The Federation of Infection Societies (FIS) conference is the largest UK-hosted, international infection conference. It is a must-attend event for anyone working in infection prevention and control, infectious diseases, clinical microbiology and biomedical science.
This year, the Microbiology Society will be hosting FIS and will be partnering with the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) and the British Infection Association (BIA) to develop the programme. The three-day, extensive programme will include a comprehensive number of sessions, plenary lectures, debates, clinical cases and networking opportunities. Join us on 14–15 November in Edinburgh and one day for an online meeting on 17 November. The draft programme will be published in spring 2023.
Further information will be announced in the build up to the meeting on our social media channels. Follow us on Twitter @MicrobioSoc using the hashtag #FIS23 and on Instagram to stay up to date.
Image credit: PPrat
This session will focus on the role of microbial diagnostics in infection medicine and aims to highlight recent developments in this regard in the specific clinical area of haematology-oncology. Infections in these highly immunosuppressed patients are broad in range with unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment.
Back by popular demand, we are delighted to announce the return of the Pediatric Interactive Case Session. This session will feature four cases demonstrating the subtle differences between infection presentations in children compared to adults. The presenters will not only seek the input of the audience through online voting, but you will also have the opportunity to match wits against a panel of paediatric infection 'experts'!
Presentations on how and why GAMSAS was developed, experience to date from BSAC team, an assessor and client organisation perspectives, and plans for future spread.
James Tinsdeall: Phacoemulsification is a surgery used to restore vision in people with cataracts or clouding of the eye's lens. This type of cataract surgery uses ultrasonic waves to break the lens into tiny pieces, which are then suctioned out of the eye with a vacuum and over 10,000 phacoemulsification extractions of lenses were undertaken from 2017 to 2020. However, In the period from 2017 to 2020 the MHRA received 38 reports of particles found in the eye either during or after surgery. Investigation found that these particles were of various substances such as organic matter, crystalline material, fibres, or pieces of plastic. Guidance was produced to decrease risks associated with inadequate or improper cleaning and decontamination of phacoemulsification (phaco) handpieces. This presentation will provide an update on the work of a number of groups working together to high light the risks of inadequate cleaning, decontamination and sterilization of phaco handpieces. Gerry McDonnell: Gerry is the vice president at Johnson and Johnson and has had a distinguished career specialising in decontamination and sterilisation of surgical instruments and devices. Decontamination of surgical instruments and equipment is reliant on manufacturer’s instructions and sterile services departments having the facilities and equipment in order to process surgical instruments accordingly. This can involve training and education of staff to undertake protocols to ensure that cleaning decontamination and sterilization are carried out to quality standards. Dr McDonnell will discuss the different decontamination and sterilisation requirements in different countries and the standards that need to be applied. He will also discuss the challenges to companies to ensure that their instruments are decontaminated and sterilised to minimise risks associated with surgery to ensure that all patients are safe, regardless of the country and standards required.
This event has been endorsed by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). The event has been approved by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) for 25 CPD credits and accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) for 93 CPD credits. This will be included on CPD certification for those who attend.
FIS2023 is a unique event offering companies the opportunity to network and connect with a targeted group of individuals tailored for your products and services. This event is a unique collaboration of societies across the UK with interests in different aspects of Infectious Diseases and is a great opportunity to showcase your latest products, connect with key contacts and generate business leads. This year, FIS2023 will take place in-person and online, providing a great opportunity to expand your network, and increase your visibility and reach.
Exhibiting at this event will offer you the unique opportunity to interact with Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology specialists, Biomedical Scientists, Infection Control Nurses, Basic Scientists and Pharmacists all under one roof. FIS2023 is being held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) and over three days will see a programme packed with sessions covering the most important current issues facing infectious disease control, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
There are packages to suit varying budgets and promotional requirements, please download our invitation to exhibit for more details. If you have any questions about the packages available please email [email protected].
FIS 2023 Exhibition and Sponsorship Pack
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Registration for FIS 2023 is now open.
