Full news listing

17 April 2025

An international team of microbiologists from the Medical University of Graz, Austria, the DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany, and the University of Illinois, USA, has identified and described a previously unknown species of methane-producing archaea in the human gut: Methanobrevibacter intestini sp. nov. (strain WWM1085). In addition, a new variant of the species Methanobrevibacter smithii, which is referred to as GRAZ-2, was isolated. The scientists thus took another important step towards understanding the interaction between humans and the microbiome.

09 April 2025

09 April 2025

09 April 2025

31 March 2025

At the Microbiology Society, our vision is a world in which the science of microbiology provides maximum benefit to society. Reflecting the vast diversity of microbes, the wide array of fields of microbiology research intersect with many other disciplines across the natural and social sciences.

12 December 2024

Sciety is pleased to welcome the open research platform Access Microbiology to its community, bringing public evaluation to the latest microbiology and virology research.

11 December 2024

As part of its ongoing efforts to make Open Access (OA) publishing more equitable, the Microbiology Society is pleased to announce a new Article Processing Charge (APC) waiver agreement with Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL). The agreement, commencing in January 2025, will cover unlimited fee-free OA publishing in all Society titles for researchers across 33 developing and transition economy countries and territories.

07 December 2024

Microbiology brings together communities of scientists from all microbiological disciplines and from around the world, and we are looking for new Editors to join the Editorial Board.

06 December 2024

The Microbiology Society has coordinated a response to a consultation launched by NHS England on their 10-year plan.

03 December 2024

Microbes supporting the production of more metabolic energy could be key to the evolution of large brains.
 

• New research provides the first evidence that differences in gut microbiomes across species are linked to how energy is used in the body. This could have shaped human evolution of larger brains.
• The gut microbiome is a community of microorganisms in the digestive system. Previous research has linked changes in the gut microbiome to changes in host metabolism (the processes in the body that convert or use energy).
• The study found that mice given gut microbes taken from large-brained primates ate more and shifted their energy usage to glucose – the brain’s primary fuel source. Whereas the mice that were given gut microbes from smaller-brained primates stored the energy as fat.
• This change in energy utilization could be an explanation of how humans were able to evolve large brains relative to body size that are energetically expensive to maintain.

19 December 2023

A member since 1970, Professor Steve Oliver shares his journey with the Microbiology Society, from pivotal early career moments to recent collaborative efforts. His donation to the Unlocking Potential Fund reflects a belief in giving back and supporting the next generation of microbiologists.
 

18 December 2023

The Microbiology Society has coordinated a response to a consultation launched by the Government of Ireland Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on a Higher Education Research-Policy Engagement Framework.

06 December 2023

The Microbiology Society is pleased to announce that registration for Annual Conference 2024 is now open.

05 December 2023

Microbiology brings together communities of scientists from all microbiological disciplines and from around the world. The journal is looking to appoint Senior Editors to work closely with the Editorial Board: providing support and assistance to Editors in your section and working with the senior editorial team to discuss the priorities of the journal and opportunities for advancing your section.
 

05 December 2023

The Microbiology Society is pleased to announce that it has launched its official account on WeChat, China’s preeminent social media platform, in partnership with Charlesworth. With a goal to better connect with China-based researchers and improve accessibility to its six peer-reviewed titles, this is a significant step in extending reach to international authors.  

16 December 2022

The Microbiology Society is coordinating a response to the recently launched UK government inquiry on the new antimicrobial resistance national action plan.

16 December 2022

12 December 2022

Abstract submission closes in less than one week on Friday 16 December 2022, 23:59 GMT for Annual Conference 2023. This is the final abstract submission deadline, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your work at this prestigious microbiology event!

05 December 2022

International Volunteer Day takes place every year on 5 December and it gives us a great opportunity to reflect on the vital work of volunteers in helping the Microbiology Society to achieve everything it does.

02 December 2022

Applications for the 2023 Harry Smith Vacation Studentships are now open.

17 December 2021

As we move closer to Annual Conference 2022 in Belfast, the Microbiology Society is taking seriously its actions in doing its best to mitigate against COVID-19 at our in-person event.

16 December 2021

As we head into 2022, the Society is celebrating the ongoing expansion of its Publish and Read model, now facilitating Open Access (OA) for more researchers than ever. With 132 new sign-ups for 2022 so far (listed below), the Society is proud to have surpassed 250 participants in its Publish and Read model, serving a range of institutions in 18 countries across 5 continental regions.

15 December 2021

The Microbiology Society is pleased to announce the winners of our 2022 Prizes, which will be awarded at our Annual Conference 2022, to be held in Belfast from 4–7 April. The winners will also present their lectures as part of Annual Conference 2022.

14 December 2021

Professor Allan Hamilton FRSE, first holder of the established Chair of Microbiology at the University of Aberdeen and a former Treasurer for the Society (1992—1998), died in Glasgow in early December.

