The Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2025 will take place Monday 31 March–Thursday 3 April at Liverpool ACC
The Conference takes place over four days and consists of scientific symposia, workshops, fora, professional development sessions, Prize Lectures, Hot Topics and much more.
Further information will be announced in the build-up to the meeting on our social media channels, and you can follow us on Bluesky @microbiologysociety.org and X @MicrobioSoc using the hashtag #Microbio25.
As part of the preparations for Microbiology Society events due to be held in 2024, the Microbiology Society Council has further discussed the implementation of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 mitigations and has agreed the following:
Personal responsibility:
Attendance at any Microbiology Society event is a personal choice, and Council expects delegates to take personal responsibility for their actions to minimise the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Ventilation:
The Microbiology Society will continue to work with venues to seek assurance that these are adequately ventilated.
Vaccination and pre-event testing:
We strongly urge all delegates to ensure they are as fully vaccinated as practicable, which we recognise will depend on their age and home country, and to test before travelling to any of our events. Delegates should not attend if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, should they wish to, delegates should feel comfortable wearing a mask in any of our venues.
Mask usage and lateral flow tests:
A limited number of masks (FFP3) and lateral flow tests will be available upon request at all Microbiology Society events should any delegates wish to use them. However, these will not be routinely supplied.
The Microbiology Society Council will continue to monitor the situation and update these mitigations as required.
The Microbiology Society is a charitable membership organisation and our Annual Conference is run for the benefit of our members and the wider microbiology community. This event is supported by revenue generated from our journals. We therefore request that any delegates working for commercial publishers or competing Society publishers do not engage in any promotional or commissioning work for their own journals while at the meeting. If delegates do engage in any promotional activities, they may be asked to leave the event.
Join us for an inspiring forum led by the Members Panel of the Microbiology Society. This session is dedicated to showcasing specific actions and initiatives that are building a more inclusive research environment. We invite members to share their impactful activities and successful strategies, providing a platform to exchange practical ideas and solutions. This is an opportunity to learn from each other’s triumphs and challenges, raising awareness of the needs of underrepresented and historically marginalised groups. Abstract submissions are welcomed from all career stages for talks and posters. Topics can range from diversity initiatives in microbiology, overcoming barriers to inclusion, to actionable ideas for achieving equity across various settings, from academia to industry. We particularly encourage submissions detailing the development and implementation of novel approaches and initiatives. Be a part of this dynamic session to inspire and be inspired, and to gather actionable insights that can drive positive change in your own sphere of influence.
Aisha Baba-Dikwa, Arindam Mitra, Blanca Perez Sepulveda, Bruno Silvester Lopes, Guerrino Macori.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will be a recurring topic for symposia at Annual Conference. The theme selected for Annual Conference 2025 is Mechanisms & Regulation. We invite submissions on antibiotic drug uptake, efflux, modification, tolerance/persistence and target evolution. We also encourage submissions on regulation and evolution of AMR. Supported by Warwick Antimicrobial Screening Facility.
Enas Newire, Dany Beste, Nick Tucker
We welcome abstracts on any aspect of learning or teaching microbiology as well as any aspect of engaging a wider audience with microbiology. This year, we particularly welcome abstracts on artificial intelligence, antimicrobial resistance, and low-budget projects, but will consider abstracts on any topic. We are happy to receive abstracts from colleagues in any setting e.g. clinicians, technicians, those in industry, etc.
Mel Lacey, Alison Graham
Genetics and genomics forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of the genes and genomes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and their mobile elements, including their sequencing, transcription, translation, regulation, chromosome dynamics, gene transfer, population genetics and evolution, taxonomy and systematics, comparative genomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology. Supported by Clent Life Science.
This forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of microbial (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) metabolism, physiology and molecular biology. This will focus on fundamental and translational research in this area. This would include the metabolism and physiology of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotic microbes, including pathogens; biochemistry and structure of cells, cell growth and division; cell architecture and differentiation; synthesis and transport of macromolecules; ions and small molecules; development signalling and communication, sensing and cellular responses and also how this work informs microbial engineering, antimicrobial drug development, and other potential applications. All speakers will be selected from the submitted abstracts. Supported by Labtech International and Calibre Scientific.
Microbiomes play a critical role in the health of humans and animals, as well as in plants and ecosystems. This session, run over two days, will focus on the functional role of microbiomes in each of these niches, and their impact in health and disease. We welcome abstracts relating to all human and animal-associated microbiomes, including the gut, skin, lung, and oral environments. We also welcome abstracts addressing the influence of microbiomes on plant and ecosystem health. This includes ecosystem stability and biodiversity, soil fertility and agriculture, plant disease resistance and stress tolerance, and climate control. This session aims to bring together the wider microbiome research community with a view to highlighting the latest methodologies to study function and exploring the important role of microbiomes across the broader research theme. Supported by Biomarker Technologies (BMK) GmbH -.
Stephen Kelly, Florence Abram, Jerry Reen, Aoife Mulry, Guerrino Macori, Nicky O'Boyle, John Kenny
This session will address the intersection of the climate crisis and infectious viral disease. We will discuss how the climate crisis is driving the emergence and geographic expansion of varied pathogens, from emerging zoonotic pathogens to established arthropod-borne viruses and their vectors. Projections indicate a vast increase in the risk posed to immunologically naïve individuals as the climate changes. Outbreaks of disease are already exacerbating public health challenges that result from the absence of treatments and vaccines for many of these infections. Speakers from a variety of disciplines, including disease modelling, virology and vector biology will explore the unintended consequences of climate change, such as increased cross-species viral transmission risks. This symposium aims to deepen our understanding of these dynamics and highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on global infectious disease patterns.
Ben Brennan, Clive McKimmie
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will be a recurring topic for symposia at Annual Conference. The theme selected for Annual Conference 2025 is Mechanisms & Regulation. We invite submissions on antibiotic drug uptake, efflux, modification, tolerance/persistence and target evolution. We also encourage submissions on regulation and evolution of AMR. Supported by Warwick Antimicrobial Screening Facility.
Enas Newire, Dany Beste, Nick Tucker
Emerging eukaryotic microbial pathogens pose significant risks to public health, biodiversity, and global ecosystems. These pathogens can cause severe diseases in humans, animals, and plants, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic loss. Factors such as climate change, global travel, and agricultural practices drive their emergence and spread, creating new opportunities for transmission and infection. Addressing these threats requires a multidisciplinary approach, including the characterisation of pathogen biology, robust surveillance systems, advanced diagnostic tools, and effective treatments and prevention strategies. This session will focus on diverse emerging eukaryotic pathogens, emphasising the need for innovative methods to understand their complex biology and spread. Early identification and rapid response are essential to prevent outbreaks, minimize impacts on health systems, and safeguard food security and natural ecosystems. By stimulating these discussions, we aim to better protect public health and maintain ecological balance.
Calvin Tiengwe, Fiona Henriques-Mui, Girish Beedessee
We welcome abstracts on any aspect of learning or teaching microbiology as well as any aspect of engaging a wider audience with microbiology. This year, we particularly welcome abstracts on artificial intelligence, antimicrobial resistance, and low-budget projects, but will consider abstracts on any topic. We are happy to receive abstracts from colleagues in any setting e.g. clinicians, technicians, those in industry, etc.
Mel Lacey, Alison Graham
Genetics and genomics forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of the genes and genomes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and their mobile elements, including their sequencing, transcription, translation, regulation, chromosome dynamics, gene transfer, population genetics and evolution, taxonomy and systematics, comparative genomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology. Supported by Clent Life Science.
This forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of microbial (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) metabolism, physiology and molecular biology. This will focus on fundamental and translational research in this area. This would include the metabolism and physiology of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotic microbes, including pathogens; biochemistry and structure of cells, cell growth and division; cell architecture and differentiation; synthesis and transport of macromolecules; ions and small molecules; development signalling and communication, sensing and cellular responses and also how this work informs microbial engineering, antimicrobial drug development, and other potential applications. All speakers will be selected from the submitted abstracts. Supported by Labtech International and Calibre Scientific.
Microbiomes play a critical role in the health of humans and animals, as well as in plants and ecosystems. This session, run over two days, will focus on the functional role of microbiomes in each of these niches, and their impact in health and disease. We welcome abstracts relating to all human and animal-associated microbiomes, including the gut, skin, lung, and oral environments. We also welcome abstracts addressing the influence of microbiomes on plant and ecosystem health. This includes ecosystem stability and biodiversity, soil fertility and agriculture, plant disease resistance and stress tolerance, and climate control. This session aims to bring together the wider microbiome research community with a view to highlighting the latest methodologies to study function and exploring the important role of microbiomes across the broader research theme. Supported by Zymo research.
Stephen Kelly, Florence Abram, Jerry Reen, Aoife Mulry, Guerrino Macori, Nicky O'Boyle, John Kenny
Over a hundred years ago Peyton Rous demonstrated that an infectious agent could promote tumorigenesis which, many years later, paved the way for the discovery of oncogenes in retroviruses and, subsequently, proto-oncogenes in the host genome. This symposium will cover the underlying mechanisms of how viruses transform cells to persist in the host and the pathogenesis they cause. Furthermore, it will also feature how viruses (both oncogenic and non-oncogenic) have been re-purposed to target and kill cancer cells - highlighting how viruses can cause, and be used to kill, cancer.
Matthew Reeves, Richard Stanton
Just because a bacterial pathogen is lesser known, does not mean that it is not a potential threat to health. The aim of this session is to expand our knowledge on these bacteria, through both laboratory and bioinformatics approaches. Abstracts are encouraged from a wide range of research topics that cover emerging/re-emerging diseases, zoonoses, pathogenicity, public health, tropical diseases, epidemiology, and diagnostics/therapy. Overall, this half-day symposium will shed light on the importance of unrecognised threats to public health and identifying critical research gaps in scientific knowledge. Supported by MicrobesNG.
Kasia Parfitt, Sam Sheppard, Alan McNally
This session will explore the innovative uses of microorganisms in the production of alternative proteins. Covering the latest research and technological advancements, we will highlight how fungi, bacteria, and algae are being used to create sustainable, nutritious, and scalable protein sources. Attendees will gain insights into microbial biomass and precision fermentation processes, genetic engineering, and biotechnological applications that are driving the future of food. Join us to discover how microbiology is at the forefront of solving global challenges related to food security and sustainability through the development of alternative proteins. Supported by SBi Scientific Bioprocessing.
Jordan Price, Alison Smith, Chris Cooper
The Knocking Out AMR forum will consider submissions across the key themes of surveillance, diagnostics, novel antimicrobials, vaccination, policy and education initiatives relevant to tackling the global challenge of Anti-Microbial Resistance. We strongly encourage impactful papers addressing the One Health aspects of AMR, including agriculture, veterinary, human and environmental microbiology, AMR and Climate Change, and AMR in the Global South. We look forward to a range of submissions across these key themes. Speakers will be selected from the submitted abstracts. Supported by Illumina.
Tina Joshi, Catrin Moore, Enas Newire, Dany Beste
Just as imposters lurk undetected in the popular online game “Among Us”, pathogenic fungi often evade conventional treatments and pose a growing challenge to global health and agriculture. The selection of resistance and virulence traits as a result of extensive use of fungicides and environmental conditions such as pollution and climate change raise the threat of fungal disease in animals and plants ever further. This issue is underscored by the WHO, which has noted the rising threat of fungal pathogens and their increasing resistance to a limited number of available antifungal drugs. Collaborative efforts in surveillance, responsible antimicrobial use, and environmental stewardship are crucial. Additionally, innovations in drug development, improved diagnostics, and infection control strategies are essential to combat this evolving threat. This session will focus on the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance in fungi and explore strategies to mitigate its impact. Supported by BMG Labtech.
Albert Bolhuis, Campbell Gourlay
The microbes of a urogenital tract represent a dynamic and often poorly studied facet of human health. Microbes found here can play important roles in maintaining health, influencing the transmission of infectious pathogens, and affecting fertility and pregnancy outcomes. In this session we will discuss the importance of inter-kingdom relationships; integrating bacteria, microbial eukaryotes and viruses; within the urogenital microbiota, cover the mechanisms of host-microbe dialogue, and determine the value of microbiome research from clinical perspectives. All research involving fundamental and clinical microbiology, diagnostics, and interventions are welcome for submission.
Mathew Diggle, Conor Feehily, Robert Hirt
This session covers topics relating to human and animal antiviral innate immunity, including host responses to cytokines and infections, activities of anti-viral proteins, and strategies to boost these defensive processes.
Carlos Maluquer de Motes & Anna Cliffe
Viruses continue to serve as powerful molecular probes for unraveling the biochemical and cellular underpinnings of life. This workshop spans a broad array of topics, from the strategies viral proteins employ to facilitate entry and the intricacies of viral gene expression and replication, to the detailed mechanisms driving virus assembly, the formation of viral replication factories, and viral egress. This session highlights structural, biophysical, and targeted reductionist approaches to uncover these processes.
Alex Borodavka & Stephen Graham
Understanding the molecular and cellular basis of viral pathogenesis and disease is an essential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for viral diseases. This workshop will highlight novel research into viral pathogenesis and the development of antivirals, covering a wide range of clinically important viral pathogens and associated diseases.
Anna Smielewska & Ethan Morgan
RNA biology influences almost every part of virus lifecycles, from transcription, RNA stability and translation to replication, packaging and evasion of viral RNA recognition by the host. In this forum novel insights in RNA biology from across viral taxa are presented.
Hannah Burgess & Andrew Broadbent
There is so much more to getting research into the clinic or the marketplace than just having a good idea and proving it works. Regulation and Policy create the enabling environment within which your research will be used. Awareness of these powerful levers and the constraints they may place upon your work should be included from initial planning of the research to avoid lengthy and time-consuming delays later. Similarly, most academic research requires transitioning into a commercially viable enterprise to achieve impact. Understanding how investors evaluate investment opportunities, and what the journey towards commercial success is also important. This session will include presentations from people involved in Policy, Regulation and investors, as well as examples from researchers to bring these potentially dry topics to life for the bench scientist. This will be followed by a round table featuring the presenters with a Q&A session taking questions from the floor. Supported by Vidiia.
Petra Oyston, Nicola Holden, Geertje van Keulen
Offered papers (and associated posters) will be presented in areas related to clinical, veterinary and plant infections caused by microbial pathogens. This will include detection and diagnosis, identification, typing and epidemiology, pathogenesis, virulence, host response and immunity, treatment and prevention, antimicrobial agents and resistance, transmission and models of infection. Eligible abstracts can be entered into the Infection Science Award competition, with the awardees invited to the Federation of Infection Societies annual meeting. Supported by Stratech Scientific.
