiff, UK), Sandra Macfarlane (University of Dundee, UK)
This symposium will delve into the evolution of human, animal and plant viruses. As well as considering natural evolution, the impact of human intervention will be explored; to what extent do vaccination and antiviral treatment drive selection? Have we learnt any lessons about the injudicious use of antimicrobials? Genetic engineering (including ‘gain-of-function’ studies) can aid our understanding of what makes viruses tick, but should studies that generate potentially dangerous viruses be censored – or not conducted in the first place? This and who should decide (science or society?) will be debated.
Janet Daly (University of Nottingham, UK), Alain Kohl (University of Glasgow, UK), Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London, UK)
Microbial evolution is key to understanding many aspects of biology including ecology, life at extremes of temperature, pressure and aridity as well as pathogenicity. With the latter in mind, it was important to develop the symposium to illustrate that these interactions are as old as life itself, though at a more basal level! This symposium will bring together many leading microbiologists working in a diverse range of specialties related to early microbial evolution that would be of interest to many delegates. The intended audience will be wide-ranging and include many who have an interest in the diverse aspects of paleobiology, ecology as well as pathogenicity.
Derek Pickard (Sanger Institute, UK), Richard McCulloch (University of Glasgow, UK), Thorsten Allers (University of Nottingham, UK)
While very significant advances have been made in recent years in understanding how microbes respond to changes in their environment, in terms of gene expression and metabolism, much less is known about how environmental cues are detected in the first instance. This meeting aims to bring together some exciting recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that allow microbes to perceive their environments and how these sensory signals are integrated into pathways that generate appropriate outputs.
Conor O’Byrne (NUI Galway, Ireland), Peter Lund (University of Birmingham, UK)
Antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections represent one of the most serious threats facing our world today. This symposium will explore various aspects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including its origins, reservoirs, economics and ecology, and also novel ways in which it might be combatted.
Alison Mather (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK), Nicholas Thomson (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)
Microbiome in Health and Disease: For this session we have invited world leading scientists in the area to provide insight into how the microbiome interacts with the host and promotes/maintains health and its role in disease. This is a rapidly growing field and the speakers will provide us with current information on various microbiomes in the human body.
Julian Marchesi (University of Cardiff, UK), Sandra Macfarlane (University of Dundee, UK)
This symposium will delve into the evolution of human, animal and plant viruses. As well as considering natural evolution, the impact of human intervention will be explored; to what extent do vaccination and antiviral treatment drive selection? Have we learnt any lessons about the injudicious use of antimicrobials? Genetic engineering (including ‘gain-of-function’ studies) can aid our understanding of what makes viruses tick, but should studies that generate potentially dangerous viruses be censored – or not conducted in the first place? This and who should decide (science or society?) will be debated.
Janet Daly (University of Nottingham, UK), Alain Kohl (University of Glasgow, UK), Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London, UK)
While very significant advances have been made in recent years in understanding how microbes respond to changes in their environment, in terms of gene expression and metabolism, much less is known about how environmental cues are detected in the first instance. This meeting aims to bring together some exciting recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that allow microbes to perceive their environments and how these sensory signals are integrated into pathways that generate appropriate outputs.
Conor O’Byrne (NUI Galway, Ireland), Peter Lund (University of Birmingham, UK)
Microbial evolution is key to understanding many aspects of biology including ecology, life at extremes of temperature, pressure and aridity as well as pathogenicity. With the latter in mind, it was important to develop the symposium to illustrate that these interactions are as old as life itself, though at a more basal level! This symposium will bring together many leading microbiologists working in a diverse range of specialties related to early microbial evolution that would be of interest to many delegates. The intended audience will be wide-ranging and include many who have an interest in the diverse aspects of paleobiology, ecology as well as pathogenicity.
Derek Pickard (Sanger Institute, UK), Richard McCulloch (University of Glasgow, UK), Thorsten Allers (University of Nottingham, UK)
Antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections represent one of the most serious threats facing our world today. This symposium will explore various aspects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including its origins, reservoirs, economics and ecology, and also novel ways in which it might be combatted.
Alison Mather (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK), Nicholas Thomson (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)
This workshop will involve a range of clinical virology cases or short papers which relate to studies relevant to clinical virology network. Different aspects of clinical virology that will be covered include differential diagnosis of encephalitis, management of hepatitis, diversity of rotavirus sequences, and diagnosis of respiratory infections.
