Annual Conference

Issue: Why Microbiology Matters

05 May 2020 article

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Fleming Showcase 2021 Monday 12 April

International Convention Centre (ICC), Birmingham, UK

Following this year’s disappointing cancellation of Annual Conference, the Society is delighted to confirm that the Fleming Showcase element of the meeting will be retained in full at next year’s Annual Conference 2021 in Birmingham.

Sir Paul Nurse and the wider Fleming Committee were keen to recognise the incredible support and hard work from everyone involved in the project and were determined to ensure that this important event went ahead as originally conceived.

As a result, the Fleming Showcase has now been formally re-scheduled to take place on Monday 12 April 2021 at the start of the Society’s Annual Conference week. The event will be followed by the standard four days (Tuesday–Friday) of scientific sessions.

'Fleming Showcase' white text in captial letters on grey background

The Microbiology Society’s Fleming Prize is awarded each year to an early career researcher who has achieved an outstanding research record within 12 years of being awarded their PhD. As before, the Fleming Showcase will offer an opportunity to hear the legacy of some of these past Fleming Prize winners and will focus on the influence of both established and up-and-coming scientists in addressing global challenges.

The day will feature presentations from a global speaker line-up, including:

  • Luke Alphey, Pirbright Institute, UK – Genetic control of mosquitoes
  • Stirling Churchman, Harvard University, USA – Orchestrating gene regulation across the genome and across the cell
  • Eddie Holmes, University of Sydney, Australia – The expanding virosphere
  • Grant Jensen, CalTech, USA – Visualising bacterial nanomachines in situ by electron cryotomography
  • Mark Pallen, Quadram Institute, UK – Palaeomicrobiology: what ancient DNA can tell us about pathogens from the past
  • Liz Sockett, University of Nottingham, UK – Predatory Bdellovibrio bacteria – 58 years of understanding them as allies against AMR infections

The day is designed to provide value to everyone within the microbiology community. Early career scientists will be able to attend the Fleming Showcase for free when registering for Annual Conference. The day costs £60 for all other delegates.

Further information about the day can be found on the Annual Conference 2021 website.

Annual Conference 2021 Monday 12 April–Friday 16 April

International Convention Centre (ICC), Birmingham, UK

Preparation is now well underway for Annual Conference 2021, which will see the Society return to Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.

The agenda is currently in production with our scientific committees who work across the broad range of microbiology topics and its various disciplines to deliver an exciting and cutting-edge programme.

Abstracts

Conference provides an excellent platform to showcase emerging scientific research, so make sure you submit your microbiological work.

Abstract submission open: from the week of 17 August 2020

Submissions deadline: 14 December 2020

Notifications of acceptance: from 11 January 2021

Destination Birmingham

Birmingham is a dynamic, creative city that is constantly evolving. As the UK’s natural meeting place, Birmingham is also a crossroads for culture, and diverse cultural influences are easy to spot everywhere in the city.

With a compelling and varied arts scene, Birmingham is home to inspirational organisations and venues right across the cultural spectrum. With its growing reputation as a foodie haven, critically acclaimed independent festivals and a year-round calendar of world-class sporting events, it offers a unique visitor experience.

Visit visitbirmingham.com to find out more about our 2021 location.

Accommodation

The ICC Birmingham is easily accessible from around the UK and abroad and has plenty of hotels and restaurants within walking distance.

Our booking agent – First Choice Conference and Events have secured rates at local hotels to suit a range of budgets and will be able to accommodate single occupancies, double rooms, group bookings and family rooms.

Please ensure you register at Conference before you arrange your accommodation to avoid disappointment.

Programme

The Microbiology Society Annual Conference is the organisation’s flagship event and is the UK’s largest annual gathering of microbiologists.

As always, Annual Conference is designed to cover the breadth of microbiology research, and its comprehensive scientific programme has over 30 sessions taking place over four days in a range of formats, including symposia, virology workshops, eukaryotic and prokaryotic forums and professional development sessions.

Registration

Registration opens for Conference in August. Ticket prices are heavily subsidised by the Society to ensure that the meeting remains of value to our broad microbiology community.

The following items are included in your registration fee:

  • access to an electronic abstracts book
  • access to CPD points
  • access to the Conference app
  • admission to all scientific sessions
  • certificate of attendance
  • delegate bag and conference material
  • full access to scientific poster sessions
  • full access to the trade exhibition
  • hard-copy Conference programme guide
  • hot buffet lunch
  • tea and coffee breaks
  • two drinks during the drinks receptions each evening

Image: ImagesofBirmingham.co.uk.