Just as imposters lurk undetected in the popular online game “Among Us”, pathogenic fungi often evade conventional treatments and pose a growing challenge to global health and agriculture. The selection of resistance and virulence traits as a result of extensive use of fungicides and environmental conditions such as pollution and climate change raise the threat of fungal disease in animals and plants ever further. This issue is underscored by the WHO, which has noted the rising threat of fungal pathogens and their increasing resistance to a limited number of available antifungal drugs. Collaborative efforts in surveillance, responsible antimicrobial use, and environmental stewardship are crucial. Additionally, innovations in drug development, improved diagnostics, and infection control strategies are essential to combat this evolving threat. This session will focus on the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance in fungi and explore strategies to mitigate its impact. Supported by BMG Labtech.
Albert Bolhuis, Campbell Gourlay
The arrival of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches is changing the microbiology research landscape. The requirement for computationally demanding analyses has precipitated solutions from divergent philosophies of data analysis, sometimes from separate communities. Machine learning and statistical inference have overlapping knowledge discovery aims and approaches. However, machine learning focuses on optimizing prediction, whereas statistical inference focuses on understanding the processes relating variables. In this session we will explore the strengths (and weaknesses) of AI and ML in microbiology. Drawing on examples from across the microbiological world, we aim to outline the different aspirations, precepts, and resulting methodologies, and examine the potential of AI as an emerging analytical approach. The session will conclude with a panel discussion addressing opportunities, challenges, and standards related to the application of AI in microbiological research, with a particular focus on the necessity for rigorous validation.
Florence Abram, Sam Sheppard, Trevor Cickovski
The microbes of a urogenital tract represent a dynamic and often poorly studied facet of human health. Microbes found here can play important roles in maintaining health, influencing the transmission of infectious pathogens, and affecting fertility and pregnancy outcomes. In this session we will discuss the importance of inter-kingdom relationships; integrating bacteria, microbial eukaryotes and viruses; within the urogenital microbiota, cover the mechanisms of host-microbe dialogue, and determine the value of microbiome research from clinical perspectives. All research involving fundamental and clinical microbiology, diagnostics, and interventions are welcome for submission.
Mathew Diggle, Conor Feehily, Robert Hirt
The virosphere - encompassing the entirety of viral ‘life’ on earth - intertwines with the cellular tree of life. It contains a huge diversity of biological forms and functions, much of which remains uncharacterised or undiscovered. However, the majority of virology research focusses on viruses of mammals, particularly humans, and therefore considers only a fraction of the Virosphere. In this session we look beyond a human-centric view to explore the full diversity of viral ecology, evolution and biology.
Joe Grove, Helena Maier
There is so much more to getting research into the clinic or the marketplace than just having a good idea and proving it works. Regulation and Policy create the enabling environment within which your research will be used. Awareness of these powerful levers and the constraints they may place upon your work should be included from initial planning of the research to avoid lengthy and time-consuming delays later. Similarly, most academic research requires transitioning into a commercially viable enterprise to achieve impact. Understanding how investors evaluate investment opportunities, and what the journey towards commercial success is also important. This session will include presentations from people involved in Policy, Regulation and investors, as well as examples from researchers to bring these potentially dry topics to life for the bench scientist. This will be followed by a round table featuring the presenters with a Q&A session taking questions from the floor. Supported by Vidiia.
Petra Oyston, Nicola Holden, Geertje van Keulen
This forum includes offered papers on any area and any organism relevant to environmental, ecological, applied and industrial microbiology, including (non-human) host–microbe communities and interactions, marine and freshwater microbiology, soil and geomicrobiology, air-, cryo- and extremophile microbiology, climate change, biotechnology, bio-processing and bio-engineering, food microbiology, and other applied and industrial microbial processes, including microbe-mediated biodegradation and bioremediation.
Offered papers (and associated posters) will be presented in areas related to clinical, veterinary and plant infections caused by microbial pathogens. This will include detection and diagnosis, identification, typing and epidemiology, pathogenesis, virulence, host response and immunity, treatment and prevention, antimicrobial agents and resistance, transmission and models of infection. Eligible abstracts can be entered into the Infection Science Award competition, with the awardees invited to the Federation of Infection Societies annual meeting. Supported by Stratech Scientific.
In their natural habitats, microbes live alongside other microbes, and are exposed to a diversity of mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Frequently, this coexistence is beset with conflict, as microbes express a panoply of mechanisms to attack one another and defend themselves. This session offers a window into the complex mechanisms of ‘microbial warfare’: ways in which microbes (and MGEs) interact to outcompete one another and survive, and will include discussions on: MGEs and horizontal gene transfer (HGT), bacteriophage/prophage, plasmids, CRISPR and other genome defence systems, toxin/anti-toxin systems, interference competition/secretion systems and more! It will also allow for conversations around the roles of these elements/systems in microbial adaptation, evolution, community dynamics, and the spread of traits like antimicrobial resistance. This exciting theme will foster a deeper understanding of the importance of communication and defence in microbial communities.
Rebecca Corrigan, James Hall, Chris Cooper, Joao Botelho, Jerry Reen
Cells of the adaptive immune system are critical in the control of viral infections, killing infected cells and preventing viral spread, amongst other mechanisms. This workshop will detail the control of infections by the adaptive immune system, mechanisms by which viruses evade these immune responses and the exploitation of adaptive immunity for the development of vaccines and immunotherapies
Finn Grey & Rowan Casey
In this session we explore the knowledge of viral replication and host-pathogen interactions gained through systems approaches. Selected talks explore the insights generated via high-throughput molecular techniques and computational approaches in relation to a range of viruses. The session has been loosely divided into DNA viruses/phage before the break and RNA viruses after the break.
Harriet Groom & Ed Emmott
From viral evolution to host-pathogen interactions, this forum showcases groundbreaking research spanning SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and emerging zoonotic threats. Gain insights into genomic mechanisms, spillover dynamics, and implications for their One-Health implications
Ashley Otter & Connor Bamford
This session explores the complex interactions between viruses and host cells, highlighting mechanisms of immune evasion, cellular manipulation, and viral reactivation. Insights into these processes reveal key strategies viruses use to thrive and persist within a host.
Lindsay Broadbent & Oya Cingoz
The Careers Session presents an exciting chance for delegates to discover and explore career paths outside those that have been traditionally available to microbiologists. Delegates in attendance will have the opportunity to interact with speakers from industry, clinical, academic and government settings who will share their varying career experiences and trajectories as well as nuggets of wisdom such as their achievements and regrets. At the end of each talk, there will be a brief Q&A session, allowing delegates to ask key questions pertaining to their career stages and fields. A speed networking round will follow the session allowing delegates in attendance to further interface with speakers. Early career researchers wanting to explore their next career options, and mid-career microbiologists considering a career change are invited to attend.
The Enterobacteriaceae is a diverse family of Gram-negative bacteria that includes significant genera including Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Salmonella and Shigella spp. This symposium aims to discuss all aspects of the biology and ecology of these organisms not just in human health but in the environment. Examples may include (but not limited to) horizontal gene transfer in the environment, faecal contamination of water, population biology & genomics, roles in microbiomes and virulence. To capture the diversity of the Enterobacteriaceae, abstracts from rarer members of the family are particularly welcomed. Supported by Maworde.
Nick Tucker, Georgios Efthimiou
This forum includes offered papers on any area and any organism relevant to environmental, ecological, applied and industrial microbiology, including (non-human) host–microbe communities and interactions, marine and freshwater microbiology, soil and geomicrobiology, air-, cryo- and extremophile microbiology, climate change, biotechnology, bio-processing and bio-engineering, food microbiology, and other applied and industrial microbial processes, including microbe-mediated biodegradation and bioremediation.
