Overview

The Microbiology Society is delighted to be delivering Microbiology Society Annual Meeting in Ireland in November 2026.

The Irish Division of the Microbiology Society invites you to join us in Athlone, for a one and a half day meeting that is focused on the best of Microbiology on the island of Ireland, building new relationships and reaffirming those already established.

At the meeting we will learn about some of the fantastic Microbiology research that is happening across a diverse range of topics, reflecting the idea that interdisciplinarity can broaden horizons and open new doors to breakthroughs. This meeting builds on the strength of Microbiology in Ireland across all thematic areas of research, while at the same time acting as a meeting place to encourage new collaborations and new ideas to flourish. It will also provide a range of opportunities for early career researchers to present their work in offered oral presentations, flash talks, and posters.

This year we will also host an Education and EPE session prior to the scientific symposium, with presentations/workshops on innovations in practical engagements that will foster the next generation of microbiologists across the land. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers and educators to make connections and develop innovations around the teaching of Microbiology on the island and to explore new initiatives in public/policy engagement.

There are excellent rates on accommodation for early registrants and very competitive registration costs. There are also options for grants, available through the Microbiology Society and FEMS to further support attendance.

We encourage you to book early as places are limited and we look forward to welcoming you to the Hodson Bay Hotel in November Bígí linn ag MSAMI26.

 

Organising committee:

Florence Abram, University of Galway

Nicky O’Boyle, Trinity College Dublin

John Kenny, Teagasc Food Research Centre

Stephen Kelly, Queen's University Belfast

Rebecca Owens, Maynooth University

Damien Brady, South East Technological University

Merve Zeden, University of Galway

Aoife Mulry, Technological University of the Shannon

John MacSharry, University College Cork

Rebecca Corrigan, University College Dublin

Claire Healy, Trinity College Dublin

David Cisneros, Queens University Belfast

Deirdre Gleeson, South East Technological University

 

Further information will be announced in the build up to the meeting on our social media channels. Follow us on our Twiiter @MicrobioSoc using the hashtag #MicrobioIrish26. We will also be sharing stories on Instagram @Microbiosoc throughout the event.

Programme
Programme coming soon.
Speakers
Speaker details coming soon
Registration

Registration for Microbiology Society Annual Meeting in Ireland will open soon.

Microbiology Society 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 career.

All speakers and poster presenters will be attending in-person.

Payment information

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.

Cancellations

Refunds are not provided, however substitutions of attendees can be made at any time before the event by contacting [email protected].

Abstracts & Posters

The abstract submission for the Microbiology Society Annual Meeting in Ireland is now open.

Submissions close on 4 August 2026.

Abstract notifications will be sent Mid-August.

Submit your abstract
 

Both members and non-members of the Microbiology Society are welcome to submit an abstract for the meeting. All offered oral presentations and posters will be selected from the abstracts submitted. Once submissions are closed, they will be reviewed by the organising committee and submitters will be notified of the outcome directly.

By submitting an abstract to this meeting, you are indicating to the session organisers your commitment to attend the event.

Abstract guidance

Abstracts must be a maximum of 250 words. The Society has produced a guide to give delegates some tips on how to write a great abstract, which can be downloaded below:

https://microbiologysociety.org/preside/system/assets/images/asset-type-icons/32px/pdf.png How to... write a great abstract

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 also be published in the abstract book for the meeting – so think carefully about what needs to be included.

Venue, Accommodation & Travel

Hodson Bay Hotel

The meeting will take place at the following venue:

Hodson Bay Hotel
Roscommon Road,
Athlone,
Ireland
N37 XR82

Hodson Bay Hotel Google maps
 

Directions

Car

Athlone Town Centre is 5km away

 

Airport

Air Dublin Airport – Hodson Bay Hotel: 135 Km (84 Miles)

Shannon Airport – Hodson Bay Hotel: 137 Km (85 Miles)

Ireland West Airport, Knock – Hodson Bay Hotel: 97 Km (60 Miles)

Grants
FEMS MEETING ATTENDANCE GRANTS

Members of the Microbiology Society can apply for a FEMS Meeting Attendance grant. The grant enables early career researchers to attend microbiology meetings worldwide to network, collaborate and keep abreast of new developments in their field. Support is limited to a maximum of €750.

Eligibility:

Applicants should be active microbiologists, having obtained their highest degree less than five years prior to the application deadline date or be a PhD student*. They should be a member the Microbiology Society and a presenting author (oral or poster) at the meeting.

*periods of maternity/paternity leave, special leave or illness do not count toward this definition

Complete applications should be submitted on or before 1 September 2026.

Please read all information carefully on the FEMS Meeting attendance Grants page before submitting an application for funding.

 

Society Events Grant

Applications for the Society Events Grant to support members attending Microbiology Society Annual Meeting in Ireland will open on 18th August and close on 1st September 2026 at 23:59 BST.

Grants will act as contribution towards registration, travel, and accommodation expenses only.

Eligibility requirements:

Eligible membership categories:

  • Full Member
  • Full Concessionary Member
  • Postgraduate Student Members
  • Undergraduate Student Members

Minimum membership period required:

A minimum membership period of one year and two consecutive membership payments is required. Postgraduate and Undergraduate with three year memberships will need to have completed one 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.

Exhibition & Sponsorship

Please contact [email protected] to enquire about exhibition and sponsorship opportunities.