30th Annual Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference (MMPC)

The recent COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the rise and recurrence of infectious diseases, has underscored the vital role of microbial science in addressing global public health challenges. The Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference (MMPC) stands as an influential annual scientific meeting dedicated to showcasing exceptional research in microbial pathogenesis. MMPC focuses on nurturing the professional growth of junior faculty, students, and postdoctoral scholars in biological sciences at a yearly event with the purpose of exchanging scientific ideas and developing collaborations. Since its establishment in 1994, MMPC has been hosted yearly at academic institutions throughout the Midwest region of the United States. The steadily increasing attendance of >400 participants encompasses undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and faculty, who engage in extensive interactions. Through career development forums, the "Meet the Speakers" series, and informal gatherings during poster sessions, receptions, and meals, each MMPC meetings aims to facilitate extensive networking among scientists and institutions across the Midwest and beyond. The conference's regional accessibility, affordability, and substantial financial support for travel and registration make it possible to attract a wide array of participants. This meeting has been consistently supported by the NIAID over the past 14 years, and here, we are requesting continued support for MMPC 2024-2028. Throughout the five years of this award, MMPC will be held in the fall each year. In alignment with MMPC's rich tradition, the majority of invited speakers (excluding the keynote and opening session speakers) will be trainees or junior faculty. Also, faculty speakers will be selected to cover many research topics within the field of microbial pathogenesis. Additional oral presentations will be selected from abstracts submitted by students and postdoctoral fellows. We aim to use funding from this grant application to waive registration and lodging fees for 33 meritorious scholars for each meeting. Each MMPC will feature a keynote address by renowned research leaders in the field of bacterial and viral pathogenesis. Support of this R13 grant application from the NIAID will facilitate the assembly of a large group of scientists from various microbiology subdisciplines, encouraging collaborative networks and advancing the careers of the next generation of scientists.