In their natural habitats, microbes live alongside other microbes, and are exposed to a diversity of mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Frequently, this coexistence is beset with conflict, as microbes express a panoply of mechanisms to attack one another and defend themselves. This session offers a window into the complex mechanisms of ‘microbial warfare’: ways in which microbes (and MGEs) interact to outcompete one another and survive, and will include discussions on: MGEs and horizontal gene transfer (HGT), bacteriophage/prophage, plasmids, CRISPR and other genome defence systems, toxin/anti-toxin systems, interference competition/secretion systems and more! It will also allow for conversations around the roles of these elements/systems in microbial adaptation, evolution, community dynamics, and the spread of traits like antimicrobial resistance. This exciting theme will foster a deeper understanding of the importance of communication and defence in microbial communities.
Rebecca Corrigan, James Hall, Chris Cooper, Joao Botelho, Jerry Reen
Genetic recombination allows organisms to eliminate deleterious DNA and assemble new beneficial genetic combinations. Eukaryotes evolved meiosis and sexual reproduction as a unique and controlled mechanism for recombination. However, horizontal gene transfer (the primary recombination mechanism in bacteria) also makes new combinations and appears particularly important during endosymbiosis. This session will explore the diversity and extent of genetic recombination across the microbial eukaryotic tree of life, showcasing a variety of mechanisms, organisms and outcomes.
Robert Hirt, Maria Domingo Sananes
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent global threats to our healthcare systems, economies, the environment and animal health. As the crisis escalates, it is crucial to adopt a multidisciplinary and cross-sector approach to address the complex challenges it presents. This session provides an opportunity for delegates to hear from current and past projects, including the newly established UKRI transdisciplinary networks which showcase novel approaches to cross-disciplinary working, and to share ideas on collaborative efforts to tackle AMR. Following the presentations, a speed networking round will enable delegates to engage directly with speakers and other attendees, fostering deeper connections and collaborations.
Emily Hugo-Webb, Policy and Engagement Manager, Microbiology Society
Joe Grove, Helena Maier, Trisna Tungadi
A wide range of sessions will be on offer to delegates at Annual Conference 2025, including broad-scope Fora and focused symposia, as well as various professional development and Get Involved activities.
You can explore many of these sessions below, with the full programme available on the Programme tab:
Date: Monday 31 March (PM) & Tuesday 1 April (AM)
Organisers: Enas Newire, Dany Beste, Nick Tucker
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will be a recurring topic for symposia at Annual Conference.
The theme selected for Annual Conference 2025 is Mechanisms & Regulation. We invite submissions on antibiotic drug uptake, efflux, modification, tolerance/persistence and target evolution. We also encourage submissions on regulation and evolution of AMR.
Invited Speakers
Adam Roberts (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
Cara Boutte (University of Texas, USA) - Regulation of Mycobacterial cell wall metabolism contributes to antibiotic resistance and tolerance
Michael Brockhurst (University of Manchester, UK)
Michelle Buckner (University of Birmingham, UK) - Transmission and transmission inhibition of AMR plasmids in E. coli and K. pneumoniae
Date: Wednesday 2 April
Organisers: Nicola Holden, Geertje van Keulen, Petra Oyston
There is so much more to getting research into the clinic or the marketplace than just having a good idea and proving it works. Regulation and Policy create the enabling environment within which your research will be used. Awareness of these powerful levers and the constraints they may place upon your work should be included from initial planning of the research to avoid lengthy and time-consuming delays later. Similarly, most academic research requires transitioning into a commercially viable enterprise to achieve impact. Understanding how investors evaluate investment opportunities, and what the journey towards commercial success is also important.
This session will include presentations from people involved in Policy, Regulation and investors, as well as examples from researchers to bring these potentially dry topics to life for the bench scientist. This will be followed by a round table featuring the presenters with a Q&A session taking questions from the floor.
Invited Speakers
Daniel Robinson (ESRC, UK)
Isabel Webb (DSIT, UK) - Update from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology
James MacDonald (Solena Materials Limited, UK) - From Chance Meeting to Startup – The Journey of Commercialising Novel Biobased Textile Fibres
Jonny Hazell (Royal Society, UK)
Matt Gilmour (Quadram Institute, UK)
Sara Holland (Potter Clarkson, UK) - Research to real impact through IP
Date: Tuesday 1 April (AM)
Organisers: Calvin Tiengwe, Fiona Henriques-Mui, Girish Beedessee
Emerging eukaryotic microbial pathogens pose significant risks to public health, biodiversity, and global ecosystems. These pathogens can cause severe diseases in humans, animals, and plants, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic loss. Factors such as climate change, global travel, and agricultural practices drive their emergence and spread, creating new opportunities for transmission and infection. Addressing these threats requires a multidisciplinary approach, including the characterisation of pathogen biology, robust surveillance systems, advanced diagnostic tools, and effective treatments and prevention strategies.
This session will focus on diverse emerging eukaryotic pathogens, emphasising the need for innovative methods to understand their complex biology and spread. Early identification and rapid response are essential to prevent outbreaks, minimize impacts on health systems, and safeguard food security and natural ecosystems. By stimulating these discussions, we aim to better protect public health and maintain ecological balance.
Invited Speakers
Christopher Rice (Purdue University, USA) - Awareness, drug discovery and diagnostic tools against pathogenic free-living amoebae.
Clare Hamilton (Moredun Research Institute, UK)
Rob Moon (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK) - Understanding host cell tropism in Zoonotic malaria
Date: Monday 31 March
Organisers: Microbiology Society Members Panel
Join us for an inspiring forum led by the Members Panel of the Microbiology Society. This session is dedicated to showcasing specific actions and initiatives that are building a more inclusive research environment. We invite members to share their impactful activities and successful strategies, providing a platform to exchange practical ideas and solutions. This is an opportunity to learn from each other’s triumphs and challenges, raising awareness of the needs of underrepresented and historically marginalised groups. Abstract submissions are welcomed from all career stages for talks and posters. Topics can range from diversity initiatives in microbiology, overcoming barriers to inclusion, to actionable ideas for achieving equity across various settings, from academia to industry. We particularly encourage submissions detailing the development and implementation of novel approaches and initiatives. Be a part of this dynamic session to inspire and be inspired, and to gather actionable insights that can drive positive change in your own sphere of influence.
Date: Monday 31 March (PM) & Tuesday 1 April (AM)
Organisers: Mel Lacey, Alison Graham
We welcome abstracts on any aspect of learning or teaching microbiology as well as any aspect of engaging a wider audience with microbiology. This year, we particularly welcome abstracts on artificial intelligence, antimicrobial resistance, and low-budget projects, but will consider abstracts on any topic. We are happy to receive abstracts from colleagues in any setting e.g. clinicians, technicians, those in industry, etc.
Invited Speakers
Jo Rushworth (University of Lincoln, UK)
Jody Winter (Nottingham Trent University, UK) - Education, outreach and research – the magic is in the mixture!
Date: Thursday 3 April (AM)
Organisers: Nick Tucker
The Enterobacteriaceae is a diverse family of Gram-negative bacteria that includes significant genera including Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Salmonella and Shigella spp. This symposium aims to discuss all aspects of the biology and ecology of these organisms not just in human health but in the environment. Examples may include (but not limited to) horizontal gene transfer in the environment, faecal contamination of water, population biology & genomics, roles in microbiomes and virulence. To capture the diversity of the Enterobacteriaceae, abstracts from rarer members of the family are particularly welcomed.
Date: Wednesday 2 April (PM) & Thursday 3 April (AM)
This forum includes offered papers on any area and any organism relevant to environmental, ecological, applied and industrial microbiology, including (non-human) host–microbe communities and interactions, marine and freshwater microbiology, soil and geomicrobiology, air-, cryo- and extremophile microbiology, climate change, biotechnology, bio-processing and bio-engineering, food microbiology, and other applied and industrial microbial processes, including microbe-mediated biodegradation and bioremediation.
