imd in the United Kingdom
Mission: Microbiome by Patrick Veiga. A meeting of the Bad Bugs Bookclub
When: 17 September
Time: 08:30 - 20:00
Where: Online (If anyone wishes to join us online, a link will be available from 10 September: contact j.verran@mmu.ac.uk)
Patrick Veiga will be discussing his novel Mission: microbiome with the Bad Bugs Bookclub at this online meeting (UK-based). He specialises in gut microbiota, and has written a thriller in which the microbiome plays a significant role. Join us for this meeting - but please read the book first!
The Bad Bugs Bookclub began in 2009. Since then we have read more than 100 novels where microbiology forms part of the plot. We consider, in structured discussion, whether the microbiology is accurate, whether the novel might be used in education/microbial literacy/science communication, and how the disease, or the topic might be of relevance to today's science. Since COVID, our meetings have taken place online. We have international membership comprising keen readers who are microbiologists and interested non-scientists, In this event, we will discuss the novel and then be joined by the author for the second part of the meeting.
The event should be of interest to readers, educators, research microbiologists/students.
For more information: Verran J. 2023. How to set up and run a bad bugs bookclub group. Access Microbiology. DOI 10.1099/acmi.0.000846.v3
Forest Microbiomes and Ecosystem Resilience
When: 17 September
Time: 13:00 - 14:30
Where: Online
Celebrating International Microorganism Day, this webinar explores how forest microbiomes support ecosystem functioning, tree health, nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and resilience. Leading researchers will share emerging discoveries on mycorrhizal fungi, tree- and bark-associated microbes, microbial restoration, and climate-active processes, highlighting innovative approaches to conserving and restoring resilient forests.
Forests are more than trees they are living microbial ecosystems. This 90-minute online webinar, organised by the Forest Ecology SIG of the British Ecological Society, celebrates International Microorganism Day by exploring how forest microbiomes shape ecosystem functioning, tree health, biodiversity, climate regulation, and resilience.
The event aims to connect emerging microbiome research with practical challenges in forest conservation, restoration, and climate resilience. It will bring together researchers, students, practitioners, conservation professionals, and others interested in microbial and forest ecology.
Four invited speakers from the UK, USA, and Australia will share complementary perspectives: Bethan Manley (SPUN, UK) on mapping and protecting mycorrhizal fungi; Ian Ware (Funga, USA) on restoring forest fungal microbiomes; James McDonald (University of Birmingham, UK) on the oak microbiome and tree resilience; and Pok Man (Bob) Leung (Monash University, Australia) on bark microbiota and climate-active gas fluxes.
The webinar will feature four expert presentations, followed by an interactive discussion and audience Q&A. By bringing together diverse perspectives across microbial ecology, genomics, forest science, and restoration, the event will highlight how understanding the invisible microbial world can inform innovative approaches to healthier, more resilient forests.
