News

Abstract submission open for Annual Conference 2019

Abstracts are now being accepted for the Society’s Annual Conference 2019, which is taking place on 8–11 April 2019 in Belfast. The flagship event is designed to cover the breadth of microbiology research, and its oral abstracts and posters reflect this comprehensive scientific programme. Submissions close on 10 December 2018, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your microbiological work and research. See the website for more details.

Harry Smith Vacation Studentships

Applications for support for undergraduate research projects during Summer 2019 will open on 3 December. Applications should be submitted by the supervisor, and successful applicants will receive support for their research project in the form of a stipend, as well as the chance to apply for a bursary to present the results of their projects at the Annual Conference 2020.

2019 Prize Lecture winners

We are delighted to announce the 2019 Prize Lecture winners, who will all be presenting at the Annual Conference in Belfast. Congratulations to the following awardees:

2019 Prize Medal: Professor Jennifer Doudna University of California, Berkeley, USA

2019 Peter Wildy Prize: Professor Laura Bowater University of East Anglia, UK

2019 Fleming Prize: Dr Peter Fineran University of Otago, New Zealand

2019 Marjory Stephenson Prize: Professor Gordon Dougan University of Cambridge, UK

Note: the Unilever Colworth Prize was not awarded for 2019.

New ECM Forum Representatives

New representatives have joined the ECM Forum Executive Committee, and some representatives will be leaving after two years’ service.

Welcome to incoming representatives Prerna Vohra, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh (Professional Development), Angharad Green, University of Liverpool (Policy), Omololu Fagunwa, University of Huddersfield (International), Alison MacFadyen, University of Edinburgh (Conferences) and Hermione Webster, University of Liverpool (Undergraduate).

Thank you and farewell to Andy Day, our outgoing Policy Representative, Grace Russell, outgoing Undergraduate Representative, Linda Oyama, outgoing International Representative, and Helen Brown, outgoing Chair.

Amy Richards will also be leaving her post as Conferences Representative to serve as the Chair from January 2019.

Mi Society updates

We’ve been working hard over the last few months to create new content for Mi Society. Features include guidance on how to find a mentor and a round-up of current member opportunities across the Society in one easy-to-find place. Login to explore.

Annual Conference 2018 and Focused Meetings

Thank you to all who took part in Annual Conference 2018 and the Focused Meeting series. The Divisions and Scientific Conferences Committee define the events programme and these members support the microbiology community to make our meetings engaging and current. We hope you enjoyed the events that took place this year.

Stanley Hughes turns 100

Dr Stanley Hughes, mycologist and Order of Canada recipient best known for his work on ‘sooty moulds’ and other microfungi, turned 100 on 17 September. Congratulations to Stanley.

Changes to Divisions and Council

For 2019 there will be a number of new Division Representatives and Council members, and the Society would like to thank those who will be stepping down this year. 

Society Shadowing Scheme

Did you know that you can shadow any Microbiology Society Committee, to find out more about our work? Find out more by contacting [email protected].

Microbiology is now publishing graphical abstracts

We’re pleased to announce that Microbiology will now be accepting graphical abstracts which will be published as part of the final manuscript online. Authors will have the option to provide a high-quality image, summarising key elements of their paper, to enhance their publication. Find out more on our website.

Grant deadlines

Date	Grant
1 December 2018	Travel Grants for members presenting at conferences from 1 January.
31 January 2019	Society Conference Grants for early career members presenting at the Annual Conference. Also for technicians or retired members, and members requiring support for caring costs.
10 February 2019	Harry Smith Vacation Studentships to support undergraduate research projects during Summer 2019.

Check the website for details about applying for grants.

Contributions and feedback

The Society welcomes contributions and feedback from members. Please contact [email protected] with your ideas.