Advancements of Microbiology – conference report
20 05 2025
The First International Pre-Conference Symposium & Conference on “Advancements of Microbiology 2025: The Role of Microbes in Tackling Threats to Health and the Environment” was held from April 7–9, 2025, at the Renaissance Hotel in Warsaw, Poland. This landmark event attracted over 300 in-person attendees and approximately 100 online participants from Poland and numerous international institutions, providing a vibrant forum for exchange and networking among researchers, clinicians, and industry representatives.
The conference was co-organised by the Polish Society of Microbiologists, the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS (IBB PAS), and the University of Warsaw (UW). Guided by the visionary leadership of Dr. hab. Marta Zapotoczna (UW) and Dr. Eng. Anna Detman-Ignatowska (IBB PAS), the event featured a rich interdisciplinary program that spotlighted cutting-edge microbiological research, supported early-career researchers, and encouraged international collaboration. The proceedings of both the symposium and conference were seamlessly co-hosted by Dr. Mary Turley (University of Birmingham) and Dr. Szymon Kubała (IBB PAS), who provided enthusiastic and engaging moderation and ensured a smooth experience for both on-site and online participants throughout the event.
The Pre-Conference Symposium (April 7, 2025), specifically designed for postgraduate and early-career researchers, was inspired by the Gordon Research Seminars format. Participation was limited to early-career researchers presenting original work and invited senior scientists who served as speakers and committee members. This approach created a focused and high-quality atmosphere conducive to in-depth discussions and provided a kind of bridge for intergenerational exchange of scientific experience.
Prof. Jan Potempa (University of Louisville / Jagiellonian University) opened the symposium with his lecture titled “Small is beautiful, but it could be dangerous,” reflecting on his scientific journey. Prof. Potempa shared how curiosity-driven questions led him to critical discoveries concerning bacterial proteases involved in infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Porphyromonas gingivalis. He underscored the importance of dynamic research environments and mentorship, emphasising creativity and ambition alongside enjoyment in scientific endeavours.
Dr. Gemma Murray (University College London) delivered an inspiring lecture entitled “The Evolution and Ecology of Bacterial Pathogens and a Scientist Who Studies Them.” Dr. Murray traced her academic journey through physics, philosophy, and microbial ecology, illustrating how each field enriched her perspective. She encouraged young researchers to pursue varied experiences and find niches where they can meaningfully contribute and flourish.
Prof. Joan A. Geoghegan (University of Birmingham) presented “Adhesive Interactions Between Staphylococcus aureus and the Host During Colonisation,” detailing bacterial adhesion mechanisms and offering career guidance on strategic planning and highlighting the value of good communication for sustained success in scientific careers.
Prof. Piotr Garstecki (Scope Fluidics/Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS) delivered a talk titled “From Global Healthcare Challenges to a Rapidly Evolving Marketplace,” sharing valuable insights on translating fundamental microbiological research into practical, market-oriented innovations. His presentation highlighted the Bacteromic project’s lessons, emphasising strategic development and entrepreneurship.
Dr. hab. Daniel Laubitz (University of Arizona) presented “From Microscopic Worlds to Macro-Level Impact: A Journey of a Microbiologist.” His engaging narrative described an unconventional career path, from an initial interest in dolphins to significant contributions in microbiome research, emphasising interdisciplinary openness, opportunities to combine scientific interests with business and to take advantage of unexpected professional opportunities.
Dr. hab. Anna Karnkowska (UW) outlined the mission and initiatives of the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) in her talk “FEMS – Connecting People,” emphasising the importance of international collaboration and scientific networking.
