9th ASM Conference on Biofilms

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Project description Microbial biofilms are among the most common forms in which microorganisms exist, and as such the topic of biofilms is relevant to virtually all of the microbial sciences. Biofilms create enormous challenges in the medical, agricultural and industrial sectors of society, but also can be harnessed for important beneficial applications. A tremendous number of research programs worldwide study biofilms spanning fundamental to applied science. In order to connect this large, active and diverse community the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) has convened the Conference on Biofilms, which has repeatedly catalyzed the development of new ideas and approaches in the field. The conference gathers the top researchers studying biofilms from both inside and outside of the United States, and from academia, government, and the private sector. The ASM has discontinued most of its small conferences, but given the vitality and community support for the Biofilm Conference, has retained this meeting. The 9th ASM Biofilm conference is scheduled for November 14-18, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina, an accessible yet affordable venue, chosen partly in response to participant concerns over high conference costs. The ASM provides all administrative support for this conference, but cannot cover all of the meeting expenditures and keep the conference fees manageable. Funds are requested in this proposal to defray the costs of participation by invited speakers, students and early career scientists. The conference format has been developed by the conference co-chairs, Karen Visick (Loyola University Chicago, USA) and Clay Fuqua (Indiana University Bloomington USA), along with the nine member Organizing Committee, representing a diversity of biofilm sub-specialties. The conference will be comprised of 11 topical sessions and 2 keynote presentations. Oral presentations will include 22 invited speakers, 33 selected abstract talks, and 12 short poster talks, and there will be four two-hour poster sessions. The afternoon of conference day two will have optional activities including a hands-on biofilm image analysis workshop, tours of local attractions, or networking time. Prior to the start of the full conference, there will be a single-day Early Career conference, that is being organized by a junior scientist committee in consultation with the co-chairs. The conference is specifically designed to convey the breadth and depth of biofilm research, and to actively engage the participation of scientists at all career stages. Special attention is focused to ensure diverse participation among conferees, including from inside the U.S. and internationally. Organizing committee membership also represents this diversity, helping to achieve this important goal. The conference proceedings will be published in a meeting review within a special biofilm-focused issue of the Journal of Bacteriology. Although the 9th ASM Biofilms Conference is intended to be in-person, contingency plans are in place with the ASM should public health concerns require an on-line only conference.