Program
08h30-09h00 | Check-in
09h00 | Opening Session
Maria Mota, CEO of GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine
Waldan Kwong, GIMM
Isabel Gordo, GIMM
Ilana Gabanyi, GIMM
Kevin Foster, University of Oxford
Maria Mota, CEO of GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine
Waldan Kwong, GIMM
Isabel Gordo, GIMM
Ilana Gabanyi, GIMM
Kevin Foster, University of Oxford
09h15 | Keynote Speaker
Yasmine Belkaid, Institut Pasteur
Yasmine Belkaid, Institut Pasteur
10h00-10h30 | Coffee Break powered by Digibéria/DELL
Micro: Health-disease Session
How does the constant dialogue between host and microbes shape health and disease?
This session explores the shifting understanding of health as a partnership between species. From nutrition, the microbiome and the immune system to aging and the gut-brain axis, we consider how microbes affect host’s physiology and behaviour and what happens when the balance is lost.
How does the constant dialogue between host and microbes shape health and disease?
This session explores the shifting understanding of health as a partnership between species. From nutrition, the microbiome and the immune system to aging and the gut-brain axis, we consider how microbes affect host’s physiology and behaviour and what happens when the balance is lost.
10h30 | Daniel Mucida, Rockefeller University
11h00 | Luísa Figueiredo, GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine
11h30 | Miguel Soares, GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine
12h00 | Carolina Lucas, Yale University
12h30-13h30 | Lunch
13h30 | Round Table Session – Questions of the Future: Health and Disease
Daniel Mucida, Luísa Figueiredo, Miguel Soares and Carolina Lucas
Chair: Emma Yee, Cell Press
Daniel Mucida, Luísa Figueiredo, Miguel Soares and Carolina Lucas
Chair: Emma Yee, Cell Press
14h15-14h45 | Selected Micro Talks
Micro: Eco-evo-Diversity Session
What can microbes teach us about the web – and origins – of life?
This session explores how microbes drive evolution, diversity, and stability across ecosystems. From bacterial cell signalling to the origins of complex life, we trace how microbial networks shape the planet’s past and future, including tools to understand and counter resistance.
What can microbes teach us about the web – and origins – of life?
This session explores how microbes drive evolution, diversity, and stability across ecosystems. From bacterial cell signalling to the origins of complex life, we trace how microbial networks shape the planet’s past and future, including tools to understand and counter resistance.
14h45 | Kevin Foster, University of Oxford
15h15 | Marco A. Coelho, Duke University Medical Center
15h45-16h15 | Coffee Break
16h15 | Karina Xavier, GIMM
16h45 | Roy Kishony, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
17h15 | Round Table Session – Questions of the Future: Eco-evo-Diversity
Marco A. Coelho, Karina Xavier and Roy Kishony
Chair: Joana Osório, Science Magazine
Marco A. Coelho, Karina Xavier and Roy Kishony
Chair: Joana Osório, Science Magazine
18h30 Dinner
09h15 | Keynote Speaker
Charles Rice, Rockefeller University
Charles Rice, Rockefeller University
10h00-10h30 | Coffee Break
Micro: Engineering Session
How can we re-design life?
This session explores the power of synthetic biology and engineered microbes to improve health of humans, animals and the environment; e.g. build new biomaterials and new biotherapeutics, engineer artificial ecosystems that can sense, clean and repair natural ecosystems, thus reshaping industry, sustainability and the concept of creativity.
How can we re-design life?
This session explores the power of synthetic biology and engineered microbes to improve health of humans, animals and the environment; e.g. build new biomaterials and new biotherapeutics, engineer artificial ecosystems that can sense, clean and repair natural ecosystems, thus reshaping industry, sustainability and the concept of creativity.
10h30 | Jeffery Barrick, Michigan State University
11h00 | Carolina Tropini, University of British Columbia
11h30 | Joy Bergelson, New York University
12h00 | Matthew Chang, National University of Singapore
12h30-13h30 | Lunch
13h30 | Round Table Session – Questions of the Future: Micro: Engineering
Jeffery Barrick, Carolina Tropini, Joy Bergelson and Matthew Chang
Chair: Emily White, Nature Microbiology
Jeffery Barrick, Carolina Tropini, Joy Bergelson and Matthew Chang
Chair: Emily White, Nature Microbiology
14h15-14h45 | Selected Micro Talks
14h45-17h00 | Poster Session
17h00 | Round Table Session – Questions of the Future: Micro: Society
Francisco Garcia (Val d’Hebron Hospital Campus), Rita Sá Machado (Director-General of Health), António Roldão (iBET) and Marta Entradas (ISCTE-IUL and London School of Economics)
Chair: Miguel Prudêncio, GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine
Francisco Garcia (Val d’Hebron Hospital Campus), Rita Sá Machado (Director-General of Health), António Roldão (iBET) and Marta Entradas (ISCTE-IUL and London School of Economics)
Chair: Miguel Prudêncio, GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine
18h00 | Wrap Up Session
Maria Mota, CEO of GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine
Maria Mota, CEO of GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine
Auditorium & GIMM Lounge
Session times are still subject to change
11h00-11h30 | Opening Session: Let’s rewrite the questions of the future together. Welcome to GIMM Fest.
