Events

World Microbe Forum, a FEMS and ASM collaboration

Despite physical distancing resulting from the pandemic, microbial scientists will convene digitally for a unique gathering covering cutting-edge, interdisciplinary microbial sciences research

Recognizing that microbial sciences, just like microbes, know no borders, the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) and the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) have come together to launch a new initiative – the World Microbe Forum, taking place online from 20-24 June, 2021.

In the face of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, active researchers, industry professionals, undergraduate, postgraduate students, educators, and global leaders have turned obstacles into opportunities by seeking innovative ways to respond to the biggest challenges of our time and advance science that is essential to solving humanity’s most pressing problems.

ASM and FEMS will bring two of the biggest meetings in the microbial sciences, ASM Microbe 2021 and FEMS2021, together under one platform to further science and help answer some of the most important questions impacting humankind today. Additional scientific societies, including the American Society for Virology (ASV) and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) , will partner with ASM and FEMS to build a global footprint in microbiology.

From new infectious pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, to antimicrobial resistance, the role of microbes in climate change, agriculture and food microbiology, to synthetic and applied microbiology – international experts will gather in this one-of-a-kind, special event to examine, discuss and envision solutions that science can offer to solve some of the gravest concerns confronting us today.

This conference offers attendees unparalleled access to the latest innovative research across global perspectives. Attendees will have the opportunity to make meaningful connections with peers from around the world through a versatile and innovative digital platform, which will also allow for casual interactions among scientists. The conference organizers are excited to also offer an advocacy and policy platform to communicate the relevance of microbial sciences to decision makers and the general public. All session video-recordings will be available live and on-demand so they can be viewed at your convenience from any place at any time.

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Hilary Lappin-Scott, FEMS President

Microbiology truly knows no borders. The preparedness of scientists to collaborate globally, helping get through this pandemic, has been a massive inspiration for FEMS in partnering with the American Society for Microbiology and organizing this event. We are committed to supporting the many scientists that have been disadvantaged in their careers because physical distancing has disrupted so many scientific conferences. Events like this encourages networking and generates a sense of excitement at participating in such a global event.”

Victor DiRita, ASM President

During these challenging times, we want to ensure that the global community of microbiologists can be part of this novel experience. By offering more content than ever before, across a broad range of scientific disciplines, this integrative meeting will convene specialists in a seamless manner.”

What does the World Microbe Forum mean for you?

  • Access to a rich program and hundreds of activities across time zones with a single registration
  • More content in your specific research area. The virtual format, including both live and recorded access to events and sessions, overrides the constraints of time and space typical of physical meetings
  • More high-profile speakers and joint sessions covering new and emerging topics
  • An opportunity to network and collaborate with peers from around the world in informal digital breakout rooms
  • Innovative public outreach and science communications training
  • Access to engaging advocacy and policy sessions

About ASM

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of 30,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM’s mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.

ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences.

 

About FEMS

The Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) is a network of around 30,000 professionals, committed to advancing microbiology for the benefit of society in the areas of health, energy, food, materials, and the environment. Established in 1974, today it is a growing coalition of 54 Member Societies from 38 countries. Around half of those in the network are early career researchers, and others are business partners, scientists or campaigners.

FEMS is committed to supporting microbiologists do their work, promoting the best microbiology research and knowledge to the world, and bringing microbiologists together to share that knowledge.

As a not-for-profit organization, it reinvests revenues into supporting microbiologists throughout their career, publishing and promoting scientific research across their academic journals and organizing events to bring scientists together.