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.

Why microbiology matters

  • Navy blue banner with multi-colour circular shapes and the Microbiology Society logo in the centre.

    A history of the Microbiology Society

    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.

  • A navy banner cover with a purple/blue shapes and a photo Alexander Fleming.

    Past Presidents

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

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    Our archive

    As a membership charity and a not-for-profit publisher, we invest in the microbiology community for the benefit of all. That is our past, it is our purpose and it will be our future.