Focused Meetings 2018
30 October 2018
This summer, six Focused Meetings were held across the UK and Ireland. The events covered a wide range of topics and attracted researchers from all around the world, and from all career stages.
Microbes and Mucosal Surfaces
The sun was shining at University College Dublin, Ireland for the programme of Focused Meetings started with Microbes and Mucosal Surfaces, which took place on 21–22 June. This meeting focused on how microbes interact with mucosal surfaces, host–microbe cross-talk, and the strategies employed in the treatment of mucosal infections and in maintaining well-being. The meeting included 22 talks, as well as 15 flash poster presentations and 35 posters.
British Yeast Group: Embracing Variation
Next, the annual British Yeast Group Focused Meeting took place from 27 to 29 June in Leicester. The meeting included eight sessions, 18 offered papers and 17 posters. Researchers from the UK and beyond came together for a programme of talks focused on the diversity of yeasts at all levels, as well as a lively social schedule, offering activities such as beer tasting and a live band performance.
Emerging Zoonoses and AMR: A Global Threat
On 2 July, the one-day Emerging Zoonoses and AMR Focused Meeting took place at the University of Surrey, Guildford. The day was packed full of talks which covered zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance in bacteriology, virology and parasitology. Lunch and a drinks reception also provided delegates time to view the 16 posters on display.
Molecular Biology and Pathogenesis of Avian Viruses
The fourth meeting of the series was held in Oxford on 3–4 September. Molecular Biology and Pathogenesis of Viruses, in association with the Journal of General Virology featured a programme of expert speakers from around the world, and showcased several scientific posters from the field of avian virology. A drinks reception and conference dinner on Monday evening provided opportunities to network and socialise.
9th International Symposium on Testate Amoebae
Queen’s University Belfast was the venue for the 9th International Symposium on Testate Amoebae (ISTA9) on 10–14 September. This meeting was the first ISTA to take place in the UK and attracted a diverse range of international delegates. It received over 60 abstract submissions and the range of social activities each day ensured that there was plenty of time for delegates to network and socialise.
Microbiomes Underpinning Agriculture
The final Focused Meeting of the year took place on 1–2 October in Cork, Ireland. The meeting was organised in collaboration with Teagasc, responsible for research and development, training and advisory services in the agri-food sector in Ireland, who provided delegates the opportunity to take part in a methods workshop and panel discussion, followed by a tour of their genomic sequencing and microscopy facilities at Moorepark Research Centre.
Thank you to all who took part in these events during 2018, including all of the session organisers, sponsors, exhibitors and delegates who came together to make these events such enjoyable experiences. Keep an eye on our website to find out how you can be involved in our future Focused Meetings programme.
