Biofilm Alliance Conference Report
As part of the Biofilm Alliance, along with Manchester Metropolitan University, Swansea University and Industrial Microbiological Services Limited, we organised the Biofilm Alliance Conference 2025 on 21 October in Birmingham. The event brought together leading voices from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to explore the intersection of cutting-edge biofilm research, technological innovation, and regulatory science.
Executive Summary
The event provided a platform to showcase recent advances in biofilm management and regulation, while promoting crosssector collaboration. Participants shared insights, aligned strategies, and explored how to accelerate the translation of research into practical, market-ready solutions – developing a shared vision for the future of biofilm management and regulation.
The programme featured a comprehensive overview of contemporary biofilm research and its practical applications, through oral and poster presentations, discussions, and networking sessions that enabled exchange of knowledge, debate, and the identification of collaborative opportunities. The conference was structured around four thematic sessions, addressing distinct but interconnected aspects of biofilm research and management:
- Biofilms Affecting Industry
- Tackling Biofilm Challenges
- Solutions and Cooperative Initiatives
- Regulatory Landscape and Funding
A highlight was the open discussion session “Creating a Unified Framework – CrossSector Collaboration for Smarter Biofilm Regulation and Innovation”. The discussion underscored that effective communication and collaboration between academia, industry, and regulators is essential to develop cohesive, evidence-based biofilm standards that foster innovation while mitigating risks.
The conference demonstrated that constructive, cross-sector dialogue between regulators, industry, and academia on biofilm management is not only possible but essential. However, it was widely agreed there is an urgent need for biofilm-specific standards and regulations, evidence-based regulatory guidelines and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders. The Biofilm Alliance Conference 2025 revealed the depth of expertise within the UK biofilm community and the critical role of innovation in strengthening national capability.
By driving knowledge exchange and highlighting regulatory and technological developments alongside emphasizing impressive economic advantages to managing biofilms effectively, the conference reinforced the importance of aligning research, policy, and industrial practice to tackle biofilm challenges more effectively. This alignment is key to advancing biofilm management across UK sectors not only for biosecurity reasons but also to improve economic growth potential and strengthening international collaboration. This report presents the key discussions, insights, and developments shared during the conference.
Read the Biofilm Alliance Conference Report to find out more.
Publication date: 26/02/2026. Authors: The Biofilm Alliance. DOI: doi:10.5258/biofilms/019