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 Twitter @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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kasia Parfitt, Sam Sheppard
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.
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.
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.
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
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!).
Microbiology Society Virus Division
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!).
Microbiology Society Virus Division
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!).
Microbiology Society Virus Division
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!).
Microbiology Society Virus Division
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.
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.
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.
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 Cickv
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.
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.
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
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!).
Microbiology Society Virus Division
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!).
Microbiology Society Virus Division
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!).
Microbiology Society Virus Division
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!).
Microbiology Society Virus Division
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.
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
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 more updates and a full programme to come:
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: Petra Oyston, Nicola Holden
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
Andre Goulter (Cambridge Consultants, UK)
Daniel Robinson (ESRC, UK)
Isabel Webb (DSIT, UK) - Update from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology
Jonny Hazell (Royal Society, UK)
Martin Challand (Zentraxa, UK)
Matt Gilmour (Quadram Institute, UK)
Sara Holland (Potter Clarkson, UK) - Research to real impact through IP
Date: Monday 31 March (PM) & 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)
Dates: Tuesday 1 April (PM) & Wednesday 2 April (AM)
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)
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: Wednesday 2 April (PM) & 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 Hoof (Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands) - Eukaryotic HGT: How are organisms constrained in harnessing the versatile gene pool in their environment?
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
Amelia Barber (University of Jena, Germany) - Searching for the source: how environmental fungi become clinically resistant
Helen Cockerton (University of Kent, UK)
Jeremy Gold (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA) - The rapid global emergence of antimicrobial-resistant fungi: a public health perspective
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
Birge D Özel Duygan (Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland)
Cesar de la Fuente (University of Pennsylvania, USA) - AI for Antibiotic Discovery
Daniel Wilson (University of Oxford, UK)
Nicola Segata (University of Trento, Italy)
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)
Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz (University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, USA)
Pier Luigi Fiori (University of Sassari, Italy) - The long history of endosymbiosis between Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma species
Date: Tuesday 1 April (PM) & Wednesday 2 April (PM)
Organisers: Microbiology Society Virus Division
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
Colin Carlson (Yale University School of Public Health, USA)
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…
Aude Bernheim (Institut Pasteur, France) - Evolution of immunity across domains of life
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 is now open.
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, Focused Meetings 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 will open on 6 December 2024 and close on 31 December 2024 at 23:59 GMT.
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.
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].
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.
Secure your tickets
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.
Secure your tickets
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.
If you have any questions about the packages available please email [email protected]. Limited spaces available. Book early to choose your preferred stand.