The Scientific Committee selected the 35 best abstracts submitted by early-career researchers, whose authors delivered presentations and answered questions across three topics during consecutive symposium sessions: AMR & Pathogenesis, co-moderated by Dr. hab. Rafał Mostowy (Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology) & Dr. Chris Ruis (University of Cambridge), Prof. Tim Foster (Trinity College Dublin) & Dr. hab. Tomasz Prajsnar (Jagiellonian University), Dr. Paweł Kiela (University of Arizona) & by Dr. hab. Grzegorz Czerwonka (Jan Kochanowski University); Microbial Innovation & Applications, co-moderated by Dr. Przemysław Decewicz (UW) & Dr. hab. Anna Sikora (IBB PAS), Dr. Aleksandra Chojnacka (Warsaw University of Life Science) & Dr. hab. Urszula Guzik (University of Silesia), Dr. Magdalena Kowalczyk (IBB PAS) & Dr. hab. Małgorzata Kuś-Liśkiewicz (University of Rzeszów); and the Flash Talk Session, co-moderated by Dr. hab. Julia Pawłowska (UW) and Dr. Tomasz S. Kamiński (UW). Early-career researchers whose abstracts were not selected for oral presentations were invited to share their work during the poster sessions held as part of the main conference.
The session on “AMR & Pathogenesis” provided a comprehensive overview of mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and host-pathogen interactions, showcasing early-career research with both environmental and clinical relevance. Topics ranged from antibiotic-induced heteroresistance and soil resistome dynamics to molecular mechanisms driving Staphylococcus aureus virulence, studies on extracellular DNA in wastewater systems, mobile genetic elements in Listeria monocytogenes, and innovative antimicrobial agents. Rodolfo Brizola Toscan (Jagiellonian University) received the Best Symposium Talk Award for his study on soil resistome dynamics. Mateusz Noszka (Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS) and Michał Zaród (Mossakowski Medical Research Institute PAS) earned Runner-Up Symposium Talk Awards for their work on regulatory mechanisms in Helicobacter pylori and novel bactericidal agents targeting Yersinia ruckeri, respectively.
The “Microbial Innovation & Applications” session highlighted inventive solutions and applied research in microbial biotechnology and environmental microbiology. Presentations included psychrophilic enzymes from Arctic metagenomes, biocementation strategies, bioactive metabolites from fungi in coal environments, and extracellular vesicle-mediated stress responses. The final block of talks emphasised microbial platforms for probiotic development, high-throughput screening technologies, and novel applications in sustainable agriculture and bio-based materials. Aleksander Gryciuk (Warsaw University of Technology) received the Best Symposium Talk Award for his research on probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. Michał Kitowicz and Luca Potenza (both from the University of Warsaw) were recognised as Runners-Up for presentations on bacteriophage-host dynamics and implementation of microfluidic methods for protease activity screening, respectively.
The “Flash Talk” session featured concise presentations spanning fundamental and applied microbiological topics. Marta Sałek (University of Warsaw) and Aleksander Wenecki (Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS) received Best Flash Talk Awards for compelling presentations on protist-bacteria partnerships and regulatory mechanisms in Streptomyces.
The young researchers met and connected with microbiology peers from other institutions in Poland and abroad, creating a network of potential future collaborators. Importantly, they received direct and constructive feedback from distinguished experts in the field, many of whom are internationally recognised researchers. By combining scientific excellence, mentorship, and peer exchange, the symposium created a dynamic and supportive space empowering the next generation of researchers.
The Main Conference (April 8–9, 2025) began with an official opening ceremony led by Dr. hab. Marta Zapotoczna (UW) and Dr. Eng. Anna Detman-Ignatowska (IBB PAS), with symposium awards presented by distinguished guests representing the organising institutions: Prof. Ewa Bulska (Director, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, UW), Prof. Róża Kucharczyk (Director of Research Infrastructure and Commercializationr, IBB PAS), and Prof. Stefan Tyski (President, Polish Society of Microbiologists). Prof. Jose Bengoechea (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) delivered the opening plenary lecture, presenting his latest discoveries on the complex interplay between Klebsiella pneumoniae and macrophages, unveiling novel mechanisms of immune evasion and pathogen persistence.
