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. Share your discoveries, exchange real‑world experiences, and collaborate to address humanity’s biggest challenges at the FEMS MICRO Ljubljana 2027: Congress & Exhibition. The abstract submission deadline for poster displays, flash talks, and session talks is 15 December (23:59 CET).

Under the theme Growing microbial futures, the FEMS MICRO Ljubljana 2027: Congress & Exhibition looks ahead to what comes next in microbiology, from turning ideas into impact to building partnerships, supporting careers, and creating opportunities that strengthen both the field, the people, and the organisations driving it forward.  Mark your calendar for FEMS MICRO 2027 and help grow microbial futures at 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 2026 edition focused on the theme “Microbial solutions for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals” and was be co-directed by Prof. Max Häggblom and Dr. Marcela Hernández.  

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 Summit 

The European Academy of Microbiology brings together EAM fellows to forge interdisciplinary links stretching across the full breadth of microbiology. Fellows came together at the 2026 EAM Summit, 7-9 October in Spain, which welcomed over 80 fellows from 20 countries. Over the course of three days, the Fellows spotlighted cutting-edge research from the new cohort, explored the big picture ideas behind modern science, and addressed the professional responsibility of engaging as scientists with the news media; while discussions explored the future direction of microLife, a 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.

FEMS Regional COLLAB

FEMS Regional COLLAB was designed to help microbiologists build meaningful, long-lasting collaborations across neighbouring countries and scientific sectors. Taking place on 14–15 September 2026 within the 18th ÖGMBT Annual Meeting in Vienna, Austria, the event brought together scientists, industry partners, and funding stakeholders through an integrated programme co-hosted by FEMS Member Societies from Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia.

With interactive sessions, structured matchmaking, and dedicated time for discussion, the event created space for attendees to meet peers with complementary expertise, explore cross-border project ideas, and identify opportunities for future collaboration. It was open to scientists at all career stages, as well as industry and funding partners interested in connecting regional research with real-world application and impact.

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.