Call for ESR Session Chairs

Invitation to Early-Stage Researchers: Organise a Session on "Emerging Frontiers in Microbiome Science for Sustainable Food Systems"

Dear Early-Stage Researchers,

We are excited to extend an invitation to early-career scientists, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers to organise a special session at the upcoming Food System Microbiomes Conference titled "Emerging Frontiers in Microbiome Science for Sustainable Food Systems." This session offers a unique opportunity for you to take the lead in shaping a dynamic and engaging platform that highlights cutting-edge research, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and connects young scientists with established experts in the field. The session will be sponsored by Applied Microbiology International, who will provide funds to cover the expenses of all speakers, along with a free year’s trial membership to all Early-stage researchers who register.

Why Organise This Session?

• Showcase Innovative Research: Take charge in curating a session that highlights the latest advancements and creative approaches in microbiome science, particularly in the context of sustainable food systems.
• Build Professional Networks: Enhance your visibility in the microbiome research community and connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders.
• Develop Leadership Skills: Gain valuable experience in organizing a high-profile scientific session, including selecting speakers, moderating discussions, and coordinating with experts.
• Drive Dialogue and Collaboration: Create a space for meaningful exchange of ideas, fostering new collaborations that can advance microbiome science and its applications in sustainability, nutrition, health, and food security.

Session Goals: The goal of this session is to bring together early-stage researchers from diverse backgrounds to explore novel concepts, methodologies, and applications of microbiome science that address critical challenges in sustainable food systems. We encourage the session organisers to focus on innovative and interdisciplinary topics that spark discussion and inspire future research directions.

What We Are Looking For:

• Organizing Teams: Groups of early-stage researchers who are enthusiastic about microbiome science and interested in organizing and moderating the session.
• Session Structure: The session could include a combination of formats, such as lightning talks, poster presentations, panel discussions, and networking roundtables.
• Submission of Session Proposals: Proposals should include a brief description (up to 1000 words) of the session theme, objectives, proposed formats, and a list of potential speakers. Please use the provided template .

Submission Guidelines:

• Proposal Deadline: 30 April 2025
• How to Submit: Please submit your proposal using the provided template and send it to office@foodsystemsmicrobiomes.org .
• Selection Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on originality, relevance to conference themes, diversity of topics, and potential to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and discussion.

Take the Lead and Make an Impact! This is your chance to take an active role in shaping the conversation around microbiome science for sustainable food systems. We encourage you to bring your innovative ideas and leadership skills to the forefront and create a session that reflects the enthusiasm and creativity of early-stage researchers.

For any questions or more information on how to submit your proposal, please contact Tanja Kostic at office@foodsystemsmicrobiomes.org. We look forward to your ideas and contributions and to seeing how you shape this exciting session!

Best regards,
Food System Microbiomes Conference Office