Mirren Iturriza-Gomara (University of Liverpool, UK), Kevin Brown (Public Health England, UK)
Microbiome in Health and Disease: For this session we have invited world leading scientists in the area to provide insight into how the microbiome interacts with the host and promotes/maintains health and its role in disease. This is a rapidly growing field and the speakers will provide us with current information on various microbiomes in the human body.
Julian Marchesi (University of Cardiff, UK), Sandra Macfarlane (University of Dundee, UK)
This symposium will delve into the evolution of human, animal and plant viruses. As well as considering natural evolution, the impact of human intervention will be explored; to what extent do vaccination and antiviral treatment drive selection? Have we learnt any lessons about the injudicious use of antimicrobials? Genetic engineering (including ‘gain-of-function’ studies) can aid our understanding of what makes viruses tick, but should studies that generate potentially dangerous viruses be censored – or not conducted in the first place? This and who should decide (science or society?) will be debated.
Janet Daly (University of Nottingham, UK), Alain Kohl (University of Glasgow, UK), Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London, UK)
While very significant advances have been made in recent years in understanding how microbes respond to changes in their environment, in terms of gene expression and metabolism, much less is known about how environmental cues are detected in the first instance. This meeting aims to bring together some exciting recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that allow microbes to perceive their environments and how these sensory signals are integrated into pathways that generate appropriate outputs.
Conor O’Byrne (NUI Galway, Ireland), Peter Lund (University of Birmingham, UK)
Microbial evolution is key to understanding many aspects of biology including ecology, life at extremes of temperature, pressure and aridity as well as pathogenicity. With the latter in mind, it was important to develop the symposium to illustrate that these interactions are as old as life itself, though at a more basal level! This symposium will bring together many leading microbiologists working in a diverse range of specialties related to early microbial evolution that would be of interest to many delegates. The intended audience will be wide-ranging and include many who have an interest in the diverse aspects of paleobiology, ecology as well as pathogenicity.
Derek Pickard (Sanger Institute, UK), Richard McCulloch (University of Glasgow, UK), Thorsten Allers (University of Nottingham, UK)
The programme for this conference will be open to any topics or areas within basic or applied plant virology, will include all current areas of interest to Plant Virologists and will consist of presentations by invited speakers as well as offered papers by conference delegates. We welcome submissions from established researchers, post-docs and students. The meeting will include the student competitions as outlined below. Invited speakers include: Neil Boonham, The Food and Environment Agency, UK; Manfred Heinlein, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS); Marilyn Roossinck, Penn State University, USA.
Association of Applied Biologists
The programme for this conference will be open to any topics or areas within basic or applied plant virology, will include all current areas of interest to Plant Virologists and will consist of presentations by invited speakers as well as offered papers by conference delegates. We welcome submissions from established researchers, post-docs and students. The meeting will include the student competitions as outlined below. Invited speakers include: Neil Boonham, The Food and Environment Agency, UK; Manfred Heinlein, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS); Marilyn Roossinck, Penn State University, USA.
Association of Applied Biologists
This workshop will involve a range of clinical virology cases or short papers which relate to studies relevant to clinical virology network. Different aspects of clinical virology that will be covered include differential diagnosis of encephalitis, management of hepatitis, diversity of rotavirus sequences, and diagnosis of respiratory infections.
Mirren Iturriza-Gomara (University of Liverpool, UK), Kevin Brown (Public Health England, UK)
Offered papers are welcomed focusing on any area in microbial ecology, including (non-human) host-microbe communities and interactions, marine and freshwater microbiology, soil and geomicrobiology, and air-, cryo- and extremophile microbiology. Papers on microbe-mediated biodegradation and bioremediation will also be welcome.
Geertje van Keulen (Swansea University, UK), Ryan Seipke (University of Leeds, UK)
Over the past 10 years the development of whole genome amplification, next generation sequencing and and mass-spectrophotometry techniques has allowed researchers to deep sequence ancient DNA, and analyse lipds and poteins in archeological samples. This session will illustrate how researchers are taking advantage of this capability to study pathogens (i.e. Y. pestis, TB, leprosy, potato blight) associated with past infections of animals, humans and plants. The application of metagenomic approaches to study ancient microbiomes will be illustrated by a talk on the ancient oral microbiome.
