MiCom 2024: A Successful Return After Three Years

After a three-year break, the MiCom 2024 took place in Jena last week, marking a highly successful return as a renowned microbiology conference. The event was organized only by the Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) doctoral candidates and connected researchers, industry,  academics, and students for an exciting series of presentations and networking opportunities.

The first day of the conference ended in a blast with an energetic Science Slam at the Paradies Café. Another highlight of the MiCom 2024 was the conference dinner at the Botanical Garden of Jena on the evening of the second day. Surrounded by the lush greenery and beautiful autumnal landscape, participants enjoyed a relaxed evening of fine dining and discussion, underlining the collaborative and friendly spirit of the conference.

Keynote speakers included prominent scientists, such as Paolina Garbeva from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Isabelle Laforest-Lapointe from the Université de Sherbrooke (Canada), and Wilfred van der Donk from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign / Howard Hughes Medical Institute (USA). Their cutting-edge research brought new perspectives and inspiration to our conference.

The success of this year's conference with approx. 170 participants have strengthened MiCom's role as an important platform for discussing current developments in microbial research and connecting young researchers.