b'Regional EventsMICROBIAL IMPACTSWESSEX AND SOUTHto the field; and build on research and innovation COAST REGIONAL MEETINGstrengths in the Wessex and South Coast region. In our The ability to manage and control the activities ofRapid Fire pitches sessions, a number of delegates microbes presents enormous opportunities andgave 2-minute presentations. The meeting also challenges and is now the focus of considerablefeatured presentations from key regional organisations interdisciplinary research and innovation strengths inand research infrastructures.the Wessex and South Coast region. The 2021 Microbial Impacts Regional Networking Meeting titled, Microbial ImpactsHarnessing regional and interdisciplinary strengths, took place in December 2021 in Southampton. This aimed to connect and accelerate new collaborations across the life sciences, physical sciences, medicine, and engineering disciplines in order to set new directions and technology development relevant to microbes and microbial communities; catalyse discussion, exchange of ideas, and new collaborations addressing global challenges relevant BIOFILMS AND BIOACTIVE FLUIDS WORKSHOP The Biofilms and BioActive Fluids workshop was a joint venture between the UK BioActive Fluids Network and NBIC, which took place in June 2022 at the University of Liverpool. The workshop sought to foster interactions between industry and academic researchers working on biofilms and on biologically active fluids (these are fluid flows containing an active component, such as swimming bacteria or algae). Topics covered ranged from bacterial chemotaxis towards antibiotics, through to real-time monitoring of early-stage interactions and wastewater treatment solutions.CELLCELL COMMUNICATION IN BACTERIA: FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED ASPECTS MEETING The 2022 biennial bacterial CellCell Communication meeting organised by the Microbiology Society was held at Robinson College in Cambridge. The meeting brought together researchers working on all aspects of bacterial cellcell communication, with a particular emphasis on showcasing the work of early career researchers. In addition, established international leaders in the field discussed the very latest developments and insights. Helen Blackwell from University of WisconsinMadison gave an NBIC sponsored lecture titled, Chemical approaches to intercept quorum sensing in bacteria and members of the team held a stand at the meeting to highlight NBIC research and activities.35'