The session will focus on the detection, surveillance, and management of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Topics may include studies on the mechanisms and spread of antimicrobial resistance, and the development of rapid diagnostic methods for identifying drug-resistant strains, such as molecular assays, point-of-care tests, and next-generation sequencing technologies. Presentations may also address integrating of genomic data into diagnostic workflows to inform treatment decisions and track the spread of AMR genes and resistant microorganisms. Overall, the session aims to provide insights into the latest advancements in diagnostics and strategies for assessing antimicrobial resistance, to inform clinical practice, public health policy, and research efforts in the fight against drug-resistant infections.

The session will delve into the intricate relationship between microbial pathogens and their hosts, encompassing various aspects such as molecular mechanisms of infection, adaptation to the host and host immune responses. Topics may include the interplay between host genetics and pathogen virulence, microbial evasion strategies, and the impact of the host microbiome on infection outcomes. Additionally, discussions may address the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines targeting host-pathogen interactions, as well as the implications for infectious disease control and prevention strategies.

The session on innovative approaches for combating bacterial infections will focus on the discovery and development of new antimicrobial agents and their implications for the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Topics may include the exploration of natural products, synthetic compounds, antimicrobial enzymes and other biotechnological strategies for targeting bacterial pathogens. Additionally, discussions may address the potential of phage therapy, probiotics, and microbiome modulation as alternative or adjunctive therapies against bacterial infections and biofilm formation. Application of novel antimicrobial strategies in medicine, veterinary, aquaculture, food industry and other relevant areas will be presented.

The session will cover topics related to microbiome dysbiosis in human diseases to unveil on how alterations in microbial communities, known as dysbiosis, contribute to the development and progression of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. The session will cover gut microbiome, skin microbiome, oral microbiome, and others. The presentations will explore innovative experimental approaches and techniques. These may include; (1) microbiome biomarkers, (2) therapeutic interventions, and (3) microbiome engineering.

The session will cover a wide range of innovative methodologies and technologies transforming the field of microbiology. Topics may include advancements in high-throughput sequencing, single-cell analysis, and omics technologies for characterizing microbial communities and their functional dynamics. Presentations may also explore cutting-edge imaging techniques, such as super-resolution microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy, for visualizing microbial structures and interactions at unprecedented resolutions. Additionally, discussions may focus on computational tools and machine learning algorithms for analyzing complex biological data and predicting microbial behaviours.

The session will cover topics related to microbial interactions with the environment. This may include discussions on microbial diversity, community structure, and functional roles in various ecosystems such as soil, water, air, and extreme environments. Presentations may focus on microbial biogeochemical cycling, including the roles of microorganisms in nutrient cycling, agriculture crops, carbon sequestration,  and pollutant degradation. Furthermore, the session may delve into the applications in bioremediation, bioenergy production, and environmental monitoring.

The session on microbial biotechnology will explore the application of microorganisms for various biotechnological purposes. Topics may include the use of microbes for the production of food,  biofuels, bioplastics, and other sustainable materials and bioproducts, as well as their role in bioremediation and waste management. Presentations may cover advancements in genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques for optimizing microbial strains for industrial processes, as well as strategies for scaling up microbial bioproduction.

This session is dedicated to the intricacies of managing genomic data from a diverse array of microorganisms, with a focus on preserving biodiversity. Attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge techniques and tools for collecting, organizing, and analyzing genomic data from phylogenetically diverse microbes. Aspects covered: (1) introduction to biodiversity data management, (2) genomic data collection and storage, (3) phylogenetic analysis, (4) data integration and comparative genomics, (5) metadata standards and data sharing, (6) ethical and legal considerations.

The One Health concept recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and emphasizes the importance of collaboration across disciplines to address global health challenges. This session at the microbiology conference will delve into the intricate relationships between microbes, humans, and the environment, exploring their impact on disease emergence, transmission dynamics, and potential mitigation strategies.