2026 AIFST Food Microbiology Conference - Next Gen Food Microbiologists

2026 Food Microbiology Conference

Next Generation Food Microbiologists - Call for Abstracts
The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) invites Next Generation Food Microbiologists to submit abstracts to present their work at the AIFST Food Microbiology Conference 2026, to be held in Sydney in May 2026.

This special session is designed to showcase the next wave of scientific talent shaping the future of food safety, food microbiology, and public health. The conference will bring together leading researchers, regulators, and industry experts to explore emerging microbiological challenges across the food system.

We encourage students, postgraduate researchers, early-career scientists, and emerging professionals working in food microbiology and related disciplines to share their research, innovations, and insights.

Who Should Submit

Submissions are welcomed from:
- Undergraduate and coursework postgraduate students
  PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers (within ~10 years of graduation)
- Early-career scientists (within ~10 years of graduation)
- Emerging professionals working in industry, government, or research institutions (within ~10 years of graduation)
Topics of Interest

Abstracts may address any aspect of food microbiology, including but not limited to:
- Foodborne pathogens and detection methods
- Emerging microbiological hazards
- Microbiological risk assessment and predictive modelling
- Food safety systems and microbial control strategies
- Novel technologies for pathogen detection or control
- Microbiomes in food production systems
- Fermentation and beneficial microbes in foods
- Environmental monitoring and sanitation
- Antimicrobial resistance in food systems
- Advances in rapid testing and molecular methods
Interdisciplinary research bridging food microbiology with food technology, nutrition, public health, or data science is also encouraged.

Presentation Opportunities

Selected abstracts will be invited to present as oral presentations:
- 8-minute presentation plus 2-minute Q & A
- Featured in the Next Generation session
Submission deadline: 2 April 2026

Questions: aifst@aifst.com.au
Abstract Information
Abstract Title*
Please provide a brief synopsis of your abstract - 25-30 words. *
Please provide the full abstract including itle, Author(s) and affiliation(s), presenting author indicated, background/objective, methods, key findings, implications for food safety or food microbiology. Maximum 250 words.*

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Presenter Information
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I am a member of AIFST*
Organisation*
Position at Organisation*
E-mail*
Phone Number and, as relevant country and area codes*

Country/Area CodePhone Number
Biography (maximum 80 words)*

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2026 Food Microbiology Conference

Abstract Information

Presenter Information