Microbiology is a key science that improves human health, safeguards the environment and is a cornerstone of many biotechnological processes. In an Irish context, microbiology contributes to the smart economy by training highly qualified scientists and by generating novel intellectual property for key sectors such as agriculture, environment and healthcare.
The Society for General Microbiology is strongly committed to highlighting the critically important role that microbiological research plays in addressing the diverse global challenges of the 21st century, such as food security, global warming and antibiotic resistance. Microbes matter because they affect every aspect of our lives; they are responsible for diseases in plants and animals, but also have a major impact on maintaining health, sustaining and improving food production, cleaning up the environment and in facilitating nutrient recycling. Investing in microbiology will help tackle global issues and will have socioeconomic benefits for communities in Ireland and across the world.
This event was held on Monday 26 March 2012 at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin.
The speakers were: Professor Fergus Shanahan (University College Cork); Professor Séamus Fanning (University College Dublin); and Dr John W. McGrath (Queen's University Belfast). Discussion was followed by the Society President's Dinner held in honour of Professor Julian Davies, FRS, a leading microbiologist and bio-entrepreneur.
Download the event programme above and slide shows from Professor Fanning and Dr McGrath. You can also watch Professor Davies' prize lecture.
Microbes in Food - The Good the Bad and the Unexpected - Séamus Fanning
Microbes and the Environment - John W. McGrath
