​The public and school teachers are invited to join us at the Microbes and Climate Change event hosted by the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) and the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University.

This event will explore the critical role of microbes including bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses and the potential effect of climate change on their diversity and function. The speakers will further highlight the potential feedback that microbial communities may exert on climate change across different ecosystems including marine, terrestrial and human microbiomes. The short presentations will be followed by a mediated panel discussion highlighting potential strategies for environmental stewardship. 

RSVP: Please use the link below to confirm your attendance.

 https://forms.office.com/r/aub3GgX1vP

Please note: Attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited seating. Organizers will confirm successful registrations via email.

Why attend?

Gain insights from internationally renowned speakers on climate change and microbial ecosystems, network with fellow community leaders and environmental science experts, and discuss actionable strategies to address environmental challenges in your community.

For more information, contact Dr. Peter Montso at SU's Department of Microbiology at microbiome@sun.ac.za​

PROGRAMME

15:00-15:45      Arrival and Registration 

15:45-15:55      Welcome and introduction of speakers

Thulani Makhalanyane, ISME Chair and professor in the Department of Microbiology at Stellenbosch University

15:55-16:05      Opening

Wim De Villiers, Stellenbosch University Rector and Vice-Chancellor

16:05-16:15      About ISME

Phil Hugenholtz, University of Queensland, Australia and ISME President

16:15-16:20      Ice breaker

16:20-16:45      Marine microbiomes and climate change

Raquel S. Peixoto, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia

16:45-17:10      Terrestrial/Soil microbiomes and climate

Joana Falcao Salles, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

17:10-18:00      Refreshments and networking

18:00-18:25      Human microbiomes and climate

Luis Pedro Coelho, Queensland University of Technology, Australia

18:25-18:50      Mediated panel and Q&A session

Maambele Khosa (Stellenbosch University) and all speakers

18:50-19:00      Closing remarks

Thulani Makhalanyane, ISME chair and professor in the Department of Microbiology and School for Data Science and Computational Thinking at Stellenbosch University)