About

FEMS is a global network connecting over 50 Member Societies from 38 countries and representing more than 30,000 individual microbiologists. As a UK-registered charity and not-for-profit organisation, it is led by passionate microbiologists who volunteer their time and supported by a professional team based in the Netherlands.

FEMS exists to advance microbiology and support scientists at every stage of their careers, driving scientific development by bringing microbiologists together in purposeful ways to create impact. Currently, it does that through fostering scientific communities online and in person, and uplifting the next generation of microbiologists through meetings, webinars and summer schools, grants and its journals. The Board works closely with the FEMS Office team to ensure that the Federation’s activities have real impact for microbiologists across Europe and beyond.

In 2024, FEMS celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of bringing microbiologists together to collaborate, share knowledge, and create lasting impact. Today, it continues to strengthen connections across the global microbiology community, shaping the future of the field and supporting the scientists who drive it forward.

Strategic framework

Our main goals are to magnify microbial impact in Europe and across the world through the power of microbiology. We execute this mission via research, networking, education and outreach; and we empower our Member Societies to serve the microbiology community.

We are currently undertaking a series of strategy planning projects to decide on our new strategic plan for 2025 onward, as we mark our 50th year and advance on our mission for the next 50 years by Magnifying microbial impact.