Our history

The Microbiology Society, previously named the Society for General Microbiology, was formally established in February 1945, with Sir Alexander Fleming elected as its first President. Find out more about our history using the timeline below, reading Fifty Years On by John Postgate or viewing the profiles on current and previous Presidents of the Society.

Celebrating 75 years

  • A history of the Microbiology Society

    The Microbiology Society, previously named the Society for General Microbiology, was formally established in February 1945, with Sir Alexander Fleming becoming its first President. Now in our 75th anniversary year, we look back on how the Society was formed and other milestones that have led us to become one of the largest microbiology societies in Europe with a worldwide membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, research institutes and schools.

  • Past Presidents

    Find out about the many eminent presidents throughout the Society's history.

  • Key people

    The foundation of the Microbiology Society was laid in 1943 at the Annual General Meeting at the Society for Applied Microbiology. It was decided that the time had come to promote the advancement of microbiology by forming a Society that would provide common meeting ground for those working in the various specialised fields. Learn more about the key individuals who helped to shape its foundation here.

  • Fifty Years On

    Find out more about the history of the Microbiology Society from Fifty Years On, by John Postgate.