Justin Pachebat (Aberystwyth University, UK), Mick Tuite (University of Kent, UK)
Over the past 1 to 2 billion years of evolution, microbial eukaryotes have invaded a wide spectrum of habitats on our planet, and as a result we are observing a broad variety of organisms with unique adaptations on their external and internal morphology including their organelles. For example, a lot of these unicellular organisms have adapted to the low oxygen environments by the loss of aerobic respiration and by modifying their mitochondria into one of a number of types of mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs), including the hydrogen producing “hydrogenosomes” and or the entirely remnant mitochondria so-called “mitosomes”. Functions that have been considered a prerequisite for the existence of canonical mitochondria or the cell itself such as oxidative phosphorylation, heme and phospholipids biosynthesis, calcium homeostasis, programmed cell death and iron-sulphur cluster assembly, are currently eliminated one-by-one in a range of eukaryotic cells and more questions are arising on the roles of mitochondria in the different organisms and subsequently the raison d’etre of the organelle itself. Despite this diversification, all known eukaryotes possess an organelle of mitochondrial origin, suggesting the origin of mitochondria to the last eukaryotic common ancestor.
Anastasios Tsaousis (University of Kent, UK), Campbell Gourlay (University of Kent, UK)
Offered papers will be welcome in any area related to infections caused by prokaryotes of human, veterinary or botanical significance including epidemiology, diagnosis, identification, typing, pathogenesis, treatment, antimicrobial agents and resistance, prevention, virulence factors, host responses and immunity, transmission, and models of infection at the cell, tissue or whole organism level. Papers on interactions between non-pathogenic prokaryotes or indigenous microbiota and the host will also be welcome.
Petra Oyston, Gill Douce (University of Glasgow, UK), Jennifer Mitchell (University College Dublin, Ireland)
The availability of antiviral small molecules and vaccines has historically lagged behind those targeting bacteria. Accordingly, the public health issues represented by both common and emerging virus infections are considerable, with effective treatments lacking in many cases. Research aimed at translating laboratory findings into either novel or improved anti-viral strategies is therefore a priority. This workshop will highlight ongoing research into burgeoning therapies for important human and animal viral pathogens, encompassing all stages of therapeutic development ranging from the test tube to in vivo studies.
Stephen Griffin (University of Leeds, UK), Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London, UK)
This workshop will involve a range of clinical virology cases or short papers which relate to studies relevant to clinical virology network. Different aspects of clinical virology that will be covered include differential diagnosis of encephalitis, management of hepatitis, diversity of rotavirus sequences, and diagnosis of respiratory infections.
Mirren Iturriza-Gomara (University of Liverpool, UK), Kevin Brown (Public Health England, UK)
Virus evolution can affect important characteristics such as replication host range, tropism, and pathogenesis. On the other hand, there are constraints imposed by nucleotide sequences and proteins they encode. This workshop will address questions related to the topics above.
Alain Kohl (University of Glasgow, UK), Erica Bickerton (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
This workshop will focus on the regulation of viral and host gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level by virally-encoded factors and address how viruses control the replication of their genomes.
Michelle West (University of Sussex, UK), Joanna Parish (University of Birmingham, UK)
Understanding disease development mechanistically at the cellular, genetic and whole organism level is a vital element in the development of novel therapeutic strategies such as vaccines and small molecule inhibitors. To this end, this workshop will serve as a forum for the presentation of new and exciting data pertaining to all aspects of the pathogenesis of virus infection.
Janet Daly (University of Nottingham, UK)
This workshop will involve a range of clinical virology cases or short papers which relate to studies relevant to clinical virology network. Different aspects of clinical virology that will be covered include differential diagnosis of encephalitis, management of hepatitis, diversity of rotavirus sequences, and diagnosis of respiratory infections.
Mirren Iturriza-Gomara (University of Liverpool, UK), Kevin Brown (Public Health England, UK)
Over the past 10 years the development of whole genome amplification, next generation sequencing and and mass-spectrophotometry techniques has allowed researchers to deep sequence ancient DNA, and analyse lipds and poteins in archeological samples. This session will illustrate how researchers are taking advantage of this capability to study pathogens (i.e. Y. pestis, TB, leprosy, potato blight) associated with past infections of animals, humans and plants. The application of metagenomic approaches to study ancient microbiomes will be illustrated by a talk on the ancient oral microbiome.
