#Portugal #Lisbon #antibiotic resistance #GIMM Festival #Microbiology Experts

GIMM Festival: A Convergence of Microbiology Minds in Lisbon

The GIMM Festival, a notable annual event focused on microbiology, is set to take place from September 17-19 in the vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal. This year’s theme, "Microbes – The Questions of the Future", aims to delve into fundamental issues surrounding microbes and their critical role in human health, biological evolution, and ecosystem sustainability. With the global scientific community increasingly recognizing the pressing concerns of antibiotic resistance and emerging viruses, this festival brings scientists, policymakers, and society together for essential discussions.

Addressing Global Health Challenges

The festival's agenda is populated with some of the most influential figures in contemporary microbiology. Notable speakers include:

• - Charles M. Rice: A 2020 Nobel Laureate in Medicine from Rockefeller University, recognized for his pivotal research on the hepatitis C virus which enabled the development of effective antiviral therapies.
• - Yasmine Belkaid: President of Institut Pasteur and celebrated for her groundbreaking investigations into the interactions between the microbiome and the immune system.
• - Bonnie Bassler: A distinguished scientist from Princeton University, known for her expertise in quorum sensing, the communication process that bacteria utilize to coordinate their behavior.
• - Isabel Gordo: A researcher at GIMM and recipient of the ERC Advanced Grant, focusing on bacterial evolution within the human body and mechanisms contributing to antibiotic resistance.

With various discussions planned over the three days, attendees will explore critical topics such as host-microbe interactions, the implications of antibiotic resistance, the evolution of bacteria, new viral threats, future pandemic preparedness, and the fascinating field of microorganism engineering.

A Platform for Dialogue

The GIMM Festival serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue between researchers and the general public. It highlights the significance of microbiology in addressing some of the 21st century's greatest scientific challenges. Topics on the agenda are not only relevant to scientists but resonate with the wider public as they concern health, environmental issues, and future biotechnological advancements.

Antibiotic resistance, in particular, is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the greatest threats to global health, with predictions of millions of lives at stake if adequate measures are not implemented. The event emphasizes how advancements in microbiome research and genetic manipulation of microorganisms hold promise for breakthroughs in medical diagnosis, treatment, and ecological sustainability.

Maria Manuel Mota, Executive Director of the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM), states, “The microscopic world has profound impacts on our health, ecosystems, and the future of biotechnology. The GIMM Festival aims to bring researchers and society closer together to discuss how these discoveries can shape our future.”

Lisbon: A Hub for Scientific Innovation

With a strong lineup of leading scientists, including Nobel laureates, the GIMM Festival is set to position Lisbon as a central hub for scientific dialogue, enhancing its reputation as a focal point for advanced research and innovation in microbiology and global health. As challenges such as pandemics, antibiotic resistance, and environmental change loom ominously in contemporary society, events like the GIMM Festival are essential for driving the science-society connection.

For further details on the complete program and registration options, visit www.gimmfest.pt.

About GIMM

The Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) stems from the merger of the Gulbenkian Institute of Science (IGC) and the João Lobo Antunes Institute of Molecular Medicine (iMM). Committed to knowledge advancement and innovative health solutions, GIMM strives to establish itself as a leading institution in life sciences and biomedical research globally.

For media inquiries, please contact Rita Resendes, Head of Communications and Media Relations at Fundação GIMM.

• ---

Stay tuned for updates as we approach the festival. Let’s explore how scientific innovations can lead to a healthier future together.