Microbiology Society Roadshow 2022 – Northumbria

25 Jul - Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Overview
Person with glasses and a white facemask looks to the left

Overview

As part of our commitment to developing, expanding and strengthening the vast networks and opportunities available to our members and local communities, the Microbiology Society is pleased to announce the second President’s Roadshow of 2022, to be hosted by Dr Amanda Jones (Northumbria University, UK) and Professor Iain Sutcliffe (Northumbria University, UK).

President Professor Gurdyal S. Besra will provide insights into his journey as a Tuberculosis (TB) researcher; attendees will have the opportunity to join a discussion with the President, as well as find out more about the wide range of opportunities at the Society, and network with other local microbiologists.

The event will take place on Monday 25 July at City Campus East, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

During the event, attendees will have an opportunity to:

  • Meet the President, Professor Gurdyal S. Besra FMedSci FRS.
  • Network with local like-minded people and join our speed networking session.
  • Find out why microbiology and being part of the Microbiology Society matters.
  • Learn how to get more involved with the Society and find out more about the wide range of opportunities at the Society to advance your career, build your networks, raise your profile and communicate your work.

Who should attend?

Anyone with an interest in microbiology or wanting to find out more about the Microbiology Society, based in or around Newcastle, UK.

All Roadshow events are free to attend. You will need to register in advance, so numbers can be limited to allow for better networking and engagement during the event and COVID-19 safety measures.

Early registration is advised as places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For any further enquiries, please contact the Membership Team at [email protected].

Programme

Programme

*Please note the programme is subject to change. 

10:00–10:30 Registration and refreshments  
10:30–10:40

Welcome and overview

Dr Amanda Jones (Northumbria University, UK)
Professor Iain Sutcliffe (Northumbria University, UK)
10:40–11:00

My Academic Journey as a TB Researcher

Professor Gurdyal S. Besra (University of Birmingham, UK, Microbiology Society President)
11:00–11:10 Q&A and discussion Professor Gurdyal S. Besra (University of Birmingham, UK, Microbiology Society President)
11:10–11:30 Networking and refreshments   
11:30–11:50

Supporting the careers of early career microbiologists

Dr Rebecca McHugh (University of Glasgow, UK, Early Career Microbiologists’ (ECM) Forum Executive Committee member)
11:50–12:00

Get involved in our policy activities

Diana Githwe (Newcastle University, UK)
12:00–12:10

Publish for the Community

Professor Tracy Palmer (Newcastle University, UK, Microbiology Deputy Editor-in-Chief)
12:10–12:30

Making the most of your membership with Society grants

Kirti Mistry (Microbiology Society, UK)
Professor Heath Murray (Newcastle University, UK) 
Dr Vartul Sangal (Northumbria University, UK)

12:30–13:00

Speed networking: how to get involved!

 
13:00–13:45 Lunch and networking  
13:45–14:00

Biotechnology for the Built Environment

Dr Meng Zhang (Northumbria University, UK)
14:00–14:15

Systems approaches to interrogating neonatal microbiomes

Dr Greg Young (Northumbria University, UK)
14:15–14:30

Microbial Food Safety in the ‘Omics Era

Dr Ed Fox (Northumbria University, UK)
14:30–14:35

Thank you for attending and next steps

Dr Peter Cotgreave (Microbiology Society, UK)
Registration

Registration

* By completing and submitting this form, you understand, and hereby consent that the personal data provided by you in this form will be collected, processed and used by the Microbiology Society to send you any communication relating to the event. You understand and hereby consent that the personal data provided by you in this form will be collected, processed and used by the Microbiology Society for the following additional purposes, but only if you tick the relevant box above. The Microbiology Society is the data controller for the purpose of Data Protection Legislation. The Microbiology Society is a charity registered in England and Wales (Charity Number 264017), a charity registered in Scotland (Charity Number SC039250) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England (Company Number 1039582).

COVID-19 Mitigations

COVID-19 Mitigations

The Microbiology Society has planned a set of mitigations against COVID-19 at our in-person events. Council members and members of the Virus Division, including Paul Kellam (former Council Member), Gill Elliott (Council member), Stephen Griffin (former Chair of Virus Division), Jo Parish (Chair of Virus Division), Matthew Reeves (Chair Elect of Virus Division) and Elly Gaunt (Virus Division member), have worked with Society staff to develop a framework of mitigations for the Society to apply to all of its events throughout 2022, in order to ensure that these are as COVID-secure as possible.

Implementation of this framework is a shared responsibility; shared between the Society, the venues we use for our events, and all potential attendees. Attendance at any of our events is a personal choice, but it will be incumbent on all of us to deliver these mitigations in order for us to keep our delegates, members, and staff as safe as we can. The framework covers the following five areas.

  1. Vaccines
  2. Ventilation
  3. Masks
  4. Testing
  5. Spacing, particularly during communal activities such as lunch and poster sessions

The following mitigations will be implemented for all those attending Roadshow events. In the run up to the Roadshow, these mitigations have been reviewed by the Society’s Council to ensure they remain appropriate.

Mitigation area

 

Vaccines

All attendees are required to be fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine against COVID-19 to attend a Roadshow in 2022. For many individuals, this will mean a primary course and booster vaccine, and with the booster administered at least 14 days before the meeting. However, if you do not meet this requirement or if you have any concerns around your vaccination status, please get in touch with us to discuss it further by emailing [email protected].

You can find further information on vaccines on the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 vaccine advice page, which includes a list of vaccines that have been approved for use against COVID-19.

Ventilation

Best efforts will be made to promote the circulation of fresh air into each Roadshow venue. This will include use of air conditioning, if available at the meeting venue, or opening of doors and windows during appropriate intervals in the event programme if possible.

Masks

FFP3 masks will be provided to all individuals attending a Roadshow in 2022 and everyone will be expected to wear them inside the meeting venue, except when eating or drinking and except for those that have medical exemptions.

Testing

It is the responsibility of the attendee to secure a LFT device and test themself before their arrival at the event. If you require additional LFT devices, please ask at the registration desk.

If you test positive before the event, please do not come to the venue.

Spacing

All attendees are reminded of social distancing, particularly during communal activities such as lunch.

Venue and directions

Venue and directions

Faculty of Business and Law
City Campus East
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1XA

You can download a map of the campus below; the venue is number 4 on the map.

Northumbria University City Campus Map
 
Travelling by public transport

To plan your journey you can use the Traveline website for assistance.

Car parking

If you need to park onsite, please send your registration number to [email protected] by Thursday 21 July. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Alternatively, you can find more details of the city’s car parks.