17.09.2026 Register now for the VAAM Conference 2027 in Marburg!

From 14 to 17 March 2027, the German microbiology community will gather in Marburg for the Annual Conference of the Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM). The Microbes-for-Climate (M4C) Cluster of Excellence is part of the diverse microbiological research community that makes Marburg a fitting host for the conference. Registration is now open.

In March 2027, Marburg will become a meeting point for microbiological research: the VAAM Annual Conference 2027 will bring together scientists, early-career researchers and students from around the world to discuss current developments in microbiology, exchange ideas and build new collaborations.

The fact that VAAM is returning to Marburg for the third time, following conferences in 1989 and 2015, highlights the city's longstanding importance as a centre for microbiological research. In 2027, Marburg will also celebrate the 500th anniversary of Marburg University. Today, this long tradition of academic research is reflected in a vibrant microbiological research landscape, bringing together outstanding research at institutions including Philipps-Universität Marburg, the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, SYNMIKRO, the Microbes-for-Climate (M4C) Cluster of Excellence, the Microcosm Earth Early Career Center and the Research Training Group Microbial Nucleotide Metabolism (MiNu).

For M4C, the conference provides an excellent opportunity to contribute the Cluster's perspective on the role of microbes in climate change to the broader microbiological community. Microorganisms are key players in global biogeochemical cycles: they drive climate-relevant processes, respond to a changing climate and may also provide solutions for a more sustainable future.

VAAM 2027 will feature numerous renowned national and international speakers. Early-career researchers will also have ample opportunities to present their work and connect with colleagues across the field. Career and mentoring workshops will complement the scientific programme.

A particular highlight will be the Hans Günter Schlegel Lecture 2027, delivered by Prof. Christa Schleper from the University of Vienna. The lecture marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark discovery of archaea as a third domain of life by C.R. Woese and G.E. Fox.

Beyond the scientific programme, the conference will also help make microbiology accessible to a broader audience. The DFG-funded “Bakteriopolis” exhibition will be on display in Marburg during VAAM 2027 and will be accessible to conference participants as well as the public.

The VAAM Annual Conference 2027 will take place from 14 to 17 March 2027 at the lecture hall building of Philipps-Universität Marburg. Scientists, students and everyone interested in microbiology are warmly invited to join the VAAM community in Marburg.

Find more information about the programme and registration:
VAAM 2027 – Annual Conference in Marburg

Abstract submission is open until 6 November 2026.