b'BIOFILMS 11 CONFERENCEThe Biofilms 11 conference, held in May 2025 in Cardiff, marked a significant milestone in advancing the understanding and innovation surrounding microbial biofilms. Hosted by NBIC and the Microbiology Society, the event brought together over 250 researchers and industry professionals from across the globe. Under the theme Interdisciplinary Momentum: Accelerating Biofilm Research and Innovation Across Boundaries, Biofilms 11 emphasised the importance of cross-disciplinary dialogue.The conference featured a diverse line up ofThe Celebrating Diversity session was dedicated speakers, including early-career scientists, establishedto the late Professor Paul Stoodley, who was a researchers, and industry experts, all sharing insightshugely influential figure in the international biofilm into the latest developments in biofilm science.community. This BBSRC-sponsored NBIC EDI session Topics spanned a wide spectrumfrom infections,was chaired by Professor Hilary Lappin-Scott OBE. antimicrobial resistance, and food safety - to waterPanel members Sashikumar Ramamirtham, Hansani security, marine biofouling, and corrosion, reflectingWahalathanthrige, Freya Harrison and Matthew the multifaceted nature of biofilm research. Ryan discussed the importance of recognising the systemic physical and social barriers related to EDI A notable highlight was the BBSRC-sponsored NBICwithin the scientific community and what actions Celebrating Diversity session, which provided acould be taken to create more inclusive and equitable dedicated platform to reflect on equality, diversity, andenvironments for all researchers. Sincere thanks inclusion (EDI) in the field, and to champion initiativeswere extended to the Chair and panel for their fostering a more inclusive research environment. honest and impactful discussions. Their insights Organisers were honoured to welcome Professor Jasand openness sparked essential conversations that Pal Badyal FRS, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Welshwill inspire to motivate change in the community.Government, who formally opened the conferenceBiofilms 11 provided ample opportunities for and shared highlights from his research, as well asnetworking, with dedicated sessions for poster discussing the impact of biofilm research in Walespresentations and discussions. The conference and beyond. Professor Jas Pal Badyal FRS said, also highlighted the importance of mentorship Biofilms are a gateway to innovation acrossand career development, offering guidance sectors, from healthcare to environmentalto attendees at all stages of their professional sustainability. Events like Biofilms 11 highlightjourneys. Richard Rowlands, Technician the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, andDemonstrator at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Im proud to see Wales playing a pivotal role inwho was awarded an NBIC event bursary said,shaping the global biofilm research agenda. To be surrounded by, and able to converse with, Attendees were introduced to cutting-edgethe best people, all with the same passionate technologies in imaging, data analytics, andmindset as me about microbial biofilms was modeling, showcasing how advancements in bothmonumental. I gained so much insight into current life and physical sciences are being integratedresearch trends and it affirmed that the path I to tackle biofilm-related challenges. Thesewas following was correct. I made great contacts technological innovations are paving the way forand some good friends along the way both from new approaches in environmental management,NBIC and the wider microbiology community.industrial processes, and healthcare settings. TheseThe next conference, Biofilms 12, will take place innovations are driving the development of newin Hamburg, Germany, in September 2027.strategies across a range of industrial applications.40'