From June 7th-11th 2015, the 6th Congress of European Microbiologists (FEMS 2015) will be held in Maastricht. It is one of the most exciting meetings of its kind and will connect thousands of leading microbiologists from around the world.
About the congress
The congress, organised by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS), will feature symposia and workshops led by prominent international scientists. The goal of this popular biennial gathering is provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and new research across the global microbiology community.
Key disciplines including molecular approaches, biodiversity, bioremediation, eukaryotic microbes, virology and others will be examined in order to advance our understanding of current and future challenges. For scientists in the early stages of their career, there are special sessions on setting up a spin-off business, education and professional development.
About microbiology
Too small to be seen by the naked eye, but with an enormous impact on our lives, micro-organisms are the heart of our daily lives. Microbiologists are looking for solutions to problems like infectious diseases and the provision of clean water, as well as looking to exploit the beneficial qualities of microbes in areas such as biofuels, bioremediation and creating new, bioactive, chemicals.
About the organiser
FEMS is a federation of 52 Member Societies from 36 European countries, linking around 30,000 microbiologists from Europe and beyond. To facilitate the exchange of microbiological knowledge, FEMS publishes five journals, and organises this popular congress. FEMS also provides funding for early career scientists and the organisers of microbiology-related events such as regional congresses, technical workshops and niche meetings.
About the connection with Maastricht
FEMS President Jean-Claude Piffaretti: “Microbiology has a strong connection to the Netherlands, the Dutchman Antoni van Leeuwenhoek first creating lenses powerful enough to view microbes in 1673. So with FEMS celebrating its 40th birthday last year, and the 2015 congress being hosted by the Dutch and Belgian societies, The Netherlands’ cosmopolitan city of Maastricht at the border of the two countries seemed like the obvious location.”
The congress will give a large number of scientists from all over the world a taste of the international and hospitable character of the city.
About the economic importance for Maastricht
International conferences such as FEMS are of economic importance to the city of Maastricht. Next to the revenue, these kind of events are very important for employment and brand awareness of the region. During FEMS, the delegates together will spend approximately € 2.628.000,00 in Maastricht & region*.
“We are proud to welcome this international prestigious congress in our city. Once again, it shows MECC Maastricht is a perfect accommodation for this kind of high-quality medical congresses. The fact that the world’s top microbiologists will be staying in our city these days, is not only good for the revenues of hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés and retail, it also fits the ambitions of Maastricht as an international university city,” says John Aarts, alderman of economy of the Municipality of Maastricht.
*based on figures of MECC Maastricht and NBTC Holland Marketing
