Announcements

Conference: 2026 KoSFoST International Symposium and Annual Meeting
Date: 1–3 July 2026
Location: Daejeon, Republic of Korea

The Korean Society of Food Science and Technology (KoSFoST), founded in 1968, is one of the leading academic societies in Korea dedicated to advancing food science and technology through research, academic exchange, and industry collaboration.

KoSFoST will hold its International Conference and Annual General Meeting from 1 to 3 July 2026 at the Daejeon Convention Center under the theme “Food Science as a Translational Hub: Bridging Bioresources, Biotechnology, and Human Health”.

MDPI will be attending the conference as an exhibitor and warmly invites researchers to visit our booth to discuss their latest research and publishing opportunities with us.

The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:

• Fermentation;
• Foods;
• Microorganisms;
• Applied Sciences;
• Beverages;
• Molecules;
• Nutraceuticals;
• Processes.

We look forward to welcoming participants to the MDPI booth and discussing the latest research and publishing opportunities together. For more information about the conference, please visit the official website below: 2026 International Symposium and Annual Meeting.

Conference: KMB 2026 53rd Annual Meeting and International Symposium
Booth Number: N/A
Date: 24–26 June 2026
Location: HICO, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea

KMB is a leading academic organization in Korea dedicated to microbiology, biotechnology, and related multidisciplinary fields. KMB 2026 53rd Annual Meeting and International Symposium (KMB 2026) aims to foster academic networking and human exchange through various sessions covering the entire spectrum of microbiology and biotechnology.

MDPI is excited to join KMB 2026 as an exhibitor. Taking place in Gyeongju from 24 to 26 June 2026, this conference will be a major opportunity for advancement of the bio-industry.

We warmly welcome all attendees to our booth to share their valued research findings. We look forward to the opportunity to engage in professional exchange and explore how we can support your scholarly journey through potential collaborations.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• IJMS;
• Microorganisms;
• Applied Microbiology;
• Fermentation;
• JoF;
• Antibiotics;
• Bacteria;
• Epigenomes;
• Foods;
• Immuno;
• Microbiology Research;
• Plants;
• SynBio;
• JGBG;
• Marine Drugs.

Our team is excited to welcome you to our booth for a face-to-face discussion and to assist with any of your inquiries. For more information regarding this conference, please visit the following website: https://www.kormb.or.kr/abstract/2026_spring/.

We are pleased to announce that the Microorganisms 2025 Outstanding Reviewer Award has been awarded to the recipients listed below, who were selected by the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Nico Jehmlich. The Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607) Editorial Board and editorial team would also like to acknowledge the time and effort that all reviewers dedicated to evaluating manuscripts submitted to the journal. Their contributions are crucial to maintaining Microorganisms’ reputation for high quality and a quick turnaround.

Winners:

• Dr. Riccardo Scotti, CREA-Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi dell’Economia Agrari, Italy;
• Dr. Srinivasan Sathiyaraj, Seoul Women's University, South Korea;
• Dr. Tadeusz Kowalski, University of Agriculture, Poland.

Prize:

• CHF 500;
• A free voucher for article processing fees valid for one year;
• A certificate.

We congratulate the award recipients and wish them continued success in their research careers.

Microorganisms Editorial Office

Conference: 13th International Conference on Mycorrhizas
Date: 12–17 July 2026
Location: Cairns, Australia

From 12 to 17 July 2026, MDPI will be attending the 13th International Conference on Mycorrhizas as an exhibitor, welcoming researchers from diverse backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas.

The International Mycorrhiza Society, the umbrella society of the biennial International Conference on Mycorrhiza (ICOM), is dedicated to advancing education, research and development in the field of mycorrhizal symbiosis. Our work is of international significance; our conference attracts delegates from across the globe, with members from over 40 countries and an attendance of 450 to 600 people from academia, government and industry.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cairns for an unforgettable experience at the 13th International Conference on Mycorrhizas!