The conference featured eight thematic sessions, each introduced by an invited keynote lecture from a leading expert, followed by peer-reviewed presentations from selected researchers. The content of each session was shaped by dedicated Session Coordinators, who also co-moderated the sessions alongside members of the Scientific Committee and invited speakers. The Pathogen Genomics session was coordinated by Dr. Marta Matuszewska (University of Cambridge), Antimicrobial Therapies by Dr. Elżbieta Jagielska (Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, PAS), and Environmental Microbiology by Dr hab. Anna Karnkowska (University of Warsaw), and Host-Pathogen Interactions by Dr. Jakub Kwieciński (Jagiellonian University). The Microbial Biotechnology session was led by Dr hab. Jolanta Mierzejewska (Warsaw University of Technology), Microbiomes Associated with Disease by Prof. Tomasz Gosiewski (Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University), and New Techniques – Novel Insights was jointly coordinated by Dr hab. Agata Starosta (Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, PAS) and Dr. Tomasz S. Kamiński (University of Warsaw). The session on AMR Mechanisms & Diagnostics was coordinated by Dr hab. Tomasz Jagielski (University of Warsaw).
The “Pathogen Genomics” sessions, co-moderated by Dr. Marta Matuszewska (University of Cambridge), Dr. Gemma Murray (University College London), and Dr. hab. Rafał Mostowy (Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University), focused on the application of genome sequencing to unravel bacterial diversity, host adaptation, and antimicrobial resistance. The program featured a series of talks that integrated ecological, clinical, and mechanistic perspectives on pathogens across both bacterial and viral domains. The first day opened with a keynote lecture by Prof. Lucy A. Weinert (University of Cambridge), who delivered a compelling talk on the evolutionary dynamics underpinning bacterial host jumps. Drawing on comparative genomics and ecological theory, Prof. Weinert explored why certain bacteria persist within a host while others transition to new hosts, highlighting key genetic traits and selective pressures that influence zoonotic potential. This was followed by presentations on microbial populations in food and wildlife. Dr. Zuzanna Byczkowska-Rostkowska (University of Warmia and Mazury) shared genomic analyses of Staphylococcus epidermidis from food sources, raising important questions about the boundary between benign commensals and opportunistic pathogens within the food chain. Dr. Sarah Brüggemann-Schwarze (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) presented long-term genomic surveillance data on Campylobacter species isolated from wild boar and deer in Germany, offering seasonal and ecological insights into thermotolerant strains. The session continued the following day with a keynote by Dr. Chris Ruis (University of Cambridge), who demonstrated how mutational signatures can be used to reconstruct viral transmission pathways. His talk introduced innovative approaches to tracking outbreaks using mutation-based profiles, highlighting the strength of genomic epidemiology in understanding and responding to emerging viral threats. Later talks transitioned to topics in functional genomics and genome architecture. Dr. Danuta Mizgalska (Jagiellonian University) presented an updated genome of Tannerella forsythia, unveiling a diverse repertoire of proteases and inhibitors associated with periodontitis. Dr. James Haycock (Newcastle University) discussed the use of high-throughput chemical genomics to investigate gene function in Vibrio cholerae, while Dr. Jack Bryant (University of Birmingham) concluded the session with an elegant analysis of the BAM complex in Escherichia coli, illuminating the mechanisms of membrane protein biogenesis through integrated genetic and structural studies. Together, the “Pathogen Genomics” sessions offered a dynamic and interdisciplinary overview of how genomic tools are advancing our understanding of pathogens, spanning wildlife reservoirs, clinical contexts, and molecular mechanisms, underscoring the central role of genomics in contemporary microbiology.
The “Antimicrobial Therapies” session, co-chaired by Dr. Elżbieta Jagielska (Mossakowski Medical Research Institute PAS) & Dr. Magdalena Płotka (University of Gdańsk), offered a comprehensive view of emerging antimicrobial strategies under laboratory investigation worldwide. The session began with a keynote lecture by Prof. Marcus Weingarth (Utrecht University) titled “The Mechanisms of Lipid-targeting Antibiotics.” He presented novel antibiotics that inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by targeting Lipid II, demonstrating potent efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Prof. Weingarth discussed a range of structural techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy, used to elucidate these antibiotics’ modes of action, offering insights into next-generation antimicrobial design. Dr. Michał Bukowski (Jagiellonian University) followed with a talk on lysostaphin-like enzymes, describing a genomics-based approach to discover highly specific agents against Staphylococcus species. Dr. Hira Zahoor Rajput (Gdansk University of Technology) presented innovative antifungal therapies based on enzyme inhibitors conjugated to nanomolecular carriers, which significantly inhibited drug-resistant Candida albicans growth.
