imd in Mexico
Microbe Hunters (Cazadores de microbios)
When: 17 September
Time: 10:00 - 15:00
Where: Centro Regional del Bajío, INECOL, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México
To celebrate the 100-year anniversary of “Microbe Hunters”, we will host talks by two Mexican microbe hunters. In parallel, we will organize activities such as thematic board games about microbe hunters and microorganisms, microscopic and macroscopic observation of bacteria and fungi and painting.
For this first event, we will celebrate the 100 years since the publication of the famous Paul de Kruif´s book “Microbe Hunters” with a series of talks from Mexican microbe hunters. After a welcoming talk to remind us of the importance of microbiology in our daily life and the great legacy of past microbe hunters, two Mexican researchers will present their research on beneficial microorganisms for agriculture. Dr María del Carmen Orozco Mosqueda will talk about beneficial endophytes and their potential for biocontrol, whilst Dr Edgardo Sepúlveda will address the role of native plants as a source of beneficial microorganisms. Between talks, we will host a series of activities for the general public and local university students who will attend the event: thematic board games about microbe hunters and microorganisms, microscopic and macroscopic observation of bacteria and fungi from our Lab collection, and a “paint your microbe” activity.
Programme of the day:
10 am – Welcoming talk by Frédérique Reverchon. “Microbe hunters: from van Leuwenhoek to International Microorganism Day 2026”
11 am – Edgardo Sepúlveda. “Title to come”
12 pm – Coffee break and ludic activities (board games, microscopic observations of bacteria and fungi)
1 pm – María del Carmen Orozco Mosqueda. “Title to come”
2 pm – “Paint your microbe” activity
Beneficial Microbes for the World
When: 17-18 September
Time: 08:00 - 12:00
Where: School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science building, Ave. Francisco Villa s/n Ex-Hacienda el Canadá, CP 66454, General Escobedo NL
6th grade elementary students will attend the talk "Beneficial microbes for the World", then will have a hands-on experience observing live microorganisms under microscopes and tasting fermented foods. Laboratories will have a "door decoration contest" and students will finish with a trip to a mountain to appreciate nature equilibrium.
Our event is about sharing the importance of beneficial microbes for nutrition, overall health and ecological equilibrium. Our target audience include 6th grade elementary students from a nearby school and veterinary college students. The elementary students will interact with a professor-researcher through the talk "Beneficial Microbes for the World" then will have a hands-on experience in the nutrition laboratory to taste fermented foods, and on the microbiology and pharmacology labs to observe live microorganisms under microscope. Meanwhile, our labs will participate in a "Door-window decoration contest" to reflect the importance of microorganisms in a graphic display where college students can learn from the labs about beneficial microbes. Next day, elementary students will have a field trip to a nearby mountain to explore ecotourism and learn about equilibrium in nature and the relevant participation of microorganisms.
Programme of the day:
Day 17 - Talk “Beneficial microbes for the world” 8:30 am - 9:30 am FMVZ
Hands-on experience - visit to the laboratories 9:30 am - 10:45 am
“Door-window decoration contest” - 11:00-12:00 pm
Day 18 - Field trip to a Natural Reserve
Find out more: https://veterinaria.uanl.mx/
Microorganisms shaping our changing world: the one health approach
When: 17 September
Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Where: City of Campeche (CIMAB) and City of Escarcega (Faculty of Agricultural Sciences), Campeche, México
Microorganisms are essential to the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. Through talks and hands-on activities, this event will highlight microbiology’s role in One Health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection, with emphasis on current challenges in tropical regions, particularly the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.
Microorganisms are fundamental drivers of life on Earth, influencing the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. Global challenges such as emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food security, and biodiversity loss are increasingly interconnected; therefore, the One Health approach offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing this complexity.
Through talks and hands-on activities, undergraduate participants will examine how microbiology contributes to human and animal well-being, sustainable agriculture, and environmental health. The event will highlight current microbiological challenges in tropical regions, with special emphasis on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.
