Events

Convening microbiologists to create meaningful impact

Behind every breakthrough in microbiology is a conversation, a collaboration, or a shared idea. Science moves forward not only through discovery but also when people come together to learn from one another and spark new opportunities. That is why FEMS organises events internationally, creating spaces for microbiologists to engage, exchange ideas, and grow their networks. 

From the energy of the FEMS MICRO Congress & Exhibition to the focus of webinars and the immersive experience of the Summer School for Postdocs, FEMS events are designed to help you grow as a scientist while becoming part of a wider community. Here is a look at what is on offer. 

FEMS MICRO: Congress & Exhibition 

Every two years, the global microbiology community gathers for the FEMS MICRO: Congress & Exhibition, the premier meeting for microbiologists, researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and early career scientists.  

In July 2025, FEMS MICRO took place in Milan, Italy, bringing together more than 2,000 attendees from 95 countries. Over four days, attendees shared expertise, forged collaborations, and explored the many ways microbiology contributes to global progress. The overarching theme, Magnifying microbial impact, provided a backdrop for thought-provoking discussions connecting research with real-world challenges. 

Relive the excitement of FEMS MICRO 2025 by watching the recap video and discovering more on the event website. Mark your calendar for FEMS MICRO 2027 and join the global microbiology community for the next gathering, taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 5-8 July 2027.

FEMS Summer School  

The FEMS Summer School for Postdocs is designed to inspire new ways of thinking about how cutting-edge research can be applied in practical settings. It highlights innovative approaches to engineering microbes for a range of applications in industry, healthcare, and the environment, often offering sustainable alternatives to traditional processes. 

Each year, the Summer School brings together 20 of the most talented and promising postdoctoral researchers from around the world for an intensive programme led by top scientists. The 2025 edition was themed “Harnessing microbial solutions in environmental research and One Health” and was co-directed by Prof. Dr. Joana Falcão Salles and Prof. Dr. Tillmann Lueders.  

This immersive training not only fosters scientific exchange during the event but also builds lasting bonds among attendees. Many continue their collaboration long after, reuniting at FEMS MICRO and creating their own hubs of research, collaboration, and networking that extend well beyond the Summer School itself.

FEMS Webinars  

The FEMS Webinars bring scientific discussion directly to you, wherever you are. These online events highlight research published across the seven FEMS journals and provide opportunities to engage with the scientists behind the work. Webinars present new findings, foster discussion and knowledge exchange, and bring many of the benefits of a scientific meeting into an accessible online format. 

Complementing this, the Microbes and Us podcast offers monthly conversations with researchers, educators, and others who share a passion for microbes, providing another way to engage with the people shaping the field.

EAM Retreat 

The European Academy of Microbiology brings together EAM fellows for biennial assemblies, in years when the FEMS MICRO: Congress & Exhibition is not held, to share research and discuss the future direction of microbiology. The most recent EAM retreat, held in April 2024 near Madrid, Spain, welcomed 56 fellows from 20 countries for two days of scientific exchange and collaboration. Newly elected fellows and rising stars presented their latest research and its wider societal impact, while discussions explored the future direction of microLife, FEMS’ open access journal supported by EAM fellows. The retreat provided valuable opportunities for networking, idea-sharing, and strategic planning, highlighting the Academy’s role in advancing microbiology across Europe.

FEMS Council Meeting 

The annual FEMS Council meeting, held each September and hosted by a FEMS Member Society, brings together the leaders of microbiology societies from across Europe. During this annual meeting, societies share perspectives on the state of microbiology in their countries, discuss priorities and initiatives, and guide the Federation’s activities. These gatherings strengthen connections across the community and help shape the future of microbiology across Europe.

International Microorganism Day 

Each year on 17 September, FEMS facilitates global celebrations for International Microorganism Day, marking the day in 1683 when Antonie van Leeuwenhoek first described single-celled organisms to the Royal Society. Now recognised worldwide, International Microorganism Day brings together dozens of events across more than 40 countries, highlighting the importance of microbes in our daily lives through workshops, open laboratories, interactive exhibits, and science communication activities for schools and the public. It provides a platform for microbe enthusiasts worldwide to share their passion, spark curiosity, and explore the vital role of microorganisms in health, industry, and the environment.

Stay connected 

FEMS brings microbiologists together in many ways, offering a wide range of events, programmes, and online resources to explore new research, learn from others, and engage with the microbiology community. To stay informed about upcoming events, opportunities, and initiatives across the FEMS network, sign up for the FEMS events newsletter.