Clinical considerations for the next pandemic: challenges facing Japan and strategic preparedness Multiple global pandemics over the past century - the Spanish influenza (1918), Asian influenza (1957), Hong Kong influenza (1968), H1N1 influenza (2009), and COVID‑19 (since 2019) - have increasingly underscored the necessity for healthcare systems worldwide to be resilient, rapidly responsive, and forward‑facing.

The latest feature in The Microbiologist examines the Japanese response to COVID-19, considerations for the next pandemic, and strategic preparedness. https://ow.ly/iq7L50YMrFr

Viruses found in Antarctic air, including some new to science ​It may seem stark and lifeless, but the air around the remote sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia contains viruses, including some that are new to science. Using metagenomics, researchers discovere...

It may seem stark and lifeless, but the air around a remote sub-Antarctic island contains viruses, including some that are new to science. Using metagenomics, researchers discovered that South Georgia harbours a diverse and dynamic airborne viral community. www.the-microbiologist.com/news/viruses...

Call for evidence: Why has the promise of personalised medicine failed to materialise on the ground? A new inquiry by the UK Parliament's Science and Technology Committee investigates why the NHS adoption of the UK's cutting-edge life sciences innovations often fails - and what could be done to fix i...

Are you working on phage therapy or microbiome-based therapeutics? It's your last chance to respond to an inquiry into why the NHS adoption of the UK’s cutting-edge life sciences innovations often fails - and what could be done to fix it. www.the-microbiologist.com/news/call-fo...

Nominate yourself: Call for new Elected Trustees of Applied Microbiology International Applied Microbiology International (AMI) has issued a call for a new member to join our team as an Elected Trustee on the AMI Board from September 2026.

Nominate yourself! Applied Microbiology International has issued a call for a new member to join our team as an Elected Trustee on the AMI Board from September 2026. www.the-microbiologist.com/news/nominat...

💬 "What I enjoy most about being a trustee is supporting a community that champions excellence in microbiology."

Play a key role in shaping AMI’s future, alongside passionate colleagues and a global microbiology community.

Nominate yourself: https://secure.cesvotes.com/V3-3-0/ami2026/en/login

Missed our latest Policy Spotlight webinar?

Catch up on insights from policymakers and parl. affairs professionals, and learn how microbiologists can influence policy: appliedmicrobiology.org/resource/policy-spotligh...

AMI Journals

📢 AMI Trustee nominations are now open

Help guide our direction and make an impact. Stand for election to the AMI Board!

Find out more & apply: https://secure.cesvotes.com/V3-3-0/ami2026/en/login

🗓️ Submit your application by 29 April 2026

Scientists reveal the potential of a tiny soil bacterium to beat the Haber-Bosch process ​A new review finds that biological ammonia production offers strong potential as a cleaner, greener alternative to the costly Haber-Bosch process. Microbes such as Azotobacter can produce ammonia und...

A new review finds that biological ammonia production offers strong potential as a cleaner, greener alternative to the costly Haber-Bosch process. Microbes such as Azotobacter can produce ammonia under ambient conditions and atmospheric pressure. www.the-microbiologist.com/news/scienti...

Degraded soils can regain microbial diversity with soil microbiome transplants Scientists have discovered that degraded soils can regain their microbial diversity by combining soil microbiome transplants with artificial humic acid amendments.

Scientists have discovered that degraded soils can regain their microbial diversity by combining soil microbiome transplants with artificial humic acid amendments.

www.the-microbiologist.com/news/degrade...

FEMS Summer School for Postdocs Take your research to the next level. Apply now for the Summer School for Postdocs happening in Porto from August 26 to 31, 2026.

Postdocs, don’t miss the FEMS Summer School in Porto! Collaborate with int. researchers, join mentor-led panels, and explore how learned societies tackle global challenges.

Apply by 15 April: fems-microbiology.org/about_fems/network-and-a...

Call for evidence: Why has the promise of personalised medicine failed to materialise on the ground? A new inquiry by the UK Parliament's Science and Technology Committee investigates why the NHS adoption of the UK's cutting-edge life sciences innovations often fails - and what could be done to fix i...

Why hasn’t personalised medicine delivered on the ground? A UK Parliament inquiry is exploring why the NHS struggles to adopt cutting-edge life sciences innovations and what needs to change. Share your views and help shape the future.

www.the-microbiologist.com/news/call-fo...

World Water Day Webinar 2026: Water's Role in Gender Equality Hosted by Gary Hogben (Chair, AMI Clean Water Advisory Group), our very first AMI Advisory Group Webinar brought together global experts Kwanrawee Joy Sirikanchana,…

ICYMI: Our first AMI Advisory Group webinar recording is now live!

⏯️ Watch now: https://vimeo.com/1176568534

Join AMI today to become part of a global community, get involved in our Advisory Groups, and connect with experts worldwide: appliedmicrobiology.org/membership/join-now.html

FEMS Summer School for Postdocs Take your research to the next level. Apply now for the Summer School for Postdocs happening in Porto from August 26 to 31, 2026.

Apply now for the FEMS Summer School for Postdocs - a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and advance your career! Application deadline: 15 April 2026

Find out more: fems-microbiology.org/about_fems/network-and-a...

Why is vaccination for target populations plummeting in the UK? Share your insights! ​As a group of leading UK health experts launches a new Commission on Access to Vaccines to understand why access levels are falling across the UK, Applied Microbiology International is calling on mem...

As a group of leading UK health experts launches a new Commission to understand why vaccination access levels are falling across the UK, Applied Microbiology International is calling on members to share their insights on childhood vaccinations. www.the-microbiologist.com/news/why-is-...

