The International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) invites proposals from scientists and institutions in Africa and Asia to host an ISME regional meeting in 2027. Make sure to submit the Expression of Interest form by 15 November 2026.

ISME regional meetings take place every two years, in the year when the International Symposium on Microbial Ecology (ISME Symposium) is not held. They provide an important opportunity for microbial ecologists who may not be able to attend the international symposium to connect with colleagues, present their research, hear about the latest developments in the field, and build new collaborations. Many valuable scientific collaborations begin at conferences, and regional meetings help strengthen these connections within and across regions.

Building on previous regional meetings
ISME has a strong tradition of supporting regional meetings that bring together microbial ecologists and highlight the diversity and strength of research across the world. Previous meetings in Asia have been held in China and Nepal. In Africa, regional meetings have taken place in Tunisia, Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire. The 2027 meetings will build on these experiences, providing opportunities to strengthen regional scientific networks and increase the visibility of microbial ecology research.

Why host an ISME regional meeting?
Hosting a regional meeting is an excellent opportunity to showcase your country, institution and the quality of your country's scientific research. It can also help strengthen connections between researchers, institutions and scientific communities across the region, creating opportunities for future collaboration.

What makes a strong application?
ISME welcomes proposals that demonstrate strong regional collaboration and a clear commitment to delivering a successful scientific meeting. Strong applications should demonstrate the following:

• Regional collaboration: Active involvement of ISME Ambassadors and other scientific colleagues from across the region.
• A diverse local organising committee: Scientists representing different national institutions, rather than a single institution.
• Regional scientific representation: A scientific committee that includes researchers from across the region.
• Institutional support: Clear support from the institutions of the proposed chair and co-chair, including the practical resources needed to organise the meeting.

How to express your interest
If you are interested in hosting an ISME regional meeting in Africa or Asia in 2027, please contact office@isme-microbes.org to receive the Expression of Interest form. Please submit by 15 November 2026.
All expressions of interest will be reviewed by the ISME Ambassador Programme Committee. Applicants whose expressions of interest are shortlisted will be invited to submit a full proposal, including a detailed financial plan.

ISME will provide significant financial support for the regional meeting. However, the local organising committee will retain responsibility for the financial risks associated with organising the event. Applicants invited to submit a full proposal should therefore provide a realistic budget and demonstrate a clear plan for securing additional financial support from a range of sources. ISME will work with the selected organisers to refine the budget and ensure that all essential costs for delivering a successful meeting are considered.

We look forward to receiving expressions of interest from teams committed to strengthening microbial ecology research and collaboration in their region.