Maria Mota (CEO of GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine) and Carlos Moedas (Mayor of Lisbon)
Auditorium
Maria Mota (CEO of GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine) and Carlos Moedas (Mayor of Lisbon)
Auditorium
11h30-12h00 | TBD
12h00-13h00 | “Consulta Aberta” Podcast – Tiny humans, tiny microbes, big questions
Margarida Santos (SIC) and Patrícia Costa Reis (GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine, Unidade Local de Saúde Santa Maria)
Moderator: Ana Pena, SIC
Auditorium
Margarida Santos (SIC) and Patrícia Costa Reis (GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine, Unidade Local de Saúde Santa Maria)
Moderator: Ana Pena, SIC
Auditorium
15h00-15h30 | Microbes and the questions we haven’t asked yet
Ana Santos Almeida (GIMM CARE, Lisbon School of Medicine) and Cristóvão Sousa (GIMM CARE)
Chair: Inês Domingues, GIMM
Auditorium
Ana Santos Almeida (GIMM CARE, Lisbon School of Medicine) and Cristóvão Sousa (GIMM CARE)
Chair: Inês Domingues, GIMM
Auditorium
16h00-17h00 | Can microbes make food more delicious?
Chef Alexandre Silva and Isabel Gordo (GIMM)
Moderator: Ana Peneda, SIC
Auditorium
Chef Alexandre Silva and Isabel Gordo (GIMM)
Moderator: Ana Peneda, SIC
Auditorium
17h00-18h00 | From Treatment to Elimination: are we erradicating Hepatitis C?
Charles Rice (Rockefeller University) and Ricardo Fernandes (GAT – Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos)
Chair: Sara Sá, GIMM
Auditorium
Charles Rice (Rockefeller University) and Ricardo Fernandes (GAT – Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos)
Chair: Sara Sá, GIMM
Auditorium
18h00-19h00 | TBD
19h00 | Closing Session
Maria Mota (CEO of GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine)
Auditorium
Maria Mota (CEO of GIMM, Lisbon School of Medicine)
Auditorium
All Day Experiences | 10h30-19h30 | Pavilhão de Portugal
What questions do you have about the future of microbes? Are they the same as everyone else’s?
Through Beyond GIMM, our interactive AI-powered platform, your questions will become part of a collective exploration – visualizing the future of microbes in a dynamic, thought-provoking experience.
Through Beyond GIMM, our interactive AI-powered platform, your questions will become part of a collective exploration – visualizing the future of microbes in a dynamic, thought-provoking experience.
Create your own microbe and take it with you
In this creative workshop, children can choose a microbe, discover what makes it special and turn it into a personalised pin. Through drawings, colours and scientific curiosities, participants get to know some of the microorganisms that inhabit our world and take home a small piece of science.
In this creative workshop, children can choose a microbe, discover what makes it special and turn it into a personalised pin. Through drawings, colours and scientific curiosities, participants get to know some of the microorganisms that inhabit our world and take home a small piece of science.
Microbe Hunt – A claw machine full of invisible surprises
In this prize machine, science becomes part of the game. Children can try to catch a mystery ball: some contain mini-microscopes, while others reveal fun facts about microbes. A playful activity that brings together luck, discovery and the magic of observing the invisible world up close.
In this prize machine, science becomes part of the game. Children can try to catch a mystery ball: some contain mini-microscopes, while others reveal fun facts about microbes. A playful activity that brings together luck, discovery and the magic of observing the invisible world up close.
Control the Epidemic – Can you stop a virus from spreading?
In this game, a virus spreads through the population. Your mission is to control the epidemic. What will be the most appropriate method? Discover how vaccines can help make that happen!
This activity was developed and will be run by Ciência Viva / Pavilhão do Conhecimento.
In this game, a virus spreads through the population. Your mission is to control the epidemic. What will be the most appropriate method? Discover how vaccines can help make that happen!
This activity was developed and will be run by Ciência Viva / Pavilhão do Conhecimento.
Space Bears – Could tardigrades survive on other planets?
Known as “water bears”, tardigrades are microscopic organisms famous for their extraordinary resilience. In this activity, participants observe tardigrades under the microscope and explore different environments across the Solar System, connecting extreme conditions with the remarkable survival abilities of these and other extremophile organisms.
This activity was developed and will be run by Ciência Viva / Pavilhão do Conhecimento.