If you are a member of one of the following societies you are entitled to select the Member rates:
If you are a member of a FIS participating society and registering for the event, you will be asked for the membership number of your society when you arrive at the event.
| Name | Full price |
| Member of FIS Participating Societies - 14 November & 15 November (in-person) | £504 |
| Member of FIS Participating Societies - 14 November only (in-person) | £252 |
| Member of FIS Participating Societies - 15 November only (in-person) | £252 |
| Member of FIS Participating Societies - 17 November Virtual Day Delegate Only and On Demand Content | £140 |
| Member of FIS Participating Societies - Full Conference (14 & 15 November in-person & 17 November virtual day) | £612 |
| Non Member - 14 November & 15 November (in-person) | £576 |
| Non Member - 14 November only (in-person) | £288 |
| Non Member - 15 November only (in-person) | £288 |
| Non Member - 17 November Virtual Day Delegate Only and On Demand Content | £156 |
| Non Member - Full Conference (14 & 15 November in-person & 17 November virtual day) | £708 |
| Student - 14 November & 15 November (in-person) | £274 |
| Student - 14 November only (in-person) | £138 |
| Student - 15 November only (in-person) | £138 |
| Student - 17 November Virtual Day Delegate Only and On Demand Content | £80 |
| Student - Full Conference (14 & 15 November in-person & 17 November virtual day) | £314 |
| Trainee / Pharmacist / Nurse - Member of FIS Participating Societies - 14 November & 15 November (in-person) | £352 |
| Trainee / Pharmacist / Nurse - Member of FIS Participating Societies - 14 November only (in-person) | £176 |
| Trainee / Pharmacist / Nurse - Member of FIS Participating Societies - 15 November only (in-person) | £176 |
| Trainee / Pharmacist / Nurse - Member of FIS Participating Societies - 17 November Virtual Day Delegate Only and On Demand Content | £108 |
| Trainee / Pharmacist / Nurse - Member of FIS Participating Societies - Full Conference (14 & 15 November in-person & 17 November virtual day) | £457 |
| Trainee / Pharmacist / Nurse - Non Member - 14 November only (in-person) | £215 |
| Trainee / Pharmacist / Nurse - Non Member - 15 November only (in-person) | £215 |
| Trainee / Pharmacist / Nurse - Non Member - 17 November Virtual Day Delegate Only and On Demand Content | £130 |
| Trainee / Pharmacist / Nurse - Non Member - Full Conference (14 & 15 November in-person & 17 November virtual day) | £545 |
| Trainee / Pharmacist / Nurse - Non-member - 14 November & 15 November (in-person) | £429 |
| Employee/representative of a commercial organisation - 14 November & 15 November (in-person) | £672 |
| Employee/representative of a commercial organisation - 14 November only (in-person) | £336 |
| Employee/representative of a commercial organisation - 15 November only (in-person) | £336 |
| Employee/representative of a commercial organisation - 17 November Virtual Day Delegate Only and On Demand Content | £204 |
| Employee/representative of a commercial organisation - Full Conference (14 & 15 November in-person & 17 November virtual day) | £852 |
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.
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 by contacting [email protected].
Abstract submission is now closed.
Abstracts are welcome for any of the following topics:
Abstracts should be submitted through the Oxford Abstracts system. Both members and non-members of the Microbiology Society are welcome to submit an abstract. Once submissions are closed, these will be reviewed by session Chairs and scientific committee members and you will be informed of the outcome directly. By submitting an abstract to this conference, you are indicating to the session organisers your commitment to attend the event.
Abstracts should be a maximum of 250 words.
Please note that the abstract is the only information session organisers use when deciding whether to accept your work for presentation as an offered oral 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.
In order to ensure your presentation runs smoothly, you are asked to comply with the following:
Those who are presenting a poster must ensure the work is presented as below. We cannot accommodate incorrectly formatted posters during the conference.
Attendees from LMIC countries can apply for a bursary to cover the costs of the registration fee for virtual attendance only (17 November Virtual Day Delegate Only and On-Demand Content). LMIC attendees must submit their bursary application via email by 28 August 2023.
Applicants must permanently reside in a LMIC (as classified by the World Bank) and provide the following via email to [email protected]
All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by 11 September 2023 (23:59 BST) and will then be provided with a special code to allow FREE LMIC registration.
HIS will offer travel grants of up to £750 to support the attendance of members who are presenting their Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) work at FIS 2023.
Applicants should apply for a HIS travel grant as soon they have confirmation that their abstract has been accepted. The deadline for receipt of travel grant applications is Monday 4 September 2023 12:00 pm BST. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by Friday 8 September 2023.
