IMD in nigeria
Microbes Meet AI: Digital Innovations for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance
When: 17 September
Time: 10:00- 13:00
Where: FIRST FLOOR,CAMPDAVID BUILDING / 25, OGUNSANYA STREET, KUGBA ROAD, ADATAN, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE , NIGERIA.
Microbes Meet AI: Digital Innovations for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance is an interactive hybrid event showcasing how artificial intelligence, mobile applications, bioinformatics, and digital tools can support antimicrobial stewardship, microbial diagnostics, and public awareness. Participants will engage in demonstrations, workshops, competitions, and discussions highlighting microbes' role in human health and disease.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge that threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics and increases the burden of infectious diseases worldwide. To celebrate International Microorganism Day 2026, this hybrid event will explore how artificial intelligence (AI), digital health technologies, information technology, and data-driven approaches can support microbial research, antimicrobial stewardship, and public health interventions. Participants will learn how technology transforms the detection, monitoring, prediction, and management of AMR while advancing our understanding of microorganisms.
The event targets secondary school students, university students, researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, and members of the public interested in science and technology. Through expert presentations, discussions, and innovation activities, participants will gain knowledge of microorganisms, AMR, and emerging digital solutions.
Objectives include raising awareness of microorganisms and AMR, promoting responsible antimicrobial use, showcasing AI applications in microbiology and healthcare, and inspiring careers in microbiology, bioinformatics, AI, and digital health.
The event will host 40 physical and 100 virtual participants. Activities include expert seminars, AI demonstrations, an app-design challenge, a quiz competition, and panel discussion. Expected outcomes include improved AMR awareness, enhanced digital health knowledge, increased STEM interest, and innovative ideas for combating AMR.
Programme of the day
Time | Activity
| 09:00 – 09:20 | Registration and Welcome
| 09:20 – 09:40 | Introduction to International Microorganism Day
| 09:40 – 10:20 | Keynote: Microbes, Antimicrobials and the Future of Health
| 10:20 – 11:00 | Talk: Artificial Intelligence in Microbiology
| 11:00 – 11:20 | Tea Break
| 11:20 – 12:30 | Interactive Workshop: Digital Tools for Microbial Analysis
| 12:30 – 13:00 | Demonstration of AI-Based Microbial Identification Systems
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch Break
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Microbe Detective Competition
| 15:00 – 15:45 | Antimicrobial Stewardship Mobile App Challenge
| 15:45 – 16:15 | Panel Discussion: Can Technology Help Stop AMR?
| 16:15 – 16:45 | Quiz Competition and Awards
| 16:45 – 17:00 | Closing Remarks and Group Photograph
Attendees can register here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12vve5aMdnvhfDfJ_-FnKPOOI0DrF7_LxI_KzyZSg91g/viewform?edit_requested=true
The Invisible Farmers Beneath Our Feet: Celebrating the Role of Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture
When: 17 September
Time: 10:00- 12:00
Where: Green and Environmental Science & Technology Research Institute (GESTRI)
An interactive hybrid event celebrating International Microorganism Day 2026 through presentations, demonstrations, exhibitions, games, and discussions highlighting the importance of microorganisms in agriculture, food security, environmental sustainability, biotechnology, and human health. The event aims to inspire students and the public to appreciate the invisible world of microbes.
International Microorganism Day (IMD) 2026 will be celebrated through a hybrid outreach and educational event organized by the Green and Environmental Science & Technology Research Institute (GESTRI), Ile-Ife and Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. The event will bring together secondary school students, university students, educators, farmers, researchers, and members of the public to explore the vital contributions of microorganisms to agriculture, biotechnology, environmental sustainability, food production, and human health.
The theme, "The Invisible Farmers Beneath Our Feet," highlights the essential role of beneficial microorganisms in maintaining soil fertility, enhancing crop productivity, supporting climate resilience, and promoting sustainable food systems. Activities will include presentations, interactive discussions, educational games, and practical demonstrations.
The event aims to raise awareness of microorganisms and their societal benefits, demonstrate their role in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, encourage interest in microbiology and biotechnology careers, and promote science communication and public engagement. The programme will feature talks by microbiologists and science educators, alongside interactive learning activities. Approximately 30 participants will attend in person and 150 online.
Programme of the day
Time Activity
10:00 – 10:10 Registration and Welcome Remarks
10:10 – 10:25 Introduction to International Microorganism Day and the Importance of Microorganisms
10:25 – 10:45 Keynote Presentation: The Invisible Farmers Beneath Our Feet – The Role of Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture
10:45 – 11:05 Interactive Talk: Microbes in Food, Health, Agriculture and the Environment
11:05 – 11:25 Microbiology Quiz and Educational Games
11:25 – 11:45 Demonstration Session: Exploring the Microbial World Through Images, Videos and Microbial Cultures
11:45 – 11:55 Question and Answer Session
11:55 – 12:00 Closing Remarks and Group Photograph
Attendees can register here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WxiV585spcuUNQbtTEhD56NLSEzqguchiutzohLEDEI/edit