Date: Tuesday 1 April (PM)
Organisers: Kasia Parfitt, Sam Sheppard
Just because a bacterial pathogen is lesser known, does not mean that it is not a potential threat to health. The aim of this session is to expand our knowledge on these bacteria, through both laboratory and bioinformatics approaches. Abstracts are encouraged from a wide range of research topics that cover emerging/re-emerging diseases, zoonoses, pathogenicity, public health, tropical diseases, epidemiology, and diagnostics/therapy. Overall, this half-day symposium will shed light on the importance of unrecognised threats to public health and identifying critical research gaps in scientific knowledge.
Invited Speakers
Eshwar Mahenthiralingam (Cardiff University, UK) - Burkholderia bacteria: expanding our knowledge of their taxonomy and pathogenesis using genomics
Sylvain Brisse (Pasteur Institute, France) - Diphtheria agents revisited through the lens of genomics
Date: Tuesday 1 April (PM)
Organisers: Jordan Price, Alison Smith, Chris Cooper
This session will explore the innovative uses of microorganisms in the production of alternative proteins. Covering the latest research and technological advancements, we will highlight how fungi, bacteria, and algae are being used to create sustainable, nutritious, and scalable protein sources. Attendees will gain insights into microbial biomass and precision fermentation processes, genetic engineering, and biotechnological applications that are driving the future of food. Join us to discover how microbiology is at the forefront of solving global challenges related to food security and sustainability through the development of alternative proteins.
Invited Speakers
Alessia Buscaino (University of Kent, UK) - Exploring intra-Species diversity in fungi for novel Mycoprotein production
Andrew Spicer (Algenuity, UK)
Catherine Elton (Qkine, UK)
Date: Monday 31 March (PM) & Tuesday 1 April (AM)
Genetics and genomics forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of the genes and genomes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and their mobile elements, including their sequencing, transcription, translation, regulation, chromosome dynamics, gene transfer, population genetics and evolution, taxonomy and systematics, comparative genomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology.
Date: Wednesday 2 April
Offered papers (and associated posters) will be presented in areas related to clinical, veterinary and plant infections caused by microbial pathogens. This will include detection and diagnosis, identification, typing and epidemiology, pathogenesis, virulence, host response and immunity, treatment and prevention, antimicrobial agents and resistance, transmission and models of infection. Eligible abstracts can be entered into the Infection Science Award competition, with the awardees invited to the Federation of Infection Societies annual meeting.
Date: Tuesday 1 April (PM)
Organisers: Tina Joshi, Catrin Moore, Enas Newire, Dany Beste
The Knocking Out AMR forum will consider submissions across the key themes of surveillance, diagnostics, novel antimicrobials, vaccination, policy and education initiatives relevant to tackling the global challenge of Anti-Microbial Resistance. We strongly encourage impactful papers addressing the One Health aspects of AMR, including agriculture, veterinary, human and environmental microbiology, AMR and Climate Change, and AMR in the Global South. We look forward to a range of submissions across these key themes. Speakers will be selected from the submitted abstracts.
Date: Monday 31 March (PM) & Tuesday 1 April (AM)
This forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of microbial (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) metabolism, physiology and molecular biology. This will focus on fundamental and translational research in this area. This would include the metabolism and physiology of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotic microbes, including pathogens; biochemistry and structure of cells, cell growth and division; cell architecture and differentiation; synthesis and transport of macromolecules; ions and small molecules; development signalling and communication, sensing and cellular responses and also how this work informs microbial engineering, antimicrobial drug development, and other potential applications. All speakers will be selected from the submitted abstracts.
Date: Wednesday 2 April (PM) & Thursday 3 April (AM)
Organisers: Rebecca Corrigan, James Hall, Chris Cooper, Joao Botelho, Jerry Reen
In their natural habitats, microbes live alongside other microbes, and are exposed to a diversity of mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Frequently, this coexistence is beset with conflict, as microbes express a panoply of mechanisms to attack one another and defend themselves. This session offers a window into the complex mechanisms of ‘microbial warfare’: ways in which microbes (and MGEs) interact to outcompete one another and survive, and will include discussions on: MGEs and horizontal gene transfer (HGT), bacteriophage/prophage, plasmids, CRISPR and other genome defence systems, toxin/anti-toxin systems, interference competition/secretion systems and more! It will also allow for conversations around the roles of these elements/systems in microbial adaptation, evolution, community dynamics, and the spread of traits like antimicrobial resistance. This exciting theme will foster a deeper understanding of the importance of communication and defence in microbial communities.
Invited Speakers
Eduardo Rocha (Pasteur Institute, France) - The contribution of interactions between mobile elements to the bacterial pan-genome
Gemma Atkinson (Lund University, Sweden) - Discovery and characterisation of toxin-antitoxins and other phage defence systems
Tatiana Dimitriu (University of St Andrews, UK) - Conflicts between plasmids and with defence systems drive the evolution of AMR plasmid transmission
Tim Blower (Durham University, UK) - “All the World’s a Phage” - Exploring phage-host interactions
Date: Thursday 3 April (AM)
Organisers: Robert Hirt, Maria Domingo Sananes
Genetic recombination allows organisms to eliminate deleterious DNA and assemble new beneficial genetic combinations. Eukaryotes evolved meiosis and sexual reproduction as a unique and controlled mechanism for recombination. However, horizontal gene transfer (the primary recombination mechanism in bacteria) also makes new combinations and appears particularly important during endosymbiosis. This session will explore the diversity and extent of genetic recombination across the microbial eukaryotic tree of life, showcasing a variety of mechanisms, organisms and outcomes.
Invited Speakers
Ivan Garcia Cunchillos (University of Warsaw, Poland) - The impact of horizontal gene transfer in the acquisition of plastids, the emergent model Rapaza viridis.
Jolien van Hooff (Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands) - Rethinking eukaryotic genome innovation: New perspectives on the prevalence, integration and implications of horizontally transferred genes
Oliver Bilker (Umea University, Sweden)
Thomas Richards (University of Oxford, UK)
Date: Tuesday 1 April (PM) & Wednesday 2 April (AM)
Organisers: Albert Bolhuis, Campbell Gourlay
Just as imposters lurk undetected in the popular online game “Among Us”, pathogenic fungi often evade conventional treatments and pose a growing challenge to global health and agriculture. The selection of resistance and virulence traits as a result of extensive use of fungicides and environmental conditions such as pollution and climate change raise the threat of fungal disease in animals and plants ever further. This issue is underscored by the WHO, which has noted the rising threat of fungal pathogens and their increasing resistance to a limited number of available antifungal drugs. Collaborative efforts in surveillance, responsible antimicrobial use, and environmental stewardship are crucial. Additionally, innovations in drug development, improved diagnostics, and infection control strategies are essential to combat this evolving threat. This session will focus on the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance in fungi and explore strategies to mitigate its impact.