The subsequent joint session, “Antimicrobial Therapies and Microbial Biotechnology,” chaired by Dr. Elżbieta Jagielska (Mossakowski Medical Research Institute PAS) and Prof. Jolanta Mierzejewska (Warsaw University of Technology, WUT), explored novel therapeutic and biotechnological approaches. Prof. Yves Briers (Ghent University) delivered the opening keynote “Phage Proteins to the Rescue,” highlighting his high-throughput platform for engineering endolysins (so-called enzybiotics) to treat resistant bacterial infections. Prof. Helena Bujdáková (Comenius University in Bratislava) and Dr. Krzysztof Pawlik (Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS) addressed photodynamic antimicrobial therapy in consecutive talks. They described how light-activated agents effectively treated resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans and infected wounds or diabetic ulcers, demonstrating promising evidence on wound healing and infection reduction by these technologies. Dr. Piotr Siupka (University of Silesia) presented on antifungal metabolites produced by Actinobacteria from coal environments, while Dr. Małgorzata Milner-Krawczyk (WUT) explored the use of Janthinobacterium lividum-derived extracellular vesicles as carriers for violacein, a compound with antimicrobial and anticancer potential. Finally, Dr. Łukasz Kuryk (National Institute of Public Health) introduced a promising preclinical strategy combining oncolytic adenoviruses with checkpoint inhibitors to enhance mesothelioma immunotherapy.
The two sessions on “Environmental Microbiology”, co-chaired by Dr. hab. Anna Karnkowska (UW), Dr. hab. Katarzyna Piwosz (National Marine Fisheries Research Institute) and Prof. Zofia Piotrowska-Seget (University of Silesia), offered a comprehensive exploration of microbial communities across ecosystems and their roles in responding to environmental change. The program featured two invited keynote lectures and five contributed talks, highlighting bacteria, fungi, and protists, and their ecological relevance across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats. Prof. Rudolf Amann (Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology) opened the first session with a keynote on carbon cycling by marine heterotrophic bacteria, sharing results from long-term ecological studies conducted at Helgoland. Dr. Monika Malicka (University of Silesia) presented on fungal communities thriving in PAH-contaminated soils and their potential in phytoremediation. Wojciech Wilczyński (University of Warsaw) examined the effect of sea-dumped chemical warfare agents in the Baltic Sea on local fish microbiomes.
The second session began with a keynote by Prof. Ianina Altshuler (EPFL, Switzerland), titled “Microbial and Physicochemical Controls of Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Cryosols,” showcasing microbial contributions to permafrost thaw and climate feedback loops. PhD student Krzysztof Jurdziński (KTH, Sweden) followed with an analysis of plankton diversity across Baltic salinity gradients. Dr. Annarita Ricciardelli (University of Naples) explored how trace metals influence microbial metabolic functions, and Dr. hab. Paweł Łabaj (Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology) concluded by presenting an AI-driven method for geolocating soil samples through microbiome sequencing.
The session underscored the adaptability and ecological importance of microbes across changing environments. Talks demonstrated the application of amplicon sequencing, metatranscriptomics, microscopy, and AI, reflecting the methodological diversity and interdisciplinary innovation defining contemporary environmental microbiology.
