The University is hosting the 31st Molecular Microbial Ecology Group Meeting, welcoming researchers for two days of scientific exchange and networking.
The University of Birmingham is hosting the 31st Molecular Microbial Ecology Group (MMEG) Meeting this week, welcoming researchers from across the UK and beyond to campus for two days of scientific exchange and networking.
MMEG25 is a key annual event for the microbial ecology community, providing a supportive and inclusive forum for early career researchers, postgraduate students, postdoctoral scientists and established academics. The programme spans topics including environmental microbiology, biogeochemical cycling, host–microbe interactions and applied microbial science.
This year’s meeting features a strong line-up of high-profile speakers from academia, publishing and policy. The keynote lecture, “Microorganisms: the solution to pollution”, is being delivered by Professor Corinne Whitby (University of Essex), a leading environmental microbiologist whose work explores how microbial processes can be harnessed to address environmental challenges.
The programme also includes a plenary session on research communication led by Nonia Pariente, Editor-in-Chief of PLOS Biology, who is sharing insights into scientific publishing, editorial decision-making and how researchers can maximise the reach and impact of their work.
The dedicated Policy Panel is bringing together speakers working at the interface of science and government, highlighting how microbial ecology research can inform decision-making and biosecurity policy. Panellists include Professor Nicola Spence, the UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer at Defra, and Paul-Enguerrand Fady, Biosecurity Policy Manager at the Centre for Long-Term Resilience (CLTR).
The meeting reflects the University of Birmingham’s recent investment in microbial ecology and environmental microbiology research. Several newly appointed academic staff members are attending MMEG25, underlining the University’s growing strength in this area. Within the School of Biosciences, the University has established an Environmental Microbiology Hub to strengthen collaboration and accelerate research impact. Recent appointments include Professor James McDonald, Dr Ozge Eyice and Dr Yin Chen, whose expertise further enhances Birmingham’s profile in microbial ecology.
“We’re delighted to welcome the MMEG community to Birmingham. This meeting brings together outstanding speakers from across research, publishing and policy, while also showcasing the University’s growing commitment to environmental and microbial microbiology. It’s a fantastic opportunity for researchers at all career stages to exchange ideas and build new collaborations.”
Professor of Microbial Ecology
Professor McDonald applies cultivation-based and molecular approaches to characterise and engineer both host-associated and environmental microbiomes.
Associate Professor in Microbial Ecology
Dr Eyice's research centres on understanding of microbial diversity and its role in biogeochemical cycles.
Professor in microbiology
Professor Yin Chen is a microbiologist and heads a group focusing on the ecophysiology of how microbes adapt to nutrient stress and climate change.
