SFM 2026

Dear friends and colleagues,

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we invite you to Microbes 2026, the 21^st National Congress of the French Society for Microbiology (SFM), which will take place from October 7^th to 9^th at the « Centre des Congrès » of Lyon.

This edition will focus on a particularly inspiring theme: « At the Confluence of Microbial Worlds ». A title that evokes the richness of interactions, the diversity of ecosystems, and the strength of the interfaces where microbiology truly shines.

Why attend? Three great reasons to join us in Lyon:

• A crossroads of disciplines, bringing together basic scientists and clinicians, early-career microbiologists and experts alike.
• A rich scientific program, developed by our sections, working groups, and partner societies, exploring the frontiers of our knowledge.
• A vibrant city: Lyon, the birthplace of French microbiology, where innovation and gastronomy will also be there to welcome you.

The topics that will be addressed during the congress are:

• Antimicrobials
• Biodiversity and evolution
• Microbial biotechnologies
• Epidemiology and population genomics
• Educational innovations
• Young Microbiologists
• Clinical microbiology
• Food microbiology
• Sustainable microbiology
• Environmental microbiology
• Risk modelling / AI
• Mycology / Parasitology
• Microbial pathogenesis
• Virology

Please save the date in your calendars now.

The call for abstracts and registrations will open soon.

Join us and help make this Lyon confluence a highlight of scientific exchange, discovery, and collective momentum.

We very much look forward to welcoming you.

Yours sincerely,

Sonia Burrel,
President of the SFM