10 December 2021

There is one month left to submit an abstract for Annual Conference 2022 (deadline Monday 10 January), which will take place on 4–7 April 2022 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Belfast. If you’re an ECM Forum member, don’t forget to also apply for the ECM Forum Co-Chairing Scheme when submitting your abstract.

17 December 2020

Today, the Microbiology Society has published three reports on the opportunities and challenges microbiology faces in areas of key sustainability.  

To mark the 75th anniversary of the Microbiology Society, we embarked on an ambitious project that demonstrates the value and raises the profile of microbiology in addressing the world’s biggest challenges.

15 December 2020

Registration for the Candida and Candidiasis 2021 Focused Meeting is now open.

11 December 2020

Throughout 2020 we have celebrated the 75^th anniversary of our founding with a year of activities dedicated to demonstrating the impact of microbiologists’ past, present and future – bringing together and empowering communities that help shape the future of microbiology. The final of these digital content hubs is dedicated to Exploring microbiology and genetics.

10 December 2020

The Microbiology Society is delighted to announce that four trainees who presented at FIS/HIS International 2020 have been awarded an Infection Science Award.

10 December 2020

The Microbiology Society membership subscription rates will be increasing from December 2020. This is the first membership rate increase in two years.

The Society offers several distinct membership categories, catering to different career stages and individual needs of anyone interested in microbiology.

18 December 2019

The What’s new in Cryptosporidium? Focused Meeting will be held at Swansea University’s Bay Campus on 6–7 July 2020. Abstract submission for this meeting is now open.

05 December 2019

This International Volunteer Day we would like to thank everyone who has volunteered and contributed to another great year for the Society and the microbiology community.

04 December 2019

Four trainees who presented at the Federation of Infection Societies Conference 2019 (FIS 2019) have been given the first Infection Science Award bursaries to present at Annual Conference 2020.

02 December 2019

Applications for the 2020 Harry Smith Vacation Studentships are now open. Applications are welcomed from supervisors at a range of career stages from postdoctoral researchers to senior lecturers. Successful students will receive a weekly stipend and can apply for additional support.

28 November 2019

The Microbiology Society will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020, and for one time only, will see the conference programme extended to five days to include an additional high-profile Fleming Showcase day with Sir Paul Nurse taking place on 30 March. It will be a prestigious event celebrating the breadth of microbiology research, with a programme designed to demonstrate the impact and potential of microbiology to address important global challenges.

19 December 2018

The UK Government has today set out proposals for new immigration rules in a White Paper.

18 December 2018

e-Bug, operated by Public Health England, is a free educational programme that teaches children and young people about infection control, hygiene and antibiotics. 2019 marks e-Bug’s tenth anniversary and Public Health England has organised a two-day meeting on 17-18 January to showcase current work on e-Bug and highlight novel and innovative projects and research on AMR education.

14 December 2018

The Microbiology Society has nominated Marjory Stephenson to be on the new £50 note, in the Bank of England’s nomination process which is closing today.

14 December 2018

The deadline to submit session suggestions for Annual Conference 2020 is Wednesday 19 December 2018.

07 December 2018

Applications for the 2019 Harry Smith Vacation Studentships are now open.

19 December 2017

The Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2018 takes place 9–13 April, and, in addition to the scientific programme, the Society will be hosting a range of events including professional development sessions for delegates wishing to enhance their skills and a series of social events to enable delegates to network. All the additional events aim to enhance your conference experience to ensure your time at Conference is rewarding and enjoyable.

04 December 2017

The Microbiology Society’s Annual Conference is the largest gathering of microbiologists in the UK. Next year’s event will take place from Tuesday 10 April to Friday 13 April at the ICC Birmingham – with the abstract submission deadline fast approaching, don’t miss out on your chance to present.

22 November 2017

Inviting speakers to present at your conference can offer greater opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The invitation also works both ways – your speakers get to expand their reach to an audience they may not usually have access to. The Microbiology Society is keen to support these goals and can help eligible members with up to £2,000 towards invited speakers’ travel and accommodation which can also help offset registration rates for your event’s delegates. But don’t delay – the deadline for the next round of applications is coming up soon.

16 November 2017

The Microbiology Society's Annual Conference programme is guided by our Divisions and driven by suggestions from both members and non-members to create an engaging programme. Every year we welcome and invite topic suggestions for sessions to be run at Annual Conference, and the deadline for suggestions for the 2019 event is this December.

15 November 2017

Today, the Microbiology Society launches its latest science policy report, Unlocking the Microbiome. The report makes recommendations to address the opportunities and challenges of the rapidly developing field of microbiome science for health, agriculture and food, environment and biotechnology.

14 December 2016

The Microbiology Society’s Events team is now taking bookings for the exhibition space at our 2017 Annual Conference, which takes place from Monday 3 April to Thursday 6 April at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), UK. We would like to invite companies and organisations who may be interested in exhibiting or taking up sponsorship opportunities at the Conference to get in touch now to reserve their options.

13 December 2016

Every year, the Microbiology Society provides grants to help support members in attending and presenting their work at our Annual Conference. Now that the abstract deadline for the Annual Conference has passed, members will be interested in upcoming deadlines for support to attend and present their work in in Edinburgh.

