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
Microbes and Mining: Exploring the Invisible World of Ilesa's Gold-Mining Landscape
When: 17 September
Time: 09:30- 12:30
Where: University of Ilesa / Ilesa, Osun State
The University of Ilesa celebrates International Microorganism Day 2026 through an interactive exploration of microorganisms, environmental health and mining. The campus-based event will combine exhibitions, demonstrations, expert talks and student-led science communication to reveal the hidden microbial dimensions of a rapidly changing mining landscape.
The University of Ilesa edition of International Microorganism Day 2026 will bring the global celebration of microorganisms into the local context of Ilesa, Southwestern Nigeria, where gold-mining activities are increasingly transforming the surrounding landscape.
The event will explore the often-overlooked roles of microorganisms in soil, water and ecosystems and introduce participants to questions surrounding microbial life and environmental change in mining landscapes. Rather than presenting mining solely as an environmental problem, the programme will promote evidence-based discussion about microorganisms, environmental health, One Health and the potential contribution of environmental microbiology and biotechnology to sustainable solutions.
The event will be primarily a campus-based science communication and public engagement programme organised by the Department of Microbiology, University of Ilesa. Microbiology students will serve as science communicators and exhibition guides, working under the supervision of academic staff.
The target audience will include microbiology students, academic staff, invited researchers and environmental professionals, community representatives, relevant stakeholders and other interested members of the public. Selected secondary-school participants may also be invited, subject to institutional approval.
The programme will feature an interactive Microbes and Mining exhibition, microscopy and microbiology demonstrations, expert presentations, a One Health session, environmental microbiology activities and a stakeholder dialogue.
09:30 –10:00 a.m — Registration and Welcome
10.00 - 10.05 a.m — Anthems
10:05–10:20 a.m — Opening Remarks and Introduction to International Microorganism Day 2026
10:20–10:40 a.m — Keynote Presentation: Mining, Microbes and One Health: Understanding the Invisible World Around Us
10:40–11:10 a.m — Expert Talk: Mining, Environmental Change and Health: What Do We Need to Know?
11:10–11:15 a.m — Questions and Discussion
11:15–11:50 a.m — Refreshment Break / MICROBES AND MINING INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION
Exhibition stations: Meet the Microbes, Microbes and Soil, Mining and Water, Microbes as Environmental Workers, Bioremediation and Environmental Biotechnology, Mining, Health and One Health
11:50–12:20 p.m — Interactive Microbiology Quiz and Microbe Challenge
12:20–12:30 p.m — Closing Remarks and Group Photograph
“The Invisible World, Visible Impact: Harnessing Microorganisms for Health, Innovation, and a Sustainable Future.”
When: 17 September
Time: 10:00 - 15:00
Where: Faculty Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan.
International Microorganisms Day 2026 at the University of Ibadan will explore how microorganisms are driving change across health, food, biotechnology, industry, innovation and sustainability. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions and interactive exhibitions, the event will connect students with professionals and showcase the visible impact of the microbial world.
The Nigerian Association of Microbiology Students (NAMS), University of Ibadan, is organising an International Microorganisms Day 2026 celebration themed “The Invisible World, Visible Impact: Harnessing Microorganisms for Health, Innovation, and a Sustainable Future.”
The event aims to move beyond the traditional perception of microorganisms as organisms studied only within the laboratory by showcasing how they are transforming different sectors of society. It will explore the role of microorganisms in healthcare, food safety, biotechnology, industrial innovation, computational biology, environmental sustainability and enterprise.
Our target audience includes undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, academics, industry professionals and other individuals interested in the microbial sciences.
The programme will feature keynote presentations from professionals working across diverse areas, an interactive panel discussion on career pathways and the future of microbiology, as well as exhibitions and poster presentations showcasing microbial applications, student projects and practical innovations.
Through this event, we hope to expose students to emerging opportunities, encourage interdisciplinary thinking, connect young scientists with professionals and inspire innovative approaches to addressing real-world challenges through microorganisms.
Programme of the day:
• Registration and opening remarks
• Introduction to International Microorganisms Day and the event theme
• Keynote Session 1: Microorganisms, Food Safety and Sustainable Food Systems
• Keynote Session 2: Microbiology, Innovation and Industry
• Interactive Panel Discussion
• Exhibition and Innovation Showcase
• Poster Presentations and Research Showcase
• Student Interactive/Networking Session
• Questions and Answers
• Closing Remarks and Recognition
Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/namsunibadan