Justin Pachebat (Aberystwyth University, UK), Mick Tuite (University of Kent, UK)
Over the past 1 to 2 billion years of evolution, microbial eukaryotes have invaded a wide spectrum of habitats on our planet, and as a result we are observing a broad variety of organisms with unique adaptations on their external and internal morphology including their organelles. For example, a lot of these unicellular organisms have adapted to the low oxygen environments by the loss of aerobic respiration and by modifying their mitochondria into one of a number of types of mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs), including the hydrogen producing “hydrogenosomes” and or the entirely remnant mitochondria so-called “mitosomes”. Functions that have been considered a prerequisite for the existence of canonical mitochondria or the cell itself such as oxidative phosphorylation, heme and phospholipids biosynthesis, calcium homeostasis, programmed cell death and iron-sulphur cluster assembly, are currently eliminated one-by-one in a range of eukaryotic cells and more questions are arising on the roles of mitochondria in the different organisms and subsequently the raison d’etre of the organelle itself. Despite this diversification, all known eukaryotes possess an organelle of mitochondrial origin, suggesting the origin of mitochondria to the last eukaryotic common ancestor.
Anastasios Tsaousis (University of Kent, UK), Campbell Gourlay (University of Kent, UK)
The availability of antiviral small molecules and vaccines has historically lagged behind those targeting bacteria. Accordingly, the public health issues represented by both common and emerging virus infections are considerable, with effective treatments lacking in many cases. Research aimed at translating laboratory findings into either novel or improved anti-viral strategies is therefore a priority. This workshop will highlight ongoing research into burgeoning therapies for important human and animal viral pathogens, encompassing all stages of therapeutic development ranging from the test tube to in vivo studies.
Stephen Griffin (University of Leeds, UK), Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London, UK)
Virus evolution can affect important characteristics such as replication host range, tropism, and pathogenesis. On the other hand, there are constraints imposed by nucleotide sequences and proteins they encode. This workshop will address questions related to the topics above.
Alain Kohl (University of Glasgow, UK), Erica Bickerton (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
This workshop will focus on the regulation of viral and host gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level by virally-encoded factors and address how viruses control the replication of their genomes.
Michelle West (University of Sussex, UK), Joanna Parish (University of Birmingham, UK)
Understanding disease development mechanistically at the cellular, genetic and whole organism level is a vital element in the development of novel therapeutic strategies such as vaccines and small molecule inhibitors. To this end, this workshop will serve as a forum for the presentation of new and exciting data pertaining to all aspects of the pathogenesis of virus infection.
Janet Daly (University of Nottingham, UK)
The vast and hostile environment of outer space represents a major challenge to all forms of life; exposure to microgravity, extremes of temperature, galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles within a vacuum is guaranteed. However, experiments performed aboard Earth-orbiting spacecraft indicate that some microorganisms are able to survive outside these platforms for lengthy periods of time and there is compelling evidence that many microbes respond to the unique environment associated with spaceflight in ways that shed light on their adaptive behaviour. Currently, the primary platform for conducting research into the response of microbes to the space environment is the International Space Station, a facility supporting a number of well-equipped laboratories that has been continuously manned and able to conduct scientific experiments since 2000. Following a UK governmental decision in November 2012 to subscribe to the European Space Agency’s Programme for Life and Physical Sciences, it was recently announced that Major Tim Peake, the first Briton to be selected as an astronaut by ESA, will spend time on the ISS in late 2015. He will undertake scientific research with the potential to include microbiological experiments on his agenda. The session will present Major Peake’s plans and review the current state of knowledge of the behaviour of microbes in real and simulated space environments.
Peter W. Taylor (University College London, UK)
This forum will consider work on all fundamental aspects of the physiology, biochemistry and structure of prokaryotic cells. This includes metabolism, synthesis and transport of macromolecules, membrane transport of ions and small molecules, the cell cycle, cell architecture, differentiation, sensing and cellular responses, signalling and communication, bioenergetics and the structure, function and mode of action of microbial factors. Papers on the engineering and applications of microbes will also be welcome.
Mark Webber (University of Birmingham, UK), Stephen Michell (University of Exeter, UK)
Offered papers on all aspects of the genes and genomes of prokaryotes and their mobile elements will be considered, including their sequencing, transcription, translation, regulation, chromosome dynamics, gene transfer, population genetics and evolution, taxonomy and systematics, comparative genomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology.
