In response to the pressing global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and emerging diseases, microbiome research offers innovative and sustainable solutions for improving human, animal, and environmental health. MICROPATHS 2026 (MICRObiome PATHways for early-career Scientists), co-organized by the Young Researchers’ Group of the Spanish Society for Microbiology (JISEM-SEM) and the CSIC Microbiome Hub “Conexión Microbioma”, will take place in Madrid on 16–17 June 2026.

The event will serve as a dynamic platform to foster collaboration, training, and scientific exchange among early-career and established researchers from multiple disciplines related to microbiome science across human, animal, plant, and environmental ecosystems.

MICROPATHS 2026 seeks to promote interdisciplinary interaction, stimulate dialogue across research areas, and enhance cooperation between Spanish and European institutions. The event will encourage early-career researchers (ECRs) to present their work, improve their communication skills and visibility in the research community. It will also convey established researchers to provide engaging discussions and networking opportunities that foster new partnerships and may drive joint research initiatives.

Furthermore, the symposium will promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, and support outreach activities that connect microbiome science with society. By equipping a new generation of scientists with a broad, integrative perspective, MICROPATHS 2026 aims to strengthen the research ecosystem addressing key scientific and societal challenges related to microbiomes.