***NEWS***

New speakers: Martin Thanbichler and Daniel Pfeiffer have been elected as speakers of the special group Microbial Cell Biology

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The scientific field of microbial cell biology is relatively young, having evolved rapidly since its beginnings around 2000. Revolutionary methodological innovations in fluorescence and cryo-electron microscopy have since enabled a completely new understanding of bacterial and archaeal cellular structures, uncovering intricate details of cellular organization. Microbes are functionally compartmentalized, possess specialized organelles, and are organized both structurally and dynamically down to the level of macromolecular dimensions.

The specialist group was founded in 1996 under the name “Structure and Microscopy,” initially focusing on methodological aspects and applications of electron tomography and high-resolution localization microscopy, which were still emerging technologies at the time. These advancements stimulated cytological research, laying the foundation for the field of microbial cell biology and offering unexpected insights into microbial structures and their interactions. Over time, the group shifted its focus toward biological questions in microbial cell biology, and in 2012, adopted its current name in line with this scientific field.

Every two years, the group organizes a mini-symposium on a specialized topic at the VAAM annual meeting, inviting internationally renowned researchers to present their work. Alternating with the symposia, extended discussion conferences are organized lasting several days, such as the Microbial Cell Biology event, which was held at Rauischholzhausen Castle in 2014, 2016, and 2018, in Berlin in 2022, and most recently in Marburg in 2024. With this rotation, we aim to provide an engaging platform for current questions and general developments in microbial cell biology.

Our specialist group is open to all interested parties, including students and researchers in microbial cell biology. We invite you to join us by sending an informal message to the VAAM office or the group’s spokesperson. Your interest, suggestions, and contributions are most welcome and appreciated!