Alan McNally (Nottingham Trent University, UK), Lori Snyder (Kingston University, UK)
Viral structural proteins are integral for both protection and transmission of the viral genome once it is released from an infected cell. This workshop will focus on the molecular mechanisms that are required for assembly and release of virus particles within an infected cell, through to the structural alterations that take place within the virus particle during maturation and the entry process. The workshop will also cover antiviral strategies aimed at inhibiting the assembly process.
Catherine Adamson (University of St. Andrews, UK)
The innate immune system represents the first line of defence of all living organisms against infection, and in recent years our knowledge of the battle between viruses and innate immunity has increased substantially. This workshop will highlight novel host defence mechanisms and uncover a myriad of virus evasion strategies.
Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London, UK), Andrew Macdonald (University of Leeds, UK)
The is a joint workshop co-hosted by the Microbiology Society Virus Division and the Association of Applied Biologists Plant Virology Group. The workshop will cover all aspects of applied plant virology from academic and translational research. The topics covered will include novel virus discovery, diagnostics, epidemiology, virus evolution, and plant-virus interactions.
Adrian Fox (FERA, UK)
The programme for this conference will be open to any topics or areas within basic or applied plant virology, will include all current areas of interest to Plant Virologists and will consist of presentations by invited speakers as well as offered papers by conference delegates. We welcome submissions from established researchers, post-docs and students. The meeting will include the student competitions as outlined below. Invited speakers include: Neil Boonham, The Food and Environment Agency, UK; Manfred Heinlein, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS); Marilyn Roossinck, Penn State University, USA.
Association of Applied Biologists
Clostridium is an extremely varied, ancient genus of bacteria, which thrived and evolved in an atmosphere very dissimilar to the oxygen-rich environment of our modern world. Clostridia are anaerobic endospore formers and many of the pathogenic species such as Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium botulinum, are familiar as a consequence of the diseases they cause. However, the vast majority of these species are benign and a number, including Clostridium acetobutylicum, have received increased attention due their capacity to generate commercially valuable commodities such as ethanol or butanol. This symposium will highlight some of the advances that have been made in our understanding of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic members of this genus and will additionally describe how Clostridia are being tested as novel therapeutics in the treatment of cancer or their products in the case of C. botulinum’s neurotoxin.
Gillian Douce (University of Glasgow, UK), Sarah Kuehne (University of Nottingham, UK)
The root and rhizosphere microbiome is the microbial community that populates the microenvironment within and surrounding plant roots. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics and imaging technologies are enabling important new insights into the composition of this community, but there are still important challenges to address in understanding of the interplay between plant roots, root exudates and microbes and their impact on agricultural productivity and ecosystem function.
Gail Preston (University of Oxford, UK), Philip Poole (University of Oxford, UK)
Virus assembly is a complex, tightly regulated process that is essential for every virus. The symposium will cover the latest research in capsid assembly and structure, genome packaging, particle egress and maturation. Assembly of a range of different viruses will be covered including viruses that cause important medical diseases (HIV-1, Influenza, Picornaviruses and Herpesviruses), plant viruses (Cow Pea Mosaic virus), bacteriophage (phi29) and the giant Mimivirus.
Catherine Adamson (University of St. Andrews, UK), Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London, UK), Nicola Stonehouse (University of Leeds, UK)
Virus assembly is a complex, tightly regulated process that is essential for every virus. The symposium will cover the latest research in capsid assembly and structure, genome packaging, particle egress and maturation. Assembly of a range of different viruses will be covered including viruses that cause important medical diseases (HIV-1, Influenza, Picornaviruses and Herpesviruses), plant viruses (Cow Pea Mosaic virus), bacteriophage (phi29) and the giant Mimivirus.
Catherine Adamson (University of St. Andrews, UK), Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London, UK), Nicola Stonehouse (University of Leeds, UK)
Clostridium is an extremely varied, ancient genus of bacteria, which thrived and evolved in an atmosphere very dissimilar to the oxygen-rich environment of our modern world. Clostridia are anaerobic endospore formers and many of the pathogenic species such as Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium botulinum, are familiar as a consequence of the diseases they cause. However, the vast majority of these species are benign and a number, including Clostridium acetobutylicum, have received increased attention due their capacity to generate commercially valuable commodities such as ethanol or butanol. This symposium will highlight some of the advances that have been made in our understanding of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic members of this genus and will additionally describe how Clostridia are being tested as novel therapeutics in the treatment of cancer or their products in the case of C. botulinum’s neurotoxin.