Invited Speakers
Albert Bolhuis (University of Bath, UK) - Exploring the activity of hydrogen sulphide against dermatophytes
Amelia Barber (University of Jena, Germany) - Searching for the source: how environmental fungi become clinically resistant
Campbell Gourlay (University of Kent, UK) - Candida albicans Utilises Methaemoglobin to Build Ultra-Drug Resistant Polymicrobial Biofilms
Helen Cockerton (University of Kent, UK)
Norman van Rhijn (University of Manchester, UK) - Rising Heat, Rising Threat: How Climate Change Fuels Fungal Pathogens
Date: Wednesday 2 April (AM)
Organisers: Florence Abram, Sam Sheppard, Trevor Cickvoski
The arrival of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches is changing the microbiology research landscape. The requirement for computationally demanding analyses has precipitated solutions from divergent philosophies of data analysis, sometimes from separate communities. Machine learning and statistical inference have overlapping knowledge discovery aims and approaches. However, machine learning focuses on optimizing prediction, whereas statistical inference focuses on understanding the processes relating variables. In this session we will explore the strengths (and weaknesses) of AI and ML in microbiology. Drawing on examples from across the microbiological world, we aim to outline the different aspirations, precepts, and resulting methodologies, and examine the potential of AI as an emerging analytical approach. The session will conclude with a panel discussion addressing opportunities, challenges, and standards related to the application of AI in microbiological research, with a particular focus on the necessity for rigorous validation.
Invited Speakers
Cesar de la Fuente (University of Pennsylvania, USA) – Guest Panellist
Daniel Wilson (University of Oxford, UK) - Machine learning versus statistical inference in microbial genomics
Nicola Segata (University of Trento, Italy) - Machine learning in metagenomics for precision medicine and personalized nutrition
Tania Dottorini (University of Nottingham, UK) - Genomic traits and social determinants of health drive bacterial antimicrobial resistance: current trends and projections to 2050 revealed by machine learning
Date: Monday 31 March (PM) & Tuesday 1 April (AM)
Organisers: Stephen Kelly, Florence Abram, Jerry Reen, Aoife Mulry, Guerrino Macori, Nicky O'Boyle, John Kenny
Microbiomes play a critical role in the health of humans and animals, as well as in plants and ecosystems. This session, run over two days, will focus on the functional role of microbiomes in each of these niches, and their impact in health and disease. We welcome abstracts relating to all human and animal-associated microbiomes, including the gut, skin, lung, and oral environments. We also welcome abstracts addressing the influence of microbiomes on plant and ecosystem health. This includes ecosystem stability and biodiversity, soil fertility and agriculture, plant disease resistance and stress tolerance, and climate control. This session aims to bring together the wider microbiome research community with a view to highlighting the latest methodologies to study function and exploring the important role of microbiomes across the broader research theme.
Invited Speakers
Jack Gilbert (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, USA) - Translating microbiome research into clinical practice.
John Cryan (University College Cork, Ireland)
Lindsay Hall (University of Birmingham, UK) - Exploring dynamics of early life microbiomes
Sinead Waters (University of Galway, Ireland) - Understanding the rumen microbiome to enhance methane mitigation strategies for ruminants
Date: Tuesday 1 April (PM) & Wednesday 2 April (AM)
Organisers: Mathew Diggle, Conor Feehily, Robert Hirt
The microbes of a urogenital tract represent a dynamic and often poorly studied facet of human health. Microbes found here can play important roles in maintaining health, influencing the transmission of infectious pathogens, and affecting fertility and pregnancy outcomes. In this session we will discuss the importance of inter-kingdom relationships; integrating bacteria, microbial eukaryotes and viruses; within the urogenital microbiota, cover the mechanisms of host-microbe dialogue, and determine the value of microbiome research from clinical perspectives. All research involving fundamental and clinical microbiology, diagnostics, and interventions are welcome for submission.
Invited Speakers
Lyle McKinnon (University of Manitoba, Canada) - Immunoregulation in the female genital tract
Lynne Sykes (Imperial College London, UK) - Modulation of the vaginal microbiome as a therapeutic target for preterm birth prevention
Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz (University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, USA) - Harnessing Vaginal Microbiome Science for Women’s Health: Emerging Pathogens and Their Role in HPV-Driven Cervical Cancer
Date: Tuesday 1 April (PM) & Wednesday 2 April (PM)
Organisers: Microbiology Society Virus Division
Tuesday PM: Innate Immunity, RNA Biology, Pathogenesis & Anti-virals, Biochemistry of Infection
Wednesday PM: Virospshere, Host:Pathogen Interaction, Systems Approaches, Adaptive Immunity
The virology community has to embrace many different disciplines to understand the diversity of viruses and to study how such small things can have such wide-ranging effects. Historically, the Microbiology Society’s Virus Workshops have tried to capture the amazing variety of virology with pre-determined sessions, alternating between sessions based on virus taxonomy and sessions based on the properties of viruses and how they interact with their hosts. However, the balance of content can change from year to year, making it challenging to divide up offered papers between sessions. From this year, we are opening up the choice of topics for these sessions to all our community. As in previous years there will be 8 half-day workshops (now called ‘Virus Forums') held over two days at the Annual Conference, but the topics will be tailored to reflect the current variety of virus research.
To achieve this, we are asking you to submit your most exciting research to us and to select 2-3 key terms which you think best describe your work. We will then use these keywords to help develop 8 workshops based on the content received. We have retained the previous session titles as options, and have also included an ‘Other’ category – if you are doing something new that doesn’t fit any of the current categories please let us know and we will fit it into a session (or maybe even create a new session!).
Date: Monday 31 March (PM)
Organisers: Ben Brennan, Clive McKimmie
This session will address the intersection of the climate crisis and infectious viral disease. We will discuss how the climate crisis is driving the emergence and geographic expansion of varied pathogens, from emerging zoonotic pathogens to established arthropod-borne viruses and their vectors. Projections indicate a vast increase in the risk posed to immunologically naïve individuals as the climate changes. Outbreaks of disease are already exacerbating public health challenges that result from the absence of treatments and vaccines for many of these infections. Speakers from a variety of disciplines, including disease modelling, virology and vector biology will explore the unintended consequences of climate change, such as increased cross-species viral transmission risks. This symposium aims to deepen our understanding of these dynamics and highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on global infectious disease patterns.
Invited Speakers
Greg Albery (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) - How climate change influences viral emergence by altering animal behaviour and ecology
Jolyon Medlock (UK Health Security Agency, UK)
Thomas Morrison (University of Colorado, USA) - Host and Viral Determinants of Arbovirus Viremia and Dissemination
Date: Wednesday 2 April (AM) & Thursday 3 April (AM)
Organisers: Joe Grove, Helena Maier
The virosphere - encompassing the entirety of viral ‘life’ on earth - intertwines with the cellular tree of life. It contains a huge diversity of biological forms and functions, much of which remains uncharacterised or undiscovered. However, the majority of virology research focusses on viruses of mammals, particularly humans, and therefore considers only a fraction of the Virosphere. In this session we look beyond a human-centric view to explore the full diversity of viral ecology, evolution and biology.
Invited Speakers
Adrian Fox (Fera Science Ltd., UK) - Tomato brown rugose fruit virus: The other global virus pandemic…
Charlotte Houldcroft (University of Cambridge, UK) - A Thirty Thousand Year Perspective on Human DNA Virus Evolution
Chantal Abergel (CNRS Aix-Marseille Université, France)
Mary Petrone (University of Sydney, Australia) - Exploring genetic innovation throughout the evolutionary history of RNA viruses
Date: Tuesday 1 April (AM)
Organisers: Matthew Reeves, Richard Stanton
Over a hundred years ago Peyton Rous demonstrated that an infectious agent could promote tumorigenesis which, many years later, paved the way for the discovery of oncogenes in retroviruses and, subsequently, proto-oncogenes in the host genome. This symposium will cover the underlying mechanisms of how viruses transform cells to persist in the host and the pathogenesis they cause. Furthermore, it will also feature how viruses (both oncogenic and non-oncogenic) have been re-purposed to target and kill cancer cells - highlighting how viruses can cause, and be used to kill, cancer.