Funding may be used to cover the registration fee, travel, accommodation and/or childcare costs.
Only members of HIS can apply. Eligibility commences immediately upon joining the Society and non-members can join the Society online.
Travel grants will preferentially be awarded to students, trainees, pharmacists, and nurses and are allocated according to pre-determined criteria which include:
For further information and to apply for a HIS Travel Grant, follow this link to the website.
Travel grants are assessed on 31 January, 31 May, 31 October each year. Travel grants may be awarded retroactively if the timing of the conference or abstract notifications have not aligned with these deadlines
Apply for a British Infection Society Travel grant
Microbiology Society and Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) applicants should await the outcome of your grant or bursary application before registering for the conference. The early bird registration deadline is 18 September 2023 (23:59). British Infection Association member travel grants will be awarded retroactively.
You must register to attend the conference yourself and claim back the registration fee from the Society which has awarded your grant.
Those who are attending from a LMIC using a bursary under option 1 above will be provided with a code to enable them to register. Only approved bursary applicants will be able to attend with the FREE LMIC registration.
The Microbiology Society Infection Science Award is an exchange scheme that facilitates the most promising trainee and early career presenters from FIS to present at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference Infection Forum in an effort to improve the exchange of ideas and the career development of early career researchers and trainee scientists and doctors.
All self-defining early career and trainee presenters who hold membership in a FIS organising society* are eligible for the scheme. As a guide, the Microbiology Society’s ECM Forum considers you an early career microbiologist if you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student, or within five years of appointment to your first position after your highest degree is earned. However, if this doesn’t fit your situation and you consider yourself an early career researcher, you are welcome to join.
*FIS organising societies include the British Infection Association (BIA), Healthcare Infection Society (HIS), and Microbiology Society.
To enter the competition, submit your abstract to the Infectious Disease Futures session and provide an additional statement about how the award will benefit your professional development.
A judging panel will attend the session to judge the entrants and select the awardees for an announcement in the weeks following FIS 2023. The judges will focus on scientific content and communication and will criteria related to the translation potential of research outlined in presentations.
The awardees will be invited to speak in the Infection Forum at Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2024 and will be offered a fixed bursary to attend.
The conference will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC):
150 Morrison Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 8EE
By car
If you are travelling using a sat nav, please use the postcode EH3 8EE. The main entrance is 150 Morrison Street.
By air
The Airlink 100 operates a frequent bus service (every 10 minutes at peak times) between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre, with designated stops en route. The service starts at 04:30 and runs until 00:22 at night, with the journey taking 20 minutes. Tickets cost £4.50 for a single and £7.50 for a return. Delegates are advised to disembark at Haymarket Railway Station and to follow signs for EICC on foot (a 5-minute walk).
The N22 bus also departs from outside the Airport entrance and runs every half an hour through the night until the Airlink service starts again. For more information about these services visit www.flybybus.com.
By Tram
Edinburgh Trams run between the Airport and York Place every 8-10 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 12-15 minutes on Sundays. The closest tram stop to the EICC is at Haymarket Station. Please visit the Edinburgh Trams website for more details.
By rail
Edinburgh has two railway stations:
Waverley Station, which is 1.3 miles from EICC, is the city's main railway station and has direct routes to many cities across the country, including over 25 daily departures from London.
Haymarket Station, which is just 0.4 miles from EICC, is a stop for many commuters and some UK train routes. Please ensure that you check with your rail network provider to find out if your train will stop at Haymarket or Waverley.
By bus
Edinburgh's main bus terminal is located at St Andrew's Square. Visit Lothian Buses for more information on local bus services.
Coach
For information about travel by coach please visit the National Express website.
There are many car parks within close walking distance of the EICC. Please see the EICC website for more details.
To support you in securing your accommodation we provide links to our booking and accommodation services via Reservation Highway.
Book your accommodation
Helpdesk: +44 (0) 1423 525577
Email: [email protected]
Reservation Highway has secured negotiated rates at hotels to suit a broad range of budgets.
The Society is again teaming up with Nipperbout to provide a free crèche at FIS 2023. 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 for a Creche place at FIS 2023
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: FIS141123 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: FIS141123. 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].