The “Host–Pathogen Interactions” session, co-moderated by Dr Jakub Kwieciński (Jagiellonian University), Prof. Joan Geoghegan (University of Birmingham), and Dr hab. Agata Krawczyk-Balska (University of Warsaw), focused on cutting-edge experimental models and mechanistic investigations of microbial interactions with the host immune system. The session featured two keynote lectures and five presentations selected from submitted abstracts. The session opened with a keynote lecture by Prof. Marc Lecuit (Pasteur Institute, France), who presented a comprehensive, multi-level analysis of Listeria monocytogenes interactions with host cells. His talk integrated population-level data, transcriptomic profiles, genome-wide association studies, and in vivo models, offering a holistic perspective on listeriosis pathogenesis. This was followed by a series of abstract-selected talks: Ms Magdalena Widziołek-Pooranachandran (Jagiellonian University) showcased zebrafish larvae as an in vivo model for studying infections by oral pathogens, while Dr Juan Alfonso Redondo (Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, PAS) presented single-cell approaches to dissect innate immune responses to Listeria monocytogenes. The second session day began with a keynote lecture by Prof. Andres Floto (University of Cambridge), who discussed the evolutionary dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenicity and the bacterium’s ability to adapt to host environments, including clinical settings. Dr Mariia Melnykova (Jagiellonian University) then shared her work on transcriptional memory in gingival fibroblasts as part of immune responses to bacterial infections. Finally, Ms Justyna Folkert presented mechanisms of phagosomal acidification and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in neutrophils as key components of defense against Staphylococcus aureus. The session highlighted the complexity of host–pathogen interactions and emphasized the value of interdisciplinary research approaches—from cell-based immunology and animal models to molecular and transcriptomic technologies—in advancing our understanding of bacterial infections.
The sessions dedicated to “Microbial Biotechnology”, co-chaired by Prof. Jolanta Mierzejewska (Warsaw University of Technology), Dr. hab. Magdalena Kowalczyk (IBB PAS), and Dr. Małgorzata Kus-Liśkiewicz (University of Rzeszów) spotlighted microbial systems in sustainable bioprocessing and industrial innovation. The first part began with a keynote by Prof. Illaria Maria Mannazzu (University of Sassari, Italy), who presented “Turning Trouble into Treasure,” showcasing the fermentation of second cheese whey with Propionibacteria to produce functional food ingredients. Subsequent talks included Dr. hab. Anna Sikora (IBB PAS) on the biological limitations of biohydrogen production; Mikołaj Dziurzyński (University of Warsaw) on metabolic modelling of Umbelopsis for lipid and PUFA synthesis; and Elżbieta Lichwiarska (West Pomeranian University of Technology) on biodegradable food packaging from bacterial cellulose and wax composites. The second part opened with a keynote by Prof. Matthias Steiger (TU Wien), who illustrated the metabolic engineering of Komagataella phaffii for CO₂ assimilation and unconventional nitrogen use within circular economy frameworks. Talks that followed covered a broad range of innovations: Prof. Patrick Fickers (University of Liège) on chassis strain development for recombinant protein production, Dr. Adrian Augustyniak (WPUT) on stimulating pyocyanin synthesis with carbon nanotubes, Dr. Anna Iuliano (WUT) on microbial bioplastic production, and Dr. Anna-Karina Kaczorowska (University of Gdańsk) on extremophile bioprospecting in Arctic deep-sea vents. These sessions highlighted the capacity of microbes to drive next-generation biotechnologies—from waste valorisation and metabolic optimisation to materials science and exploration of extreme environments—offering scalable solutions to industrial and ecological challenges.
