imd in Portugal
(Luso) Microbial Connections’26 - Microbiology Shaping the Future
When: 17 September
Time: 12:00- 15:00
Where: Portugal, University of Coimbra - online
On 17 September 2026, the University of Coimbra, representing SPM, hosts Portugal’s International Microorganisms Day celebration. Under the theme “(Luso)Microbial Connections’26 - Microbiology Shaping the Future”, highlighting microbiology’s impact, including biotechnology, researchers are invited, with IHMT-NOVA, to submit 5‑minute videos presenting published articles, projects, or key findings.
On 17 September 2026, the University of Coimbra, on behalf of the Portuguese Society of Microbiology(SPM) and in partnership with the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine(IHMT), NOVA University Lisbon, will organise the flagship event celebrating International Microorganisms Day in Portugal. The theme of this year’s edition is “(Luso)Microbial Connections’26-Microbiology Shaping the Future”.
Building on the success of previous editions since 2024, this initiative aims to celebrate microbiology while promoting the dissemination of research conducted in Portuguese and strengthening connections within the Portuguese-speaking scientific community (Macau, Cabo Verde, Mozambique, Angola, Brazil, and Portugal).
The event will take place fully online via streaming on the SPM YouTube channel. It will feature pre-recorded participant videos, organised by country in a “follow-the-sun” sequence, creating a continuous global showcase of Lusophone microbiology. The event is open to both scientific community and general Portuguese-speaking public.
As in previous editions, professors, researchers, and students affiliated with institutions of the Lusophone Microbiology Network and the Portuguese Society of Microbiology(SPM) will be invited to participate. Participation will be limited to two representatives per institution. Each participant will submit a video of approximately five minutes (“Five-Minutes of Fame”), presenting a published article, a scientific project, or significant research findings.
International Microorganism Day 2026: Microbes & Us
When: 17 September
Time: 09:00- 18:00
Where: Escola Superior de Saúde do Instituto Politécnico do Porto / Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400 4200 - 072, Porto, Portugal
Fungi Detectives: Meet the Hidden Fungi Around Us
Escape Room: The Microbe Quest
Microbes on Our Plates
Microbes in our Bodies: friends and foes
This interactive science event invites participants to explore the fascinating invisible world of fungi and microbes that surround us every day. Designed for curious minds, the event combines hands-on activities, microscopy, challenges, and interactive learning experiences to reveal the hidden roles of microorganisms in our environment, food, and bodies.
Participants will become “Fungi Detectives”, observing fungi under the microscope and discovering the diverse fungal communities that live around us. Through “The Microbe Quest” escape room, visitors will solve puzzles and complete scientific missions to uncover the secrets of the microbial world.
The event will also explore the role of microbes in food, from fermentation and bread yeast to the microorganisms associated with everyday foods. In “Microbes in Our Bodies: Friends and Foes,” participants will learn about the complex relationships between humans and microbes, including beneficial microorganisms and those that can cause disease. Students will gain an understanding of the urgent need for new antibacterial agents and the aseptic practices they can adopt to prevent bacterial contamination.
Aimed at Middle school students, the event combines learning and fun in an informal environment. Participants will be guided by scientists and science communicators who will help uncover the surprising world of microbes.
Programme of the day:
Fungi Detectives: Meet the Hidden Fungi Around Us
Escape Room: The Microbe Quest
Microbes on Our Plates
Microbes in our Bodies: friends and foes
