International Microorganism Day 2026 at the Faculty of Biology – “Microbes: Friends or Foes?”

On October 10, 2026, the Faculty of Biology at the University of Bucharest hosted International Microorganism Day 2026 (IMD 2026), an event organized by the University of Bucharest Mycology Club, with support from the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) and the Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB).

Under the theme “Microbes: Friends or Foes?”, this year’s edition aimed to bring microbiology closer to young audiences and present, in an accessible, interactive way, the diverse roles microorganisms play in ecosystems, health, agriculture, biotechnology, and research.

The scientific programme brought together presentations delivered by Prof. Dr. Ahmed M. Abdel-Azeem, Dr. Parisa Razaghi, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lia Mara Dițu, Head of the Department of Botany and Microbiology, alongside contributions from students