The sessions on “Microbiomes Associated with Diseases”, moderated by Prof. Kinga Kowalska-Duplaga and Prof. Tomasz Gosiewski (both from Jagiellonian University Medical College) and Dr. Paweł Kiela (University of Arizona) provided an in-depth look into host–microbiome interactions in health and disease. Day one opened with a keynote by Prof. Elin Org (University of Tartu), who presented findings from Estonia’s national biobank, revealing how microbiome profiles influence drug metabolism and therapeutic efficacy. Dr. Melanie Ortiz Alvarez de la Campa (Brown University) examined how sex and gut location shape microbiome-induced anxiety in early-life stress models. Kinga Zielińska (Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology) introduced a novel metric for assessing gut microbiome health. Prof. Philippe Gerard (Micalis Institute, France) concluded the session with a dietary intervention study linking faecal microbiome composition to mouse colorectal cancer risk. On the second day, Prof. Kowalska-Duplaga returned with a keynote on microbiome-targeted IBD therapies. Prof. Jacek Międzobrodzki (Jagiellonian University) questioned the dual roles of coagulase-negative staphylococci as commensals and pathogens. Dr. hab. Iwona Karwaciak (Institute of Medical Biology PAS) discussed the role of S. aureus α-hemolysin in modulating Th17 cells. Prof. Modestas Ruzauskas (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences) presented pioneering research on oral microbiomes in dogs with periodontitis. The session concluded with Dr. hab. Anna Zawilak-Pawlik (Hirszfeld Institute, PAS) described how the CemR regulator shapes energy metabolism in gastrointestinal Campylobacter. Altogether, the session highlighted the clinical relevance of microbiomes across species and conditions, uniting insights from psychiatry, immunology, and veterinary medicine.
The session on “New Techniques – Novel Insights”, chaired by Dr. hab. Agata Starosta (IBB PAS), Prof. Tim Foster (Trinity College Dublin), and Dr. Tomasz Kamiński (University of Warsaw), showcased pioneering methodologies that are reshaping microbiological research and host-pathogen investigations. The first part opened with a keynote lecture by Prof. Daniel Wilson (Hamburg University), who presented “David vs Goliath: Ribosome-targeting antibiotics and bacterial resistance mechanisms.” His talk leveraged Cryo-EM microscopy to visualise how antibiotics interact with bacterial ribosomes. Dr. Olga Iwańska (IBB PAS) demonstrated the dynamic translocation of ribosomes into Bacillus subtilis spores using high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Dr. hab. Maria Górna (University of Warsaw) introduced novel approaches to targeted protein degradation via the ClpXP proteolytic system in Escherichia coli. Vyshakh Rajachandra Panicker (Jagiellonian University) complemented this with insights into capsule-specific phage depolymerases in Klebsiella, integrating structural and genetic analyses. The second part began with a virtual keynote by Prof. Jörg Vogel (Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research), who presented cutting-edge work on programmable RNA antibiotics for uncovering essential genes in phage-host interplay. Dr. Agata Szymanek (Perseus Biomics, Belgium) introduced “Metagenomic Optical Mapping,” a scalable and precise technology for microbiome profiling. Dr. hab. Tomasz Prajsnar (Jagiellonian University) highlighted zebrafish models as effective tools for dissecting autophagic responses to Staphylococcus aureus infections. Dr. Simona Bartkova (Tallinn University of Technology) concluded the session with an award-winning presentation on droplet-based technologies for studying bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation. The session presented a cross-disciplinary toolkit—spanning Cryo-EM, RNA therapeutics, zebrafish models, and droplet microfluidics—underscoring the transformative impact of methodological innovation in microbiology.
The sessions on “AMR Mechanisms and Diagnostics”, co-moderated by Prof. Jennifer Honda (University of Texas at Tyler), Prof. Francesc Coll (Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia), and Dr. hab. Tomasz Jagielski (University of Warsaw), tackled the growing global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a challenge exacerbated by the widespread misuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary contexts. Dr. Jagielski opened the first part of the session with a keynote lecture titled “From Animalcules to Superbugs”, marking the 350th anniversary of Antonie van Leeuwenhoek’s discovery of microbes. His talk drew a powerful contrast between the origins of microbiology and the current AMR crisis, highlighting the rapid and concerning rise of drug-resistant pathogens. In her follow-up keynote, Prof. Jennifer Honda provided a clinical lens on the issue, discussing diagnostic hurdles and resistance mechanisms in non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections—an increasingly important topic in respiratory medicine. The second day of the session featured a keynote by Prof. Francesc Coll, who presented on the application of genome-wide association studies to uncover genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance. His talk demonstrated how genomic tools are transforming AMR research and surveillance. Dr. Marie Desnos-Ollivier (Institut Pasteur, France) concluded the invited talks with an overview of emerging resistance in invasive fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients, underscoring a growing area of concern in clinical microbiology. Contributed talks enriched the session with complementary insights. Prof. Małgorzata Łobocka (IBB PAS) examined the role of plasmids and phages as vectors for resistance gene dissemination. Dr. hab. Benedykt Władyka (Jagiellonian University) explored the interplay between toxin-antitoxin systems and resistance in staphylococci. Karol Piekarski (University of Warsaw) presented novel findings on AMR gene activity in Arctic bacterial strains, linking resistance to environmental adaptation. Finally, Klaudia Staśkiewicz (Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS) investigated how physical parameters—specifically substrate geometry—impact biofilm development and antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli. Together, the session offered a comprehensive view of AMR as a complex, multifaceted problem requiring solutions at the intersection of clinical diagnostics, microbial genetics, and environmental microbiology. It underscored the urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing one of the most pressing threats to global health.
