Thought Leadership in Action
EUROBIOFILMS 
NBIC was proud to sponsor EuroBiofilms 2026, 
held in Guimarães, Portugal, from 17–20 June 2026. 
The conference brought together researchers, 
academics and clinicians from across Europe and 
beyond to share the latest advances in biofilm 
research and strengthen collaboration across 
fundamental, translational and clinical science. 
NBIC Co-Directors Professor Jeremy Webb and 
Professor Kim Hardie attended the event, engaging 
with the international biofilm research community 
and contributing to discussions on emerging 
challenges and opportunities in the field.
EURO-MIC COST ACTION – CLOSING 
WORKSHOP & CONFERENCE 
NBIC’s Biofilms Standards and Regulatory Programme 
Manager, Dr Paulina Rakowska, attended the 
grand finale of the Euro-MIC COST Action, bringing 
together experts from academia and industry 
working across microbiology, materials, engineering, 
chemistry and asset management. The programme 
included a company visit to Grundfos, technical 
workshops and conference sessions, providing 
opportunities to exchange knowledge and strengthen 
connections across the community. The event also 
highlighted the importance of collaboration across 
disciplines in addressing materials degradation 
and protecting infrastructure from its impacts. 
VENTUREFEST SOUTH FESTIVAL OF 
INNOVATION
NBIC was proud to sponsor Venturefest South’s 
Festival of Innovation, held at the Utilita Bowl in 
Southampton on 12 November 2025. The event 
brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors 
and business leaders, with more than 60 start-ups and 
scale-ups showcasing new ideas and technologies. 
NBIC powered the Biofilms & Life Sciences zone, 
highlighting innovation across the sector. A particular 
highlight was seeing former NBIC Intern, Esme 
Brinsden, pitch The Phage Collection Project, winning 
the Overall Open Mic Winner award and showcasing 
the potential of emerging life science innovators. 
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIOFILMS 
AND MICROBIOMES
NBIC supported the Microbial Interactions in Biofilms 
and Microbiomes conference, held at Cardiff 
University on 20 May 2026. The international meeting 
brought together leading scientists and early-career 
researchers exploring microbial interactions across 
biofilms and microbiomes, spanning environmental, 
industrial and clinical settings. NBIC Co-Director 
Professor Jeremy Webb and members of the NBIC 
Operational Team attended the event, engaging 
with researchers and contributing to discussions 
on microbial ecology, cooperation, competition and 
communication, and their implications for healthcare, 
biotechnology and environmental sustainability.
MINORITISED LIFE SCIENTISTS FUTURE FORUM (MLSFF)
NBIC was proud to sponsor the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (MLSFF), held at the Edinburgh 
International Conference Centre from 23–25 March 2026. As Europe’s only conference dedicated to life scientists 
from marginalised and underrepresented backgrounds, MLSFF brought together researchers, students and 
professionals to share experiences, build connections and explore a more inclusive future for science. NBIC 
Operational Team members attended the forum, engaging with researchers, innovators and partners and 
contributing to conversations around representation, opportunity and participation across the life sciences.
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