Great science rarely happens in isolation. Today’s most important breakthroughs come from collaboration, where diverse expertise meets shared curiosity. But finding the right partners can be a challenge.
That’s exactly what the FEMS Regional COLLAB is designed to change.
Taking place on 14–15 September 2026 in Vienna, Austria, as part of the 18th ÖGMBT Annual Meeting, this unique event brings together microbiologists, industry professionals, and funding stakeholders from across Central Europe, creating an environment where meaningful collaborations can truly begin.
Why attend the FEMS Regional COLLAB?
At its core, this meeting is about connection. Not just exchanging business cards, but building relationships that can grow into real scientific partnerships.
By focusing on a regional network with participants from Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, and beyond, the event makes it easier to form collaborations that are practical, sustainable, and impactful. When your collaborators are geographically close, the likelihood of developing long-term projects, consortia, and funding proposals increases significantly.
At the same time, international participants are warmly encouraged to bring fresh perspectives and complementary expertise to the regional landscape.
Designed for collaboration, not just presentations
Unlike traditional conferences, the FEMS Regional COLLAB prioritises interaction over passive listening.
Expect:
- Interactive sessions that encourage dialogue and idea exchange
- Structured matchmaking to connect you with relevant partners
- Informal discussions where innovative ideas can emerge naturally
You won’t just leave with inspiration; you will leave with a concrete network of contacts you can collaborate with right away.
Bridging academia, industry, and funders
One of the biggest challenges in science today is connecting research to real-world impact. This event tackles that challenge head-on.
The programme creates opportunities for:
- Academic researchers to explore how their work can be applied and scaled
- Industry partners to share real-world challenges and co-develop solutions
- Funding organisations to present opportunities—and listen directly to emerging needs
By bringing these groups together early, the FEMS Regional COLLAB helps spark projects that are not only innovative but also relevant and fundable.
A unique meeting format
- FEMS Regional COLLAB : 14–15 September 2026
Organized together with the Slovenian Microbiological Society and the Croatian Microbiological Society - FEBS3+ Meeting : 15–17 September 2026
Organized together with the Czech Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Slovenian Biochemical Society - Joint Programme Day: 15 September 2026
Take part: share your abstract.
- Eco Innovations
- Biotechnology
- Health Horizons
- Engagement & Growth
Register now and secure your place.
- Early registration deadline: 23 June 2026 (discounted rates available)
- Final registration deadline: 7 September 2026
- Access to all scientific sessions
- Participation in networking and matchmaking activities
- Catering during breaks and lunch
- Full access to the FEMS collaborative programme
Important dates and deadlines
| Dates | Deadlines |
| June 23, 2026 | End of early registration & payment of early registration fee – EXTENDED |
| June 23, 2026 | End of abstract submissions for oral presentations (posters still possible) – EXTENDED |
| June 23, 2026 | End of cancellation & refund possibility for participants who submitted an oral abstract |
| July 16, 2026 | Notification about acceptance for oral presentations |
| July 31, 2026 | End of cancellation & refund possibility for participants without oral abstracts |
| August 5, 2026 | Deadline for submission of poster abstracts |
| August 10, 2026 | Notification about acceptance for poster presentations |
| September, 2026 | Deadline for upload of Science Flash Talk presentations |
| September 7, 2026 | Online registration closes / end of payment for late registration fee |