In addition to the core thematic sessions, the conference featured a series of special lectures that addressed key cross-disciplinary issues, including biodiversity data management, practical implementation of the One Health concept, scientific publishing in Polish Microbiology Journals, and innovations in antimicrobial resistance diagnostics. These talks reinforced the broader scientific and societal relevance of microbiology in tackling complex global challenges.
Dr. Piotr Tykarski (University of Warsaw) opened with a presentation on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF, www.gbif.org), a global infrastructure for integrating and sharing biodiversity data. His lecture, preceded by a live audience poll to assess familiarity with biodiversity data platforms, underscored the urgency of systematic biodiversity monitoring amid accelerating anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems. Dr. Tykarski emphasised that understanding ecological shifts demands interdisciplinary cooperation and access to robust, openly available datasets, needs addressed by initiatives like GBIF. As the world’s largest platform for biodiversity data across all domains of life, GBIF supports both scientific research and evidence-based policy-making. The talk concluded with a reflection on how biodiversity surveillance underpins the One Health approach, aligning human, animal, and environmental health—an overarching theme of the conference.
Prof. Alessandra Scagliarini (University of Bologna) delivered an inspiring lecture titled “Moving Beyond the Theoretical Concept of One Health: Translating into Actions.” Drawing from case studies and international experiences, she outlined how integrated surveillance systems, cross-sector data sharing, and coordinated interventions have successfully addressed complex health threats. Prof. Scagliarini called for stronger institutional support, political commitment, and interdisciplinary training to ensure that One Health principles are not merely aspirational but embedded in routine practice. Her lecture provided concrete strategies for operationalising One Health, reinforcing the need for collaboration across medical, veterinary, and environmental sciences to address emerging zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-linked health risks.
Prof. Elżbieta Trafny (Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw) followed with a talk titled “Journals of the Polish Society of Microbiologists – A Platform for Publishing and Knowledge Exchange in Microbiology.” She outlined the mission and evolving role of the Society’s two flagship journals—Polish Journal of Microbiology and Advances in Microbiology—as important forums for the dissemination of original research. Prof. Trafny highlighted recent efforts to expand the journals’ reach through multilingual publishing, open-access initiatives, and greater international engagement. She also emphasised the importance of supporting early-career researchers, maintaining high editorial standards, and fostering a culture of scientific integrity and collaboration.
Dr. Gajane Żurawska, representing Bacteromic—the conference’s main sponsor—delivered a lecture titled “AMR – How to Address the Challenging Problem.” She presented the company’s high-throughput diagnostic platform, which integrates molecular technologies with antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) to accelerate clinical decision-making. Dr. Żurawska emphasised the urgent need for rapid, precise diagnostics to optimise antibiotic use and curb resistance development. By enabling tailored treatments based on real-time susceptibility profiles, Bacteromic’s approach exemplifies the translation of microbiological research into practical, scalable solutions. Her lecture illustrated the vital role of industry-driven innovation in shaping the future of diagnostics, aligning closely with the conference’s translational and public health agenda.
Together, these special lectures enriched the scientific program with timely perspectives on data infrastructure, cross-sectoral health policy, academic publishing, and applied technology, demonstrating the diverse ways in which microbiology intersects with global challenges and solutions.
