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.