Invited Speakers
Alan Parker (Cardiff University, UK) - Development of “precision virotherapies” for the systemic treatment of cancer.
Ethan Morgan (University of Sussex, UK) - Identifying novel therapeutic targets in HPV-associated cancers
Fiona Errington-Mais (University of Leeds, UK) - Rationally designed combination therapies to enhance the efficacy of oncolytic reovirus.
Abstract submission for the Microbiology Society Annual Conference is now closed. The session organisers will review submitted abstracts and submitters will be notified of the outcome directly in December 2024.
Abstracts should be submitted through the Oxford Abstracts system. Both members and non-members of the Microbiology Society are welcome to submit an abstract. By submitting an abstract to this meeting, you are indicating to the session organisers your commitment to attend the event.
Fora
Symposia
Please note that the abstract is the only information session organisers use when deciding whether to accept your work for presentation as an offered talk or poster. If accepted, it will be published in the online programme or poster abstract book for the conference – so think carefully about what needs to be included.
Registration for Annual Conference has officially closed.
We understand this may be disappointing news for those who haven't registered. Be sure to register your interest to receive updates and reminders for Annual Conference 2026.
The Microbiology Society's Annual Conference is the UK's largest annual gathering of microbiologists, and we welcome everyone from across our community to Liverpool in 2025.
Members get heavily subsidised registration fees for Annual Conference and other Society events – both online and in-person. Join now to enjoy these discounts and many other opportunities that are designed for microbiologists at all stages of their careers.
Please note, Annual Conference now offers a single-rate registration fee for each membership category, in alignment with the rest of our programme.
| Membership type | Price |
|
Full member |
£699 |
|
Concessionary member |
£330 |
| Affiliate member For anyone with an interest in microbiology who simply wants to stay in touch. |
£876 |
|
Student member |
£291 |
| Non-member | £1,239 |
What's included in your registration fee?
Upon registration, you should receive an automated confirmation email. Please contact [email protected] if this has not been received within 24 hours.
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 visa and immigration website.
It is the policy of the Microbiology Society 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 Microbiology Society will not take any responsibility for travel or visa problems.
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.
Refunds are not provided; however substitutions of attendees can be made at any time before the event by contacting [email protected].
Applications for the Society Events Grant to support members attending Annual Conference 2025 are now closed.
Grants will act as contributions towards registration, travel, and accommodation expenses only.
Eligible membership categories:
Minimum membership period required:
A minimum membership period of one year and two consecutive membership payments is required. Postgraduates and Undergraduates with three-year memberships will need to have completed one year (three-year membership payment constitutes consecutive payment).
Please read all information carefully on the Society Events Grant page before submitting an application for funding.
Continuing Professional Development
The Society aims to include a professional development offering for its membership and delegates at most of its events. This year’s Annual Conference is no exception and includes a diverse range of CPD related sessions and awards aimed at our Early Career delegates. From career direction and co-chairing, to networking opportunities and publishing support, this year’s Annual Conference will cater to delegates varying professional development needs.
|
Time |
Session |
Speaker (where applicable) |
|
Monday 31 March |
||
|
13:00- 13:45 |
Champions of Change: Celebrating Actions Advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
|
Sharon Brookes Sara Henderson Skylar Gay |
|
15:00- 17:30 |
Education and Outreach Network (EON) Symposium (1) |
Various |
|
17:35- 18:00 |
Champions’ Showcase: World AMR Awareness Week 2025
|
Bruno Silvester Lopes Linda Oyama Third speaker TBC |
|
Tuesday 1 April |
||
|
13:15- 13:45 |
Publishing Fundamentals: Q&A session |
Various |
|
10:15- 12:45 |
Education and Outreach Network (EON) Symposium (2) |
Various |
|
Wednesday 2 April |
||
|
10:15- 11:15 |
Infection Science Award (ISA) Awardees 2024 (during the Infection Forum) |
Alyssa Hudson Ioannis Baltas Helen Savage
|
|
11:30- 17:15 |
Infection Science Award ( Finalists 2025 (during the Infection Forum) |
Pok-Man Ho Oluwatosin Orababa Elizabeth O’Gorman Aaron Curtis Jialun Wu Tom Arrowsmith Liam Rooney
|
|
Thursday 3 April |
||
|
10:00- 12:30 |
Careers Session: Transitions: Career Paths Outside Academia |
Yinka Somorin Aurore Poirer Helen McNeil Richard Gibbs Shane Houston Robyn Braes |
|
|
||
|
Throughout Conference |
Early Career Co-chairing Scheme |
|
|
Throughout Conference |
The Sir Howard Dalton Early Career Microbiologist of the Year |
|
Career Session: Transitions: career paths outside of academia
During the career session, delegates will benefit from the different perspectives and career journeys of invited speakers who have transitioned from academia to industry, the legal profession and more. The session’s keynote speakers, Yinka Somorin, is a seasoned research consultant with a wealth of experience in advising on careers outside academia. Delegates will have a chance to have their questions asked and answered during a Q&A round at the end of the session.
Champions of Change: Celebrating Actions Advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Join us for an inspiring forum led by the Members Panel of the Microbiology Society. This session is dedicated to showcasing specific actions and initiatives that are building a more inclusive research environment. We invite members to share their impactful activities and successful strategies, providing a platform to exchange practical ideas and solutions. This is an opportunity to learn from each other’s triumphs and challenges, raising awareness of the needs of underrepresented and historically marginalised groups. Abstract submissions are welcomed from all career stages for talks and posters. Topics can range from diversity initiatives in microbiology, overcoming barriers to inclusion, to actionable ideas for achieving equity across various settings, from academia to industry. We particularly encourage submissions detailing the development and implementation of novel approaches and initiatives. Be a part of this dynamic session to inspire and be inspired, and to gather actionable insights that can drive positive change in your own sphere of influence.
Infection Science Award
The Infection Science Award is an exchange scheme that facilitates the most promising trainee and early career presenters from the Federation of Infection Societies (FIS) Annual Conference (Infectious Disease Futures session) to present at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference (Infection Forum) and vice versa. The Award aims to support the exchange of ideas between the two meetings and the career development of early career researchers and trainee scientists and doctors by exposing them to new audiences and networks.
Champions’ Showcase: World AMR Awareness Week 2025
Hear from Society Champions about some of the outreach activities funded by the Society as part of World AMR Awareness Week 2024, to highlight AMR and the Knocking Out AMR project to a variety of communities around the world.
Publishing Fundamentals: Q&A session
Our Publishing Fundamentals programme is developed for early-career researchers and those who want to better understand how academic publishing works, including how to get involved with the Society’s journals as authors, editors, or reviewers. Attendees to this Q&A session will have the opportunity to understand the lifecycle of a manuscript how to write a manuscript, how to prepare your article for submission, and the support the Society provides to authors, reviewers and editors throughout the process.
Education and Outreach Network Symposium
The Education and Outreach Network emphasises aspects of learning or teaching microbiology as well as any aspect of engaging a wider audience with microbiology. The Network’s symposium this year will particularly focus on artificial intelligence, antimicrobial resistance, and low-budget projects and welcomes colleagues in any setting e.g. clinicians, technicians, those in industry, etc.
EC Co-Chairing Scheme
The EC-Co-Chairing scheme offers selected EC Forum members an insightful professional development opportunity to learn about being a session chair from more experienced colleagues. Co-Chairs will receive a letter of thanks from the EC Forum Executive Committee confirming that they participated in the Co-Chairing Scheme and will be recognised in the conference programme.