Gillian Douce (University of Glasgow, UK), Sarah Kuehne (University of Nottingham, UK)
The root and rhizosphere microbiome is the microbial community that populates the microenvironment within and surrounding plant roots. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics and imaging technologies are enabling important new insights into the composition of this community, but there are still important challenges to address in understanding of the interplay between plant roots, root exudates and microbes and their impact on agricultural productivity and ecosystem function.
Gail Preston (University of Oxford, UK), Philip Poole (University of Oxford, UK)
The Abstracts Book for the Annual Conference 2015 is available for download:
Download abstracts bookIn order to ensure your presentation runs smoothly, you are asked to comply with the following:
Registration is now closed.
The Registration Desk was located in the Foyer at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham.
The Registration Desk was open as follows:
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Registration categories |
Registration fees |
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Affiliate |
£150 |
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Full-Concessionary Member |
£60 |
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Full Member |
£80 |
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Honorary Member |
£0 |
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International Associate Member resident in all other countries (excluding UK and Ireland) |
£150 |
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International Associate Member resident in lower-middle income economies*** |
£60 |
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International Associate Member resident in low income economies*** |
£0 |
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Postgraduate Student Member |
£60 |
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Undergraduate Student Member |
£0 |
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Non-Member (1) |
£150 |
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|
Non-Member (2) |
£80 |
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Non-Member (3) |
£80 |
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* CVN members are welcome to attend the entire meeting at the rate specified or can attend the CVN meeting only from Tuesday lunchtime to Wednesday afternoon at £120. Please register using the 'Registration' button and select 'CVN members' on the second page.
** From 00:00 on Wednesday 4 March 2015 a further £10 late booking fee will be added (per day) to the advertised registration fees in the table.
*** See list of applicable countries.
† Association of Applied Biologists (AAB) members are welcome to attend the entire meeting at the rate specified. For AAB members wishing to attend the non-joint AAB sessions, please register directly with the AAB.
Please note: Society for General Microbiology lapsed members, who are not up to date with their membership fees, will not qualify for reduced registration rates. To renew membership or join the Society please contact +44(0)20 7685 2691 or email [email protected].
If you need a letter of invitation for a visa application, we will be happy to supply this after we have received full payment. To find out if you need a visa to visit the UK, please visit the UK Border Agency website.
It is the policy of the Society for General Microbiology not to supply an invitation letter to any delegate without payment and we will not reply to any request from an unregistered delegate. When the delegate has paid, the Conference office will email back a confirmation/receipt letter and, upon request, a letter of invitation, which may be used to obtain the necessary visa.
Please note that all conference delegates are responsible for their own travel and visa arrangements; the Society for General Microbiology will not take any responsibility for travel or visa problems.
An email confirming your booking will be sent within one week of receiving your complete registration form.
All registration fees must be paid in full BEFORE arrival at the conference. Any outstanding registration fees must be paid before admittance will be granted to the conference.
While every effort will be made to accommodate special dietary requirements, these cannot be guaranteed. Special dietary requirements must be indicated at the time of booking and sent by email to [email protected]. Those with special dietary requirements should identify themselves to a member of the catering team daily and they will be directed accordingly.
Neither the organisers, nor the Society will assume any responsibility whatsoever for damage or injury to persons or property during this event. Participants are advised to arrange their own personal travel and health insurance.
Refunds are not provided, however substitutions of attendees can be made at any time by contacting [email protected].
The Society offers funds via the Conference Grant schemes to support the attendance of members at all stages of their careers:
Closing date is 3 February 2015. See the relevant pages for further details including full terms and conditions.
All accommodation can be booked online through Reservation Highway, who have secured a range of options to suit all budgets throughout Birmingham at discounted rates.
Annual Conference 2015 Hotel List
Annual Conference 2015 Reservation Highway Accommodation Booking Form
The conference was held at the ICC Birmingham:
The International Convention Centre
Broad Street
Birmingham, B1 2EA
General enquiries: 0121 644 5025
Email: [email protected]
Registration, lunch, refreshments, the exhibition and poster viewing sessions were all held in Hall 3.
Please see the detailed map and directions on the ICC Birmingham website.
The ICC is located centrally in Birmingham city centre and is easily accessible by road from all over the UK. Visitors from any direction can travel in to Birmingham using many different routes connected to the following motorways: M1, M5, M6, M6 Toll, M40 and M42.
