Janet Jansson’s groundbreaking multi‑omics work on microbial responses to environmental perturbations paired with Noah Fierer’s influential research on microbial distribution and ecosystem health promise an engaging, forward‑looking discussion that bridges scales from soils to societies.

Laboratories are continually seeking opportunities to partner with industry to address challenges in clinical and public health microbiology. Attendees will gain valuable insight into how laboratories and industry can align priorities to advance diagnostics, research, and patient care.

Climate change is changing infectious diseases. Learn how microbiology can help predict and control future outbreaks.

Last year, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology released its final bipartisan report, recommending large investments in biotechnology to main US competitiveness. Join this session to learn about the NSCEB's work and recommendations, with a focus on the commission's regulatory recommendations.

Learn how to navigate the publication process effectively. ASM Journals staff discuss strategies for selecting the right journal, the concept and benefits of format-neutral submission, and common quality control (QC) issues that could lead to a paper being returned for corrections. The session will also include an introduction to the new submission platform, ChronosHub, and will conclude with a Q&A session, providing authors with an opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance directly.

The Editor in Chief and Editors of ASM Animal Microbiology welcome researchers to hear flash talks from leading scientists working on animal-associated microbes and their impact on animals and people, as well as broader health and disease processes, from a One Health perspective. Learn about the latest research in this critical area and how ASM's newest journal will seek to advance the field.

This session is a must‑attend for anyone interested in how evolutionary theory plays a role in real‑world systems, from food production to clinical applications, and how it can make microbial processes more predictable. Featuring Benjamin Wolfe’s innovative work on experimental evolution and microbial community design alongside Paul Turner’s influential research on evolutionary trade‑offs and disease dynamics, the plenary bridges fundamental theory with practical impact in compelling and unexpected ways.

This interactive session uses real-world, case-based problem solving to introduce core principles of clinical metagenomics, including test design, assay performance, and result interpretation. Participants will learn when metagenomic testing adds diagnostic value, how to integrate it with conventional diagnostics, and how to interpret complex sequencing data through effective bioinformatic workflows. Gamification techniques such as polling and interactive scenarios foster engagement and reinforce practical application of metagenomic tools in clinical care.

Participate in a guided walkthrough of the peer review and decision process, including the options available to you after a decision is rendered. The session will include a Q&A session with ASM Journals staff, providing authors with an opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance directly.

Take advantage of ASM Microbe 2026 being held in Washington, DC by participating in an ASM-guided grassroots advocacy opportunity. Eligible Microbe attendees can visit your congressional delegation's offices on Capitol Hill with advocacy materials highlighting the impact of the microbial sciences before the conference starts. 

Discover how synthetic biology helps uncover the origin of early microbial life to inform and inspire future research. 

Student engagement in microbiology begins close to home: learn from ASM Young Ambassadors how teaching the science behind local issues can foster global understanding, microbiology literacy, and STEM engagement. 

This session highlights how laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic medical records (EMR) can be leveraged to improve diagnostic stewardship in infectious diseases. Participants will explore real-world examples of decision support tools, report optimization, and EMR-based stewardship projects that guide appropriate test ordering and result interpretation. The session also addresses implementation challenges and strategies for successfully integrating these electronic tools into clinical workflows.

This session is a must‑attend for anyone interested in how ocean microbes drive carbon sequestration and climate mitigation, offering an integrated view of the Biological, Carbonate, Microbial, and Solubility Carbon Pumps shaping Earth’s carbon balance. Nianzhi Jiao is a global leader in microbial oceanography and carbon neutrality research, the session connects cutting‑edge science to real‑world climate solutions and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Early-career scientists will benefit from these tips on how to turn their poster or abstract presentation into a journal article. This will be an interactive Q&A session with panelists Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister, Dr. Jan Claesen, and Dr. Romney Humphries. This session will offer a variety of practical suggestions, including turning a poster into a paper, handling critiques and peer review, and choosing the right journal for your paper. Join this session for an engaging and informative guide to transforming your poster or abstract into a compelling publication.

The CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic (NCEZID)mobilizes expertise, data, and partnerships to strengthen the nation’s frontline defenses against emerging infectious diseases. Join this session to learn about the latest infectious disease threats and how NCEZID is responding to these threats.

Early-career scientists will benefit from these tips on how to turn their poster or abstract presentation into a journal article. This will be an interactive Q&A session with panelists Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister, Dr. Jan Claesen, and Dr. Romney Humphries. This session will offer a variety of practical suggestions, including turning a poster into a paper, handling critiques and peer review, and choosing the right journal for your paper. Join this session for an engaging and informative guide to transforming your poster or abstract into a compelling publication.

This fun and interactive Track Hub session will start with the editor in chief of ASM Case Reports reviewing the mission and scope of the journal, as well as tips and strategies to prepare a successful submission. This will be followed by 3 authors of case reports published in ASM Case Reports within the last year presenting their case reports.