The Sir Howard Dalton Early Career Microbiologist of the Year Competition
The Sir Howard Dalton Early Career Microbiologist of the Year prize recognises and rewards excellence in science communication by a member in the early stages of their career. With the new set up, the Competition will be split between talks and posters. Talk presentation judging will be led by division chairs with help from session chairs, while posters will be judged by the Early Career Forum Executive Committee with help from the Society’s Champions.
This event has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) for 140 CPD credits and approved by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) for 24 CPD credits.
The conference will take place at the ACC Liverpool:
Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP
For all car journeys, it’s best to follow the white-on-brown tourist route signs for the Waterfront. These signs are visible on the major routes into the city. ACC Liverpool is situated on the Kings Dock directly adjacent to the south side of the Albert Dock. Upon arrival, the Kings Dock entrance is clearly signposted.
From the North:
Leave the M6 at junction 26 and follow signs for M58 Liverpool. Follow to the end of M58 and then take signs for A59 Liverpool. Continue to follow Liverpool City Centre until picking up signs for the Waterfront.
From the South:
Leave the M6 at junction 21A and take the M62 to Liverpool. At the end of the M62 follow signs for Liverpool City Centre along Edge Lane, picking up and following signs for Waterfront.
Car Parking Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool
On-site pay and display parking is available 24 hours from Monday-Sunday. Pricing for parking is as follows:
Virgin Trains operates hourly, direct services from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street (with a journey time of two hours). Other long-distance rail services also operate into Liverpool Lime Street station.
ACC Liverpool is a 20-minute walk from Lime Street or a short taxi ride. You can also transfer at Lime Street onto the underground Wirral Line trains to James Street station (10 10-minute walk) or catch the CityLink Route C4 (07:00–20:00) directly to ACC Liverpool. If travelling from outside Merseyside, you can catch an underground train to James Street station from Lime Street station, inclusive of the cost of your ticket.
Ring Traveline Merseyside 0871 200 22 33 for up-to-date information about your bus, train or ferry service. The Traveline is open from 08:00–20:00 every day of the week.
Most Liverpool city centre bound buses will call at either Queen Square bus station (a 15-minute walk) or Liverpool ONE Bus Station (a 5-minute walk). For up-to-date information on all bus, train and ferry services, call Traveline Merseyside on 08712002233, open 08:00– 20:00, 364 days a year or visit: www.merseytravel.gov.uk.
A taxi from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to the city centre will take approximately 20 minutes or the express bus service Route 500 will take approximately 25 minutes, dropping you off within a 5-minute walk of ACC Liverpool.
Please note that ACC Liverpool has several bike racks positioned on the riverside.
To support you in securing your accommodation we provide links to our booking and accommodation services via First Choice.
First Choice has secured negotiated rates at hotels to suit a broad range of budgets.
Book accommodation
If you require any further information for personal or group hotel bookings, please email [email protected] at any time.
The Society is again teaming up with Nipperbout to provide a free crèche at the Annual Conference 2025. The crèche will be available to all children of delegates between the ages of 0 and 12 years.
All registered delegates will be offered the opportunity to make use of these free childcare services, which will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to register your child
In order to register, visit the Nipperbout portal.
Existing account holders who have already used the system can log into their existing account and register for the event using the event code: MIC310324 under Events and Sessions.
Members who have not used the system before can create an account by clicking register, completing the form and entering the event code:MIC310324. You will then be able to request a place for your child in the creche and create your password.
Booking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Confirmation of your booking will be sent prior to the conference.
Please note that you are entering into an agreement with Nipperbout and not the Microbiology Society.
Nipperbout is an award-winning event childcare company with over 25 years of experience. For more information, please visit the Nipperbout website. If you have any queries about this service, please contact: [email protected].
For further information, please contact: [email protected].
Level access routes and toilets are clearly signposted throughout the venue and there are dedicated spaces for wheelchair users to sit in the main auditorium. However, if you would prefer to self-transfer to an auditorium seat, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to assist. Induction loops are available in rooms 1A, 1B, 1C, 3, 4, 11 and 12 as standard and can be provided in other rooms.
All accessible toilets are also signposted as gender neutral and available for anyone requiring gender neutral facilities to use. We collect pronoun information during registration and all name badges either have pronouns printed on them, or a space to add these, should you wish to. Please do respect other delegates personal pronouns.
This year, for the first time, we will have sunflower lanyards available for attendees with hidden disabilities. If you would like one of these lanyards, please ask at the registration desk at any time during the Conference. Stocks will be limited, so please only request one if you consider yourself to have a hidden disability.
There will be seating dotted around the venue should you need to rest, however this can be limited during busy times. If you need support finding seating, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of Society or venue staff.
Please ensure you include your accessibility requirements during registration so that we can provide you with further details if applicable.
We have dedicated areas to accommodate our delegates who may require a quiet space, prayer room or nursing room – these will be signposted in-venue but please ask us if you can’t find what you are looking for. This year, the prayer room is a little walk from the toilets, so please bear this in mind if you need to conduct ablutions before using the room.
We appreciate that with Eid ul-Fitr due to take place on the first day of Conference, delegates celebrating may need to leave sessions early or more frequently than usual.
We work very closely with all our venue catering teams to ensure all dietary requirements can be provided for. Please ensure you include your dietary requirements during registration and please don’t hesitate to let us know, or speak to the venue catering staff, if you can’t see your requirement signposted during the event.
We recently took the decision to remove alcohol from all scientific sessions, including poster sessions, to ensure everyone can participate fully. However, a drinks reception will take place on the evening of Monday 31 March and alcohol will also be available at some social events.
The Early Career (EC) Forum Executive Committee will be hosting an evening of networking and socialising with other early career microbiologists on Monday 31 March 2025. Your ticket includes entry, participation, and a light buffet. Whether it's your first time at Conference and you'd like to meet new people or you'd just like to come and enjoy an evening of fun and socialising, be sure to join this event.
Secure your tickets
Please join a group of Society members for the second Disabled and Neurodivergent Members social at Annual Conference. We welcome all members of the Microbiology Society at any career stage who identify as disabled, neurodivergent (e.g. autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic and more) and/or chronically ill, irrespective of whether they have a formal diagnosis, are awaiting diagnosis or self-identify. Refreshments will be provided at the venue with generous support from the Microbiology Society. Please click the button below for further venue and accessibility information.
Registration for this event has now closed.
Join the Queer in Microbiology group for an evening of fun, networking, and celebration at the fourth installment of the LGBTQ+ Networking Event, which includes a Trans and Nonbinary pre-meet for a second year. The event is open to LGBTQ+ microbiologists and their allies; refreshments will be provided. The venue will be confirmed to attendees closer to the date but is only a short walk from the conference venue. Please click the button below for further information and to secure your place.
Registration for this event has now closed.
Join the waiting list
It's quiz time! Ready to unleash your inner quiz champion? Gather your troops, book your tickets, and prepare to flex your intellectual muscles!
Location within walking distance of the ACC. Venue confirmed via email to attendees; your ticket includes a welcome drink.
Secure your tickets
ExhibitionPLUS is an initiative designed to help you discover other ways members engage with the Society, and provide you with more opportunities to grow your network and customer base.
Annual Conference 2025 offers opportunities for industry over three days to network with delegates across all career stages, oral and poster presenters, and authors publishing in our journals.
Please note our industry sponsored sessions have now sold out. Other package options are available so book now to secure your spot.
If you have any questions about the packages available please email [email protected]. Limited spaces available. Book early to choose your preferred stand.
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences
Constant Systems
ProtonDx
VH Bio
Cellexus