Hundreds of scientists gather in Edinburgh for the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum Hundreds of scientists gathered at Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) this week for a three-day conference aimed at showcasing the contributions of life scientists from marginalised and ...

Hundreds of scientists gathered at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre this week for a three-day conference aimed at showcasing the contributions of life scientists from marginalised and underrepresented communities. www.the-microbiologist.com/news/hundred... @emmanueladukwu.bsky.social

Policy Spotlight: Maximising microbiologists’ impact in policymaking

Just 1 week to go ⏳

Join our free Policy Spotlight webinar on 1 April and learn how to connect with policymakers, influence real-world decisions, and amplify your impact as a microbiologist

appliedmicrobiology.org/ems-event-ca...

The Rachel Carson Environmental Conservation Excellence Award recognises applied microbiology that protects ecosystems, safeguards biodiversity, and drives real-world environmental outcomes. 🌿

Nominate someone today: appliedmicrobiology.org/advocacy-policy/horizon-...

Webinar: Unraveling periprosthetic joint infection The free 'Unraveling Periprosthetic Joint Infection' webinar on March 25 explores one of the most challenging complications in modern orthopedic medicine, sitting at the intersection of microbiology, ...

The free ‘Unraveling Periprosthetic Joint Infection’ webinar on March 25 explores one of the most challenging complications in modern orthopedic medicine, sitting at the intersection of microbiology, surgery, and patient care. www.the-microbiologist.com/news/webinar... @microsocequity.bsky.social

I did wonder why Jack had brought in his Ninja! 😂

Reminder: Abstract submissions for #LAMECS2026 close soon - submit by 22 March 👇

Introducing AMI’s Diversity & Inclusion Strategy Just over a month ago, AMI launched its first Diversity & Inclusion Strategy - the culmination of almost two years spent brainstorming, drafting, discussing, editing, and reviewing our role, responsibility, and ambitions within this vital space. Now that our strategy is live and visible to all, we're proud to share ...

Just over a month ago, AMI launched its first D&I Strategy, which sets out our five-year roadmap to create a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute to our shared mission. www.the-microbiologist.com/careers/introducing-amis...

A journey to run a polymerase chain reaction in the kitchen Did you know an air fryer can thermocycle?

Did you know an air fryer can thermocycle? Read the journey of two scientists’ attempts to run a PCR cycle in the kitchen, in the latest feature in #TheMicrobiologist.
www.the-microbiologist.com/features/a-journey-to-ru...

From microbial processes to biofilm control: our interview with JAM Microbial Biotechnology lead editor Manuel Simões Professor Manuel Simões, Deputy Editor of the Journal of Applied Microbiology, has just been appointed as the journal's new Lead Editor in Microbial Biotechnology. Here's why he's looking forward to t...

Professor Manuel Simões, Deputy Editor of the Journal of Applied Microbiology, has just been appointed as the journal’s new lead editor in Microbial Biotechnology. Here’s why he’s looking forward to the challenge. www.the-microbiologist.com/news/from-mi...

Do you know a microbiologist making a real-world impact on public health? Nominations are now open for the John Snow Public Health Innovation Prize! Submit a nomination today: appliedmicrobiology.org/submissions-generic/john...

Rethinking Blastocystis: a One Health perspective on a common and controversial gut protist worth our attention Here's the reality: a stool report that reads "Blastocystis detected" still provokes strong reactions. Some clinicians worry and reach for antibiotics. Some laboratories add a note about "uncertain significance." Patients search online and find polarised claims ranging from harmless commensal to stealth pathogen. The truth is more nuanced and more ...

A new feature in #TheMicrobiologist examines the culture of Blastocystis research and asks how to make it more clinically meaningful www.the-microbiologist.com/features/rethinking-blas...

AMI’s New Professional Research Grant supports newly appointed microbiology professionals in advancing sustainable applied microbiology research aligned with the UN SDGs 👨‍🏫

Apply now: appliedmicrobiology.org/funding/new-professional...

📅 Deadline: 30 April 2026

Applied Microbiology International launches new report on improving soil health in the UK ​Scientists have warned that the world's tiniest organisms need to be taken into account in efforts to improve soil health. AMI has launched a new policy report setting out key recommendations to support the long-term protection, restoration and sustainable management of soils across the UK's four nations.

AMI's new policy report sets out key recommendations to support the long-term protection, restoration and sustainable management of soils across the UK. www.the-microbiologist.com/news/applied-microbiolog...

Under the Lens: Nicola Holden and Gil Domingue weigh in on the raw milk debate The latest episode of Applied Microbiology International's 'Under The Lens' video series turns the spotlight on the contentious issue of raw milk, with AMI Trustee Professor Emmanuel Adukwu interviewi...

Raw milk: The latest episode of AMI’s ‘Under The Lens’ video series turns the spotlight on the contentious issue of raw milk, with Prof Emmanuel Adukwu interviewing Prof Nicola Holden and Dr Gil Domingue. www.the-microbiologist.com/news/under-t... @srucnews.bsky.social @nicholden.bsky.social

Policy Spotlight: Maximising microbiologists’ impact in policymaking

Join us for our next Policy Spotlight webinar: Maximising microbiologists’ impact in policymaking 🏛️

Find out more and secure your place: appliedmicrobiology.org/ems-event-calendar/polic...

The world’s fermented foods in health and history The use of microbes in food fermentation dates back thousands of years; archaeological evidence suggests that fermented beverages such as rice wine were produced in China as early as 7000 BC, while bread and beer were staples in ancient Egypt.

The latest feature in #TheMicrobiologist explores fermented foods throughout history and the health benefits of those still used today. www.the-microbiologist.com/features/the-worlds-ferm...