75th anniversary of the Microbiology Society: celebrating the impact of microbiologists past, present and future

29 November 2018

To celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2020, we are launching a wide-ranging programme of events and activities to showcase why microbiology matters and demonstrate the impact of microbiologists past, present and future.

Why Microbiology Matters

Microbes are everywhere and affect almost all aspects of our lives. We cannot see them, but our world would not function without them. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, archaea, algae and other microscopic life forms are on us and in us, in the air, soil and water, and in our food. They are in and on the surfaces of everything in our homes, workplaces and other environments. Most do not harm us and many are essential for the good health of humans, animals and the planet. Microbes help keep the planet healthy by recycling waste and supplying nutrients. Agricultural systems would not function without some while others are harmful pests. Industry uses microbial processes to produce foodstuffs and drugs, benefiting society and creating wealth.

We are launching the first activity in celebration of our anniversary, Why Microbiology Matters, with a call to the community to nominate a discovery, event or activity that best highlights how microbiology answers big questions by giving us knowledge of very small things. 

You can use our online form to make your submission. Nominations will remain open until 26 April 2019 when all submissions will be reviewed. Selected discoveries will be promoted during our anniversary year in 2020, so please include key members or others working in the area or relevant area to your nomination that we can contact for more information. After making your nomination you can also share your idea on Twitter using the hashtags #MicrobioSoc75th and #WhyMicroMatters.

Other events and activities which will form part of our anniversary year will include celebrations of microbiology in art and literature, a project on microbiology and the UN Sustainable Development Goals and anniversary sessions at Annual Conference 2020. We will release more information about the programme and how you can get involved over the coming months.