Tentative Programme

A. Scientific Sessions

Keynote lecture: Giuseppe Spano: Microbial innovation for a sustainable food future: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as model

1. Fundamental Microbiology for Future Applications
Invited Lecture: Ivan Mijaković: Bacterial cell factories for biosustainability applications: from carbon capture to future foods

2. Microbes for Human, Animal and Plant Health
Invited Lecture: Martin Hoenigl: Impact of climate change on fungal diseases: from the pathogen to the host

3. Microbes for the Healthy Planet
Invited Lecture: Denis Kutnjak

4. Microbes for Sustainable Food Systems
Invited Lecture: Doris Marko

5. Microbial Biotechnology for a Sustainable Bioeconomy
Invited Lecture: Egon Bech Hansen: Cell envelope proteinases (CEP) of lactic acid bacteria

Additional invited lecturer for each session will be selected from the submitted abstracts!

B. Cross-disciplinary Modules

Connecting microbiology across disciplines and societal challenges.
Workshop-style formats emphasizing synthesis and interaction rather than passive listening.

1. AI-Driven Microbiology
Moderation & Speakers: to be announced

2. Microbiology Going Public
Moderation & Speakers: Marko Košiček & Petra Buljević Zdjelarević

3. Microbiology Meets Industry
Moderation & Speakers: to be announced

C. Interactive Formats for Early-Career Scientists

1. Meet the Editor
Invited Editor: Iva Grabarić Andonovski (Food Technology and Biotechnology)