FEMS Summer School for Postdocs
Menu: How to apply – Registration
The FEMS Summer School for Postdocs offers the opportunity to join a select group of early‑career researchers from 26–31 August 2026 in Porto, Portugal. This intensive six‑day, incubator‑style programme brings together 20 promising scientists who are eager to develop their skills, collaborate across disciplines, and advance their research careers. After the evaluation process, successful applicants will be notified and invited to register for
the programme.
Dates and deadlines
- Stage 1 – Applications are now open – Submit your application by 15 April 2026, 23:59 CEST
- Stage 2 – Applicant notification – All applicants will be notified of the outcome early May 2026.
- Stage 3 – Registration for successful applicants – Selected applicants will be invited to register between 6-20 May 2026.
The registration fee of €500 excl. VAT covers attendance, accommodation, catering for the full duration of the event (including dinner), and a guided city tour.
What sets this programme apart
Together, attendees will explore how microbial systems can address some of today’s most pressing challenges, through this year’s theme: “Microbial solutions for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” Postdocs will examine the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, 17 interconnected global objectives as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
During the programme, postdocs will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of microbial technologies and processes that can be harnessed to support a sustainable future.
- Explore the potential of microbial solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, remediate polluted environments, treat wastewater, and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
- Develop key communication skills, including scientific writing, peer review, and editorial practices.
- Understand how learned societies and their members collaborate with industry, funders, and policymakers to address global challenges.
- Collaborate with international researchers to develop interdisciplinary ideas and solutions rooted in microbial systems.
- Engage in mentor-led panel discussions covering career pathways, research development, work–life balance, international mobility, and securing independent research positions.
Meet the Co-Directors shaping your programme experience
Guiding the programme are this year’s Co-Directors, Prof. Max Häggblom and Dr. Marcela Hernández. Their role is to shape the scientific programme, select the mentors and applicants, and identify the key topics that will frame discussions and learning throughout the week. Together, they bring complementary expertise and a shared passion for understanding microbial life in challenging environments, making them an exceptional team to co-direct the FEMS Summer School in 2026.
Prof. Max Häggblom, based at Rutgers University (USA), Editor-in-Chief for our FEMS Microbiology Ecology Journal is a leading microbial ecologist known for his research on organohalide-respiring bacteria and the microbial processes shaping environmental contaminant cycling. His work has advanced our understanding of how microbial communities contribute to soil health and ecosystem stability, including in extreme environments.
Dr Marcela Hernández is an environmental microbiologist at the University of East Anglia (UK) whose work explores the diversity and function of soil microbiomes, with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance and trace gas metabolism. She leads innovative research on volcanic soils, combining metagenomics and field sampling to uncover how microbial communities drive key biogeochemical processes.
Your home base for the week: Stay and learn in the heart of Porto
During the programme, postdocs will live, learn, and relax at The Social Hub Porto, located at Praça de Dom João I 80, 4000‑065 Porto, Portugal.
Reaching Porto and moving around the city couldn’t be simpler. Porto Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport) is well connected to central Porto via reliable public transport. The metro runs directly between the airport and the city centre, with stops close to The Social Hub, making your arrival smooth and quick.
Once you are settled in, you will discover that getting around Porto is effortless. The city is walkable, with excellent metro, bus, and tram networks that make exploring straightforward. Whether you’re heading to a cultural activity, or an evening by the river, the whole city is within easy reach.
Voices from past attendees: Real experiences from early-career researchers
Beyond the academic content, the opportunity to connect with an inspiring community of postdocs from around the world was invaluable. The supportive environment fostered both professional growth and lasting friendships. I am grateful for the chance to have been part of this programme, and I believe it will have a long-lasting impact on my research journey.” – Ameni Ben Zineb (Tunisia), Summer School for Postdocs 2025
This has been the most valuable and enjoyable scientific event I’ve attended so far. The atmosphere was incredible, with inspiring co-directors and mentors, and fantastic postdocs. We learned, shared, and enjoyed every moment with one another. Thanks to FEMS for the opportunity!” – Pablo Almela (Spain), Summer School for Postdocs 2024
Open access is key to supporting the FEMS mission of disseminating high quality research as widely as possible: when high quality, peer reviewed sound science is open access, anyone, anywhere in the world with an internet connection, can read it. All but one of the not-for-profit FEMS journals are fully open access (OA), with one journal, FEMS Microbiology Letters, offering free-to-publish and OA options.
