Interactive sessions
Session proposal submissions closed on 30 September. Thank you to everyone who submitted a session proposal. We appreciate your contributions and enthusiasm, which are helping build an inspiring, impactful scientific programme for FEMS MICRO.
Interactive sessions will form a participatory component of the programme, creating opportunities for engagement, interdisciplinary exchange, and collaborative discussion. Designed to explore complex challenges and emerging opportunities in microbiology, these 60-minute sessions attracted proposals from researchers at all career stages, from established experts to early career scientists and collaborative teams.
While traditional formats were welcomed, many proposals embraced innovative and interactive formats. Together, these sessions will contribute to a vibrant, engaging, and scientific programme.
Notifications to applicants are underway and will continue through mid-November 2026.
What happens next?
notification OF ACCEPTANCE
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their proposal by mid-November 2026.
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Confirmation of Acceptance
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Accepted applicants must confirm their participation by the deadline stated in their notification email.
REGISTER FOR FEMS MICRO 2027
Once registrations open early next year, applicants will receive further details of how to proceed with registration.
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PROGRAMME MENTION
Once registered, accepted applicants will become part of the programme and will receive further information regarding session scheduling and programme placement.
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PRESENTATION GUIDELINES
Notification will be sent out regarding presentation and slide submission guidelines, technical and logistical arrangements.
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Applicants whose session proposals were not selected are encouraged to submit an abstract for a session talk, flash talk, or poster display abstract by 15 December 2026, providing another opportunity to present their research at the Congress in Ljubljana.
session submission requirements
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.
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.
important dates and deadlines
Call for session proposals have closed: 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
