The well-loved Microbe Art Competition made its come back to celebrate International Microorganism Day 2021. Thank you everyone that participated and congratulations to the winners!

Grand Prize: Best Art Overall: Lieke van Gijtenbeek

Best Agar Art: Stefania Rizzelli

Best Cartoon: John Chilton

Best Illustration or Painting: Tristan Young

Best Photography: Ian Jones

Best Physical Piece: Bacterfield

International Microorganism Day was created to highlight the role that an invisible multitude of very diverse living beings play in the life sciences, in everyday life, in a wide range of professional activities and career opportunities.

Microbiology has jumped into the mass media and has been in the spotlight around the world. The public health crisis caused by the new coronavirus has shown the need for governments and society in general to pay microorganisms due attention.

Prof Isabel Sá-Correia, founder of International Microorganism Day, outlines the reasons for creating and celebrating a day for the microorganism is this blog, gaining attention in the Portuguese media, and available as an English translation on the International Microorganism Day website.

Looking back at the ICY15 meets ICYGMB30 that took place last month, FEMS Yeast Research awarded three poster prizes (interviews coming soon), there is an upcoming Thematic Issue: The Spirit of the Yeast to celebrate this event, but also in parallel there was a yeast art competition. We would like to congratulate Rosana Alves (1st prize), Jana Pipiková (2nd prize) and Sophie de Valk (3rd prize) for their amazing creations.

Meeting Organizer Grants

• For virtual and in-person meetings happenig 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023 • Members of any FEMS Member Society can apply • Max support € 15,000 • Deadline 1 December 2021

Research and Training Grants

• To assist early career scientists in pursuing research and training at a European host institution in another country than their own country of residence • Max support €4,000 • Deadline: 1 January 2022

At FEMS Opportunities Board you can find an up to date list of microbiology opportunities varying from events to jobs to awards and useful resources! 

1. 2nd International Conference on Microbial Food and Feed Ingredients (MiFFI)

2. Postdoc on Tuberculosis: Canada

3. London Microbiome Meeting 2021

On September 20-24 was Peer Review Week 2021. We ran a survey among members of our network on the topic of ‘Identity in Peer Review’ and we received many feedbacks. Results show that views vary, and that Early Career Scientists are eager to contribute to the peer review process although barriers still exist. Take a look at this #FEMSmicroBlog entry to see who participated in the survey, what voices we heard and why this is relevant #TheCulturePlate

Illustration - Eliza Wolfson

Looking forward to IMD2021 episode hosts Eleni Koursari and Joseph Shuttleworth chat about six interesting microorganisms and microscopic creatures perhaps unknown to you! From mangetic bacteria, to the worlds biggest fungi and spacefaring water bears!