Known as “water bears”, tardigrades are microscopic organisms famous for their extraordinary resilience. In this activity, participants observe tardigrades under the microscope and explore different environments across the Solar System, connecting extreme conditions with the remarkable survival abilities of these and other extremophile organisms.
This activity was developed and will be run by Ciência Viva / Pavilhão do Conhecimento.
Microcosmos: the invisible life in water – Discover the microscopic world inside a drop of water
Water is full of life we cannot see with the naked eye. In this activity, participants observe phyto- and zooplankton samples under the microscope, identify different organisms and discover their adaptations to life in the water column. The experience also includes the analysis of parameters such as pH and dissolved oxygen, showing how water chemistry is connected to microscopic biodiversity.
This activity was developed and will be run by Ciência Viva / Pavilhão do Conhecimento.
Water is full of life we cannot see with the naked eye. In this activity, participants observe phyto- and zooplankton samples under the microscope, identify different organisms and discover their adaptations to life in the water column. The experience also includes the analysis of parameters such as pH and dissolved oxygen, showing how water chemistry is connected to microscopic biodiversity.
This activity was developed and will be run by Ciência Viva / Pavilhão do Conhecimento.
Art with Petri Dishes – When science becomes colour
What if a Petri dish could inspire a collective artwork? In this activity, participants observe patterns, shapes and colours inspired by the microbial world and recreate them on a collaborative wall. Throughout the festival, the installation grows with everyone’s contributions, creating a living patchwork of colour, imagination and science.
What if a Petri dish could inspire a collective artwork? In this activity, participants observe patterns, shapes and colours inspired by the microbial world and recreate them on a collaborative wall. Throughout the festival, the installation grows with everyone’s contributions, creating a living patchwork of colour, imagination and science.
Clinical trial: In search of new treatments against microbes – How is a new medicine born?
In this workshop, children simulate a clinical trial to approve a new antibiotic. Divided into groups with different roles – doctor, nurse and patient – they follow the key steps of a clinical study and discover why clinical trials are essential for developing safe and effective medicines.
This activity was developed and will be run by Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca.
In this workshop, children simulate a clinical trial to approve a new antibiotic. Divided into groups with different roles – doctor, nurse and patient – they follow the key steps of a clinical study and discover why clinical trials are essential for developing safe and effective medicines.
This activity was developed and will be run by Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca.
Epidemic Detectives – Solve cases like an epidemiologist
How do we find the source of an outbreak? In this interactive activity, participants step into the role of epidemiologists and investigate four cases inspired by common infections. Through play, they identify transmission routes, prevention measures and the importance of simple actions – such as handwashing and vaccination – in protecting public health.
This activity was developed and will be run by Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca.
How do we find the source of an outbreak? In this interactive activity, participants step into the role of epidemiologists and investigate four cases inspired by common infections. Through play, they identify transmission routes, prevention measures and the importance of simple actions – such as handwashing and vaccination – in protecting public health.
This activity was developed and will be run by Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca.
Microrave – Dance like a microbe
Microrave is an immersive experience where science, music and movement come together. Inside a disco-inspired booth, participants symbolically become microbes in motion, surrounded by lights, sound and visuals. Their dance is captured and projected in real time onto an outside screen, mixed with real images of microorganisms, creating a visual parallel between human behaviour and the microscopic world.
Microrave is an immersive experience where science, music and movement come together. Inside a disco-inspired booth, participants symbolically become microbes in motion, surrounded by lights, sound and visuals. Their dance is captured and projected in real time onto an outside screen, mixed with real images of microorganisms, creating a visual parallel between human behaviour and the microscopic world.
Memory Quest – Find the pairs and discover the microbes
In this interactive memory game, participants must match identical microbes on an LED wall. Every time they connect two matching microorganisms, they unlock a scientific curiosity about that microbe. A fun and visual way to train memory while discovering the diversity of the invisible world.
In this interactive memory game, participants must match identical microbes on an LED wall. Every time they connect two matching microorganisms, they unlock a scientific curiosity about that microbe. A fun and visual way to train memory while discovering the diversity of the invisible world.
Fermentation Market – Where microbes become flavour
The Fermentation Market is a dedicated space where visitors can explore the role of microbes in food production. Through tastings, demonstrations and conversations with producers and scientists, visitors will discover how fermentation transforms ingredients, creates flavour and connects science with everyday foods.
Brands and producers whose products rely on microbial processes will take part, offering a hands-on journey through the delicious side of the microbial world.
The Fermentation Market is a dedicated space where visitors can explore the role of microbes in food production. Through tastings, demonstrations and conversations with producers and scientists, visitors will discover how fermentation transforms ingredients, creates flavour and connects science with everyday foods.
Brands and producers whose products rely on microbial processes will take part, offering a hands-on journey through the delicious side of the microbial world.