The 15th International Conference of the Pakistan Society for Microbiology concluded here at Quaid-i-Azam University. It was a landmark event in Pakistan’s scientific calendar as it transformed the campus into a dynamic center of scientific exchange. This milestone event brought together leading minds in microbiology across the globe. Organized by the Islamabad chapter of the Pakistan Society for Microbiology, the three-day event welcomed national and international researchers, educators, students, and industry leaders to explore some of the most pressing global challenges from climate change and infectious diseases to antimicrobial resistance and artificial intelligence in microbiology.

The conference addressed some of the most urgent global issues, from climate change and infectious diseases to antimicrobial resistance and artificial intelligence in microbiology. The themes were timely and underscored the interconnected nature of science and society.

Over three days, the conference hosted 24 parallel scientific sessions across various themes, and each brought something fresh. Whether it was a talk on probiotics, phage therapy, food-borne pathogens, or climate-smart bacteria, the message was clear: science is moving fast, and Pakistan is a part of that movement. Our national and international speakers reminded us how much we still have to explore in the world of microbes and how closely science is connected to everyday life. The global scope of participation highlighted how interlinked our microbial worlds are and what happens in one corner of the planet inevitably shapes the health of another.

Pakistan Society for Microbiology Conference 2025 became special not just because of its sessions, but because of the strong and supportive community around them. The scientific exhibition and poster sessions were filled with early-career researchers brimming with potential. It reinforced that, beyond the research, what truly matters is the confidence it builds and the networks it nurtures. One of the most memorable moments was the Academia-Industry panel. It was heartening to see experts, entrepreneurs, and scientists sit down together to discuss how we can turn research into real-world impact.

In the closing ceremony. Prof. Dr. Irfan Zia Qureshi, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences at Quaid-i-Azam University, presented a comprehensive summary of conference proceedings and recommendations by Prof. Dr. Rabaab Zahra. Participants shared reflections on the conference’s impact, applauding its breadth and depth. Prof. Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi, President of the Pakistan Society for Microbiology and Chairperson of FIBC-PSM 2025, commended the collaborative spirit and scientific dedication displayed over the four-day event. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali, Chairperson, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Imran also add
ressed the audience. Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, and Prof. Dr. Dr. Shafiq Ur Rehman, Vice Chancellor, University of Haripure distributed souvenirs to keynote speakers, organizers, and exhibitors, along with awards for the best poster presentations.