09 December 2016

The Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2017 is taking place 3–6 April at the EICC in Edinburgh. This year, the Society has organised a host of activities for delegates attending the event.

02 December 2016

There are fewer than two weeks until the abstract submission deadline for Annual Conference 2017. To help delegates submit their best work, we have asked the Society’s Divisions, who select abstracts for sessions, to give us their tips for what they’re looking for in a good abstract. This has now been published in our new How to… write a great abstract guide.

30 November 2016

The Microbiology Society is pleased to announce a new collaboration between Microbial Genomics and Microreact, a free data visualisation and sharing platform that allows scientists and health professionals worldwide to better collaborate to understand disease outbreaks.

15 December 2015

2015 marked the 70th anniversary of the Society, which was formally inaugurated on 16 February 1945 at a meeting at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, when Sir Alexander Fleming was elected as President.

09 December 2015

From 21–24 March, the Microbiology Society will be holding its 2016 Annual Conference at the Arena and Convention Centre (ACC), Liverpool, UK. The meeting will be attended by over 1,000 delegates from across the world, and will feature presentations from a wide range of microbiology-related disciplines.

03 December 2015

Today, the Microbiology Society published our latest briefing, entitled Food Security from the Soil Microbiome. The briefing outlines the vital role that the soil microbiome – the community of micro-organisms found in soil – plays in food production and soil health, and highlights current research to understand this niche and harness it as a tool for sustainable agricultural intensification.

01 December 2015

From 21–24 March, the Microbiology Society will be holding its 2016 Annual Conference at the Arena and Convention Centre (ACC), Liverpool, UK. The meeting will be attended by over 1,000 delegates from across the world, and will feature presentations from a wide range of microbiology-related disciplines.

30 November 2015

The Microbiology Society’s 2016 Annual Conference will be held from the 21–24 March at the ACC Liverpool. Abstract submission for the event closes on Friday 11 December 2015. To enable our members to attend the Annual Conference, the Society offers a selection of grants to those at all stages of their careers.

18 December 2014

Yesterday, the UK Government launched its report, Our plan for growth: science and innovation, which sets out a long-term strategy for science and business. The document makes several references to microbiology, describing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the big challenges that the UK has to face, which can be tackled by 'supporting innovation and the transformation of our cutting edge science into new products and services'.

16 December 2014

In recent weeks there has been a number of news reports covering an outbreak of H5N8 avian flu (also known as bird flu), which has lead to the mass culling of poultry at farms in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. The World Health Organization has also been notified of three new human cases of a different avian flu strain found in China, H7N9, one of which has been fatal. But what is avian flu? Is it something we should be worried about? To find out more, we spoke to Wendy Barclay, Professor of Influenza Virology at Imperial College London.

11 December 2014

In September 2013, the British Government published the UK Five Year Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy 2013 to 2018, which detailed proposals to slow the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

08 December 2014

The Society for General Microbiology is looking for a university or institution to collaborate on a cross-disciplinary match-funded PhD studentship, as part of our work with the Small World Initiative.

02 December 2014

The Longitude Prize 2014 has officially opened and welcomes everyone from amateur scientists to professional research companies to enter, with the prize being awarded for creating 'a cost-effective, accurate, rapid and easy-to-use test for bacterial infections that will allow health professionals worldwide to administer the right antibiotics at the right time'.

13 December 2013

The Society launched its policy statement into the future of sexually transmitted infection (STI) research in the House of Commons on 12 December.

07 November 2013

Member, James Redfern, outlines the challenges of carrying out practical microbiology in schools.

07 November 2013

SGM Publishing is pleased to announce the publication of our new Open Access Policy, with dedicated FAQs to aid authors.

01 November 2013

This week, the Society’s Equality and Diversity Working Group met at our London office to develop future initiatives and ways of working.

30 October 2013

We are excited to announce a new Editor’s Choice feature which will highlight one paper in each issue of Microbiology that offers notably compelling insight into the field. Articles will be selected by Microbiology’s Editor-in-Chief, Agnès Fouet, or one of Microbiology’s Senior Editors.

03 September 2012

Digested coconut oil is able to attack the bacteria that cause tooth decay. It is a natural antibiotic that could be incorporated into commercial dental care products, say scientists presenting their work at the Society for General Microbiology’s Autumn Conference at the University of Warwick.

30 August 2012

Rosacea is a common dermatological condition that causes reddening and inflammation of the skin mostly around the cheeks, nose and chin. In severe cases skin lesions may form and lead to disfigurement. Rosacea affects around 3% of the population – usually fair-skinned females aged 30-50 and particularly those with weak immune systems. The condition is treated with a variety of antibiotics, even though there has never been a well-established bacterial cause.

31 January 2012

Manuka honey could help clear chronic wound infections and even prevent them from developing in the first place, according to a new study published in Microbiology. The findings provide further evidence for the clinical use of manuka honey to treat bacterial infections in the face of growing antibiotic resistance.