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• JoF;
• Plants;
• Microorganisms;
• Agronomy;
• Nitrogen;
• Applied Microbiology;
• Crops;
• Horticulturae;
• IJPB;
• JGBG;
• Life;
• Bacteria;
• Agriculture.

The International Day for Biological Diversity, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, is celebrated on 22 May. The theme of the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity is “Acting Locally for Global Impact”. Biodiversity is critical to life—healthy ecosystems provide food, clean water, climate regulation, and disease control, supporting all forms of existence on Earth. Local actions such as restoring habitats, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable agriculture collectively generate global benefits for nature and people. However, rapid biodiversity loss continues to undermine these vital contributions, with profound impacts on human well-being and planetary stability. Echoing the mission of protecting biodiversity for a resilient future, established MDPI journals in the Biology&Life Sciences subject serve as platforms for scientific communication, fostering collaboration and innovation in biodiversity conservation to tackle the global nature crisis.

Invited speakers:

Register for this webinar for free here!

“Distribution Patterns and Habitat Preferences of Five Globally Threatened and Endemic Montane Orthoptera (Parnassiana and Oropodisma)”
by Apostolis Stefanidis, Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis, Konstantina Zografou, Georgios Fotiadis, Luc Willemse, Olga Tzortzakaki and Vassiliki Kati
Ecologies 2025, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies6010005

“Spatial Cumulative Assessment of Impact Risk-Implementing Ecosystem-Based Management for Enhanced Sustainability and Biodiversity in the Black Sea”
by Elena Bisinicu, Valeria Abaza, Laura Boicenco, Filimon Adrian, George-Emanuel Harcota, Oana Marin, Andra Oros, Elena Pantea, Alina Spinu, Florin Timofte et al.
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4449; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114449

“Using Citizen Science to Document Biodiversity on a University Campus: A Year-Long Case Study”
by Peter M. Baker, Brendon Samuels and Timothy J. A. Hain
Conservation 2024, 4(3), 533-546; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4030032

“Illegal Activities for Survival: Understanding the Influence of Household Livelihood Security on Biodiversity Conservation in Tanzania”
by Gasto Jerome Lyakurwa, Edwin Sabuhoro and Mercy Chepkemoi Chepkwony
Conservation 2024, 4(3), 339-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4030022

“Algal Biodiversity of Nine Megaliths in South-East Bulgaria”
by Maya Stoyneva-Gärtner, Miroslav Androv, Blagoy Uzunov, Kristian Ivanov and Georg Gärtner
Life 2024, 14(8), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080948

“Shifts in Microbial Community Structure and Co-occurrence Network along a Wide Soil Salinity Gradient”
by Yan Li, Juan Wang, Eryang Li, Xiaodong Yang and Jianjun Yang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071268

“Exploring mtDNA Databases to Evaluate the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Tursiops truncatus in the Atlantic Ocean: Implications for the Conservation of a Small, Offshore Populatio”
by Gasto Jerome Lyakurwa, Edwin Sabuhoro and Mercy Chepkemoi Chepkwony
Ecologies 2024, 5(2), 170-187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies5020011

“Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizobium Improve Nutrient Uptake and Microbial Diversity Relative to Dryland Site-Specific Soil Conditions”
by Rosalie B. Calderon and Sadikshya R. Dangi
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040667

“Diversity of Parasitoid Wasps and Comparison of Sampling Strategies in Rice Fields Using Metabarcoding”
by Liyang Wang, Hongxuan Wu, Wei He, Guihong Lai, Junxi Li, Siling Liu and Qiang Zhou
Insects 2024, 15(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040228

“Weed Species’ Diversity and Composition as Shaped by the Interaction of Management, Site, and Soil Variables in Olive Groves of Southern Greece”
by Petros Vahamidis, Demosthenis Chachalis, Antigoni Akrivou, Evangelos Karanasios, Maria Ganopoulou, Apostolia Argiri, Athanasia Mandoulaki, Evangelos Hatzigiannakis, Georgios Arampatzis, Andreas Panagopoulos et al.
Agronomy 2024, 14(3), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030640

“Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation via Urban Ecosystem Regeneration”
by Gad Perry and Robert D. Cox
Diversity 2024, 16(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030131

“Global Subterranean Biodiversity: A Unique Pattern”
by Louis Deharveng, Anne Bedos, Tanja Pipan and David C. Culver
Diversity 2024, 16(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030157

“Odonata Assemblages in Urban Semi-Natural Wetlands”
by Marina Vilenica, Andreja Brigić, Ana Štih Koren, Toni Koren, Mirela Sertić Perić, Bruno Schmidt, Tomislava Bužan and Sanja Gottstein
Insects 2024, 15(3), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15030207

“The Influence of Sugar Beet Cultivation Technologies on the Intensity and Species Biodiversity of Weeds”
by Barbora Kotlánová, Pavel Hledík, Stanislav Hudec, Petra Martínez Barroso, Magdalena Daria Vaverková, Martin Jiroušek and Jan Winkler
Agronomy 2024, 14(2), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14020390

The “Virology” Section in Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607) publishes original and review articles on viruses infecting animals, plants, insects, and bacteria, with a focus on emerging and re-emerging viral diseases. It highlights research on the virus–host interface, including genetic manipulation, cell culture studies, animal models, pathogenesis, and countermeasure development such as vaccines and therapeutics. Ecological aspects, such as viral reservoirs, are also considered.

1. “Development of Stable Packaging and Producer Cell Lines for the Production of AAV Vectors”
by Otto-Wilhelm Merten
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020384
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/2/384

2. “The Silent Threat of Human Metapneumovirus: Clinical Challenges and Diagnostic Insights from a Severe Pneumonia Case”
by Rubens Carmo Costa-Filho, Felipe Saddy,  João Luiz Ferreira Costa,  Leandro Reis Tavares and Hugo Caire Castro Faria Neto
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010073
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/1/73

3. “RNA Interference Therapeutics for Chronic Hepatitis B: Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects”
by Laura Sneller,  Christine Lin,  Angie Price,  Shyam Kottilil and Joel V. Chua
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030599
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/3/599

4. “Lipid Droplets: Formation, Degradation, and Their Role in Cellular Responses to Flavivirus Infections”
by James Z. Hsia,  Dongxiao Liu,  LaPrecious Haynes,  Ruth Cruz-Cosme and Qiyi Tang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040647
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/4/647

5. “West Nile Virus: An Update Focusing on Southern Europe”
by Lara Carrasco, Maria Jose Utrilla,  Beatriz Fuentes-Romero,  Aitor Fernandez-Novo and Barbara Martin-Maldonado
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2623; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122623
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/12/2623

6. “The Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Viral Respiratory Infections”
by Arnaud John Kombe Kombe, Leila Fotoohabadi, Yulia Gerasimova, Ravikanth Nanduri, Pratik Lama Tamang, Monisha Kandala and Theodoros Kelesidis
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2526; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122526
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/12/2526

7. “Molecular Insights into HPV-Driven Cervical Cancer: Oncoproteins, Immune Evasion, and Epigenetic Modifications”
by Luciana Alexandra Pavelescu, Nicoleta Larisa Mititelu-Zafiu, Dana Elena Mindru, Radu Vladareanu and Antoanela Curici
Microorganisms 2025, 13(5), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13051000
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1000

8. “Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in a Dog Infected by a Highly Pathogenic Avian A/H5N1 Virus”
by Olga Szaluś-Jordanow, Anna Golke, Tomasz Dzieciątkowski, Michał Czopowicz, Michał Kardas, Marcin Mickiewicz, Agata Moroz-Fik, Andrzej Łobaczewski, Iwona Markowska-Daniel and Tadeusz Frymus
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040689
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/4/689

9. “From Viral Infection to Autoimmune Reaction: Exploring the Link between Human Herpesvirus 6 and Autoimmune Diseases”
by Liba Sokolovska, Maksims Cistjakovs, Asnate Matroze, Modra Murovska and Alina Sultanova
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020362
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/2/362

10. “An Overview of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Epidemiology in Endemic Regions of Continental Croatia, 2017–2023”
by Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Stjepan Krcmar, Maja Bogdanic, Morana Tomljenovic, Ljubo Barbic, Dobrica Roncevic, Dario Sabadi, Marko Vucelja, Marija Santini, Blazenka Hunjak et al.
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020386
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/2/386

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that have submitted to Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607). We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network.

Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest to you:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link:
https://www.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload/?journal=microorganisms.

Joining the Volunteer Reviewer Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of microbiology research and are interested in joining the Volunteer Reviewer Board of Microorganisms, please do not hesitate to submit your application via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/volunteer/profile/edit.

Microorganisms Editorial Office

Conference: The 10th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology
Date: 14–16 June 2026
Location: Palermo, Italy

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be participating in the 10th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology, taking place from 14 to 16 June 2026, in Palermo, Italy.

The Congress will feature thematic sessions dedicated to key areas of contemporary virology, including viral pathogenesis and disease, antiviral drugs and antiviral therapy, immunity in viral infections, virus–host interaction and evolution of viruses, emerging and re-emerging viruses, applied virology and research, zoonoses and viral infections in animals, plant and environmental virology, prevention and treatment of viral diseases, translational research in virology, diagnostics in human virology, surveillance networks in virology, virus and cancer. The scientific program will include keynote lectures, invited talks, short oral communications, and poster presentations. Young Investigators will be actively supported through dedicated scholarships and opportunities for scientific exchange and visibility.

We look forward to connecting with researchers, authors, and editors at our booth. Visit us to learn more about our latest publications, Special Issues, and open access initiatives in the field of virology and related disciplines.

The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:

• Viruses;
• Microorganisms;
• COVID.

If you will be attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

Conference: the 1st South-East Transnational Congress of Microbial Sciences (SETCoMS)
Date: 10–13 June 2026
Place: Belgrade, Serbia
Conference website: https://setcoms2026.ums.rs/

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be participating as an exhibitor at the 1st South-East Transnational Congress of Microbial Sciences (SETCoMS), which will be held from 10 to 13 June 2026, in Belgrade, Serbia.

On behalf of the scientific and organizing committees of the Congress, we would like to cordially

invite you to participate in the 1st SOUTH-EAST TRANSNATIONAL CONGRESS OF MICROBIAL SCIENCES (SETCoMS 2026 & MIKROMED REGIO 6) “MicroFusion, Big Impact – Microbiology, Health & Environment in Harmony” with one clear goal—to integrate diverse microbial disciplines and generate impactful, real-world solutions.

Our mission is rooted in three core values:

• Integration across disciplines and borders;
• Crisis response to global health challenges;
• Sustainability for long-term planetary well-being.

SETCoMS 2026 is the beginning of a new platform for scientific exchange, partnership building, and cross-sector cooperation.

As part of our commitment to supporting high-quality research in these fields, MDPI is proud to sponsor the event through the participation of the following journals:

• Microorganisms;
• Viruses;
• BioChem;
• Journal of Fungi (JoF);
• Acta Microbiologica Hellenica (AMH);
• Applied Microbiology;
• Microbiology Research;
• Bacteria.

Our editorial team will be available on-site and would be delighted to meet with attendees. If you are attending the conference, feel free to stop by our booth to learn more about our open access publishing opportunities, ongoing Special Issues, and how we support researchers in advancing their work.

We look forward to meeting you in Belgrade!

Conference: ASM Microbe 2026
Date: 4–7 June 2026
Location: Washington, USA

MDPI will be attending the ASM Microbe 2026 as an exhibitor. We welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

ASM Microbe 2026 is transforming the way we connect with science. For the first time, they are hosting three independent meetings under one roof and offering the most comprehensive access to cutting-edge research and experts driving discovery in your field.

