Interactive sessions
An Interactive Session is designed to engage participants actively and in an interdisciplinary way. Whether you are an experienced professional, an early career researcher with fresh insights, or part of a team addressing complex challenges, we encourage you to share your ideas.
These 60-minute sessions are ideal for exploring complex topics in a more dynamic and participatory format. We particularly welcome sessions that are well-developed, collaborative, and engaging, with all speakers actively involved in shaping the proposal. While traditional formats are accepted, we strongly encourage interactive and innovative approaches that foster dialogue, participation, and new perspectives.
Deadline for session proposals is 30 September (23:59 CEST)
How to submit a interactive Session Proposal
Choose your session & topic
Explore the suggested areas of each topic and select the one that best fits your research.
1
Review the guidelines
2
Check the guidelines carefully to ensure your submission adheres to the specific requirements.
Log in to the submission portal
Create an account on the FEMS MICRO 2027 submission portal and start your submission process.
3
Complete the submission
Provide your contact details, full session proposal, and disclose any conflicts of interest.
4
Track your submission
You will receive a confirmation email after submission. If not selected to present, we still welcome you to register.
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What to include in your submission
Your proposal should be clearly structured and include the following:
Session title – a concise title that clearly reflects the topic (max. 24 words)
Session summary – a short description suitable for promotional use, including the target audience (max. 100 words)
Session objectives – a detailed description of the session’s goals and how in contributes to the FEMS MICRO 2027 programme (max. 400 words)
Session format - select one of the following formats:
Interactive panel: a lively expert conversation offering multiple viewpoints on a key topic, followed by an open exchange with the audience.
Fishbowl: a dynamic, rotating discussion where a small group speaks at the centre of the room while observers can step in at any time to join the conversation.
Roundtable discussions: Focused small group conversations that encourage participants to share experiences, compare ideas, and collectively shape insights on a specific topic.
Workshops: practical, hands-on sessions where participants learn new skills, experiment with tools, and receive direct guidance from an expert.
Justification for format - explain why the chosen format supports your objectives and enhances engagement (max. 100 words).
Select the intended knowledge level of the audience:
ECR – Early career researcher
Intermediate - Intended for individuals who already have a basic knowledge of the topic/subject area, and are looking to further their understanding of the subject matter.
Advanced - Appropriate for seasoned professionals and experts, this level assumes the audience already grasps the intermediate elements of the topic and is seeking to explore the topic/subject matter with a more in-depth perspective.
Key takeaways – what participants will gain from attending your session (max. 100 words)
List of suggested session contributors:
Session Chair: Responsible for the overall flow and moderation of the session, including managing speakers and keeping time.
Speakers: Should represent diverse perspectives and expertise, ideally blending experienced and early-career speakers.
List any references that are relevant to the content of your session submission.
Submissions must be complete and in English
Late or incomplete proposals cannot be considered
All proposals will be reviewed by the FEMS MICRO Programme Committee
Requirements
You can submit no more than two proposals:
One under a scientific topic track (Eco Innovations, Health Horizons, or Biotechnology)
One under the Engagement & Growth topic track
Submissions & Topics
Participation & Commitment
FEMS MICRO 2027 is an in-person event, and all contributors are expected to attend and present onsite. Please note that accepted submissions do not include financial support (such as free registration, travel, or accommodation). The submitter is responsible for ensuring that all collaborators are aware of and agree to their inclusion in the proposal.
Content & Integrity
Submissions should be scientifically relevant and non-commercial.
Active promotion of products, services, or commercial entities is not permitted.
important dates and deadlines
Open call for session proposals: 8 Jul - 30 Sep 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Open call for abstract & grant submissions: 2 Sep - 15 Dec 2026 (23:59 CET)
Early bird registration: 15 Mar - 14 Apr 2027
Regular registration: 15 Apr- 3 Jun 2027
Late registration: 4 Jun - 8 Jul 2027
The review process
FEMS is committed to fostering programmes that reflect our core values – of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, therefore we support and promote diversity of gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, discipline, career-stage and geography, among other domains across all areas of the Congress & Exhibition.
Interactive Session proposals submitted are evaluated based on the following criteria:
Structure: Is the session description well-structured and complete, including all contributors?
Objectives: Does the session proposal outline key aspects, learning objectives and key takeaways which provide a complete overview of the session?
Topic: Does the session title accurately reflect the programme topic(s) selected?
Originality and Innovation: Does the session offer new insights, innovative approaches, or novel contributions to the field? Is it likely to advance knowledge or practice?
Execution feasibility: Based on the provided session content and list of contributors, is the session likely to be well-executed and deliver a high-quality experience?
Reviews are blind, meaning that reviewers do not see the names of submitters, or their affiliations.
Priority will be given to interactive session proposals which address provocative topics, trending in the microbiology environment and promote interactivity within the audience.