There is abundant, secure multi-storey parking available located within the NIA, which is just a short walk away from the ICC. Both the ICC and NIA are signposted on motorways and major roads and are marked on most road maps.
Birmingham International Airport is one of the best connected airports in Europe. Over 50 airlines operate scheduled and charter services to more than 100 destinations including Europe, North America, the Middle East and the Indian Sub-Continent. The airport is just 8 miles from the city centre and is directly linked to Birmingham International Railway Station via an Airlink Shuttle.
The smaller East Midlands airport is 42 miles away. The closest London airport is London Luton, which is 92 miles away, and London Heathrow is 107 miles.
The ICC is served by the UK’s largest interchange rail station, Birmingham New Street and the smaller Five Ways Station. Both stations are a short walk from the ICC and taxi ranks are situated close by. Birmingham New Street has direct and regular services to Birmingham International railway station which directly links to Birmingham International Airport and The NEC. It also has many direct services to London Euston, including a service that takes just 80 minutes and runs every 20 minutes.
Birmingham’s two other city centre train stations, Moor St and Snow Hill, are also within quick and easy access of the ICC and directly connected to London Marylebone or London Paddington via an hourly service.
Download maps for walking directions from the 3 main city centre train stations.
Information about train times and fares are available from the National Rail enquiries website.
Virgin trains offer discounted group travel for groups of between 3 and 9 passengers travelling together . This currently stand at a 20% discount off Advance Fares booked through their website - for more information visit the group page of their website.
For information about travel by coach please visit the National Express website.
The nearest car parks to the ICC are located at sister venue the NIA. The North car park is closest or alternatively simply follow the road around on to St Vincent Street for the West car park or carry on further around to Sheepcote Street for the South car park.
Current charges are from £2.30 for up to 2 hours to £8.00 for 24 hours. Payment can be made by coin or card at the Pay and Display machines or via the Parkmobile App. Full cark park charge details can be found here.
Alternative parking is located at Brindleyplace or Paradise Circus.
Name badges must be worn at all times throughout the conference.
The Business Reception centre, located next to the Box Office, has a range of excellent business support services. From photocopying and couriers to more specialist services, such as binding and laminating. They look forward to welcoming you.
For more information, contact the team:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 (0) 121644 7178
Fax: +44 (0) 121644 7166
A small café and a small restaurant are located on Levels 2 and 3 of the ICC. Please note, delegates will be required to pay for anything purchased.
A cash machine is situated in the Mall of the ICC, Birmingham. This machine does not charge for cash withdrawals.
A certificate of attendance can be requested at the Registration Desk.
This conference has been approved for CPD by the Royal College of Pathologists, the Institute of Biomedical Scientists and the Royal Society of Biology.
Those wishing to claim CPD points should sign in daily in the relevant folder on the CPD table next to the Registration Desk and claim their certificate on departure.
Location: Hall 3, ICC, Birmingham
Opening times:
ICC Birmingham offers free WIFI for all visitors. Access is granted by accepting ICC terms and conditions.
Lunch and refreshments are served in the exhibition area located in Hall 3, ICC, Birmingham. Please see the scientific programme for specific times.
Please ensure that mobile phones are switched off or in silent mode during scientific sessions.
Posters were presented in Hall 3, ICC, Birmingham. Please see the scientific programme for the board number on which your poster was displayed.
Posters should be displayed for the duration of your attendance and it will be possible to display from 09:00 on Monday until 13:30 on Thursday. Poster viewing sessions will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 18:15 until 20:00. All posters should be removed by 13:30 on Thursday. The Society cannot take responsibility for any posters left behind after this time.
Two glasses of wine, beer or soft drink were provided at all evening poster viewing sessions on presentation of the appropriate drink voucher supplied with your delegate badge. We regret that vouchers are not transferable and cannot be replaced.
While every effort will be made to keep programme changes to a minimum, any changes will be advised at the Registration Desk.
Only recording set up with prior permission is allowed.
Delegates and speakers tweeting from the conference were invited to include the hashtag #sgmbham in their tweets. A Twitter feed was displayed in the Exhibition Area. You can follow the Society on Twitter @MicrobioSoc.
Please respect speakers' right to request you do not tweet during their presentation.
Updates from the conference can also be found on the Society Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MicrobioSoc
Click on the Exhibitor's logo to go to their website.
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