Additionally, more than 150 scientific posters were presented across all conference topics during the parallel afternoon sessions held each day. Outstanding contributions were recognised through a combination of Scientific Committee evaluation and audience voting, with awards presented during the closing ceremony.
The Advancements of Microbiology 2025 Symposium and Conference underscored the central role of microbes in tackling pressing global challenges related to health, sustainability, and environmental resilience. The event fostered vibrant scientific dialogue, cutting-edge innovation, and meaningful international collaboration across diverse fields of microbiology.
The success of this hybrid international event was made possible thanks to the outstanding dedication of the Organising and Scientific Committees. Their collective expertise and tireless work ensured the delivery of a dynamic, interdisciplinary program and the seamless coordination of on-site and virtual components. A full list of committee members is available at www.advmicro2025.pl/committees.
Crucially, the conference received substantial institutional support from the Ministry of Education and Science under the “Excellent Science II” Programme. Funding was provided through agreement no. KONF/SN/0355/2023/01, signed on 21 December 2023, with a total amount of 250,000 PLN.
The organisers also gratefully acknowledged the generous financial and in-kind contributions from our sponsors—Bacteromic (Main Sponsor), Waters Corporation, DL, Novogene, and Eppendorf. Their support was instrumental in enabling key activities such as travel grants, awards, technical infrastructure, and promotional outreach, thereby fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for microbiological research and innovation.
The conference was held under the honorary patronage of several distinguished institutions and organisations, including the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS), Polish Mycological Society, American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Warsaw University of Technology, the Rector of the University of Warsaw, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute PAS, Collegium Medicum of the Jagiellonian University, the National Institute of Public Health, the National Chamber of Laboratory Diagnosticians, the Chief Sanitary Inspector, and the Microbiologia Aurea Association. Their endorsement reflected the wide-reaching national and international relevance of the event across academic, clinical, and public health spheres.
The high scientific standard of the pre-conference symposium was upheld by expert judging panels who evaluated oral and flash talk presentations by early-career researchers. The organisers extend their sincere thanks for their professionalism and commitment to scientific excellence.
AMR & Pathogenesis Panel
José Bengoechea (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK)
Grzegorz Czerwonka (Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Poland)
Tim Foster (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
Paweł Kiela (University of Arizona, USA)
Dorota Korsak (University of Warsaw, Poland)
Jakub Kwieciński (Jagiellonian University, Poland)
Agnieszka Laudy (Medical University of Warsaw, Poland)
Jan Potempa (Jagiellonian University, Poland / University of Louisville, USA)
Magdalena Płotka (University of Gdańsk, Poland)
Tomasz Prajsnar (Jagiellonian University, Poland)
Dominika Salamon (Collegium Medicum Jagiellonian University, Poland)
Katarzyna Talga-Ćwiertnia (Collegium Medicum Jagiellonian University, Poland)
Microbial Innovation & Applications Panel
Ianina Altshuler (EPFL, Switzerland)
Aleksandra Chojnacka (Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland)
Przemysław Decewicz (University of Warsaw, Poland)
Piotr Garstecki (Scope Fluidics / Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS, Poland)
Urszula Guzik (University of Silesia, Poland)
Małgorzata Kuś-Liśkiewicz (University of Rzeszów, Poland)
Illaria Maria Mannazzu (University of Sassari, Italy)
Zofia Piotrowska-Seget (University of Silesia, Poland)
Magdalena Kowalczyk (Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS, Poland)
Flash Talk Session Panel
Tomasz S. Kamiński (University of Warsaw, Poland)
Agata Krawczyk-Balska (University of Warsaw, Poland)
Marta Matuszewska (University of Warsaw, Poland)
Izabela Sabała (Mossakowski Medical Research Institute PAS, Poland)
Anna Sikora (Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS, Poland)
Jolanta Mierzejewska (Warsaw University of Technology, Poland)
Their active engagement, discerning evaluation, and support for young researchers significantly enriched the symposium experience and helped spotlight some of the most promising contributions.