Delve into your scientific community by attending 1 of 3 distinct meetings—Health, Applied & Environmental Microbiology or Mechanism Discovery. Each offers a focused, in-depth experience tailored to your field, providing the latest research, perspectives and developments shaping the future of microbial science. Wherever your expertise lies, you will find a meeting that speaks directly to your science at ASM Microbe.

1. Shape the Direction of Microbial Science: Collaborate with peers who are setting research agendas and driving progress across academia, industry and government. ASM Microbe brings together the most accomplished minds across disciplines to advance collective understanding and influence the future of microbial research and application.
2. Discover Tools, Ideas and Industry Innovations: Visit the dynamic exhibit hall where leading companies showcase the latest technologies, products and solutions. Connect with industry experts, gain insights into emerging tools and uncover opportunities to advance your research and applications.
3. Uncover the Latest Breakthroughs in Microbial Science: Explore the poster hall and cutting-edge abstracts to discover the newest findings presented by scientists from around the world. Gain insights that advance your research, spark new ideas and reveal trends shaping the future of the field.
4. Connect With the Brightest Minds: Build collaborations and form new partnerships across academia, industry and government. Network with peers and mentors who can challenge your thinking and amplify your science.
5. Be Part of the Conversation That Moves Science Forward: ASM Microbe 2026 brings together your community to present research, define priorities, share perspectives and accelerate discovery. From the leading experts shaping the field, to the rising stars driving the next generation of discoveries, this is where leaders convene, game-changing research is unveiled and the next era of microbial science takes shape.

The following open acess journals will be represented:

• Microorganisms;
• Fermentation;
• Life;
• JoF;
• Vaccines;
• Applied Microbiology;
• Aerobiology;
• Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease;
• Antibiotics;
• Microbiology Research;
• Zoonotic Diseases;
• Pathogens;
• Bacteria;
• Acta Microbiologica Hellenica.

If you are planning to attend this conference, please do not hesitate to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://asm.org/events/asm-microbe/home.

We present six selected papers to advance understanding of the hantavirus across fundamental research and public health applications.

1. “Effect of Hantavirus Infection on the Rodent Lung Microbiome: Specific Regulatory Roles of Host Species and Virus Types”
by Yaru Xiong, Zhihui Dai, Fangling He, Rongjiao Liu, Juan Wang, Zhifei Zhan, Huayun Jia, Shengbao Chen and Liang Cai
Microorganisms 2026, 14(1),244; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14010244
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/14/1/244

2. “Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Caused by Puumala Orthohantavirus—A Case Report and Literature Review”
by Marija Santini, Jelena Ljubić, Nikola Šoštar, Tatjana Vilibić-Čavlek, Maja Bogdanić, Samo Zakotnik, Tatjana Avšič-Županc, Miša Korva, Ivan Christian Kurolt, Leona Radmanić et al.
Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2963; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122963
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/12/2963

3. “Fatal Puumala Hantavirus Infection in a Patient with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)”
by Philipp Steininger, Larissa Herbst, Karl Bihlmaier, Carsten Willam, Sixten Körper, Hubert Schrezenmeier, Harald Klüter, Frederick Pfister, Kerstin Amann, Sabrina Weiss et al.
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020283
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/2/283

4. “Etiologies of Zoonotic Tropical Febrile Illnesses That Are Not Part of the Notifiable Diseases in Colombia”
by Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos, Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez, Cristian C. Serna-Rivera, Salim Mattar and Marylin Hidalgo
Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2154; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092154
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/9/2154

5. “Antiviral Efficacy of Ribavirin and Favipiravir against Hantaan Virus”
by Jennifer Mayor, Olivier Engler and Sylvia Rothenberger
Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061306
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/9/6/1306

6. “Impact of Landscape on Host–Parasite Genetic Diversity and Distribution Using the Puumala orthohantavirus–Bank Vole System”
by Maria Razzauti, Guillaume Castel and Jean-François Cosson
Microorganisms 2021, 9(7), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9071516
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/9/7/1516

For the latest research on the Hantavirus and related pathogens, please visit the “Virology” Section of the Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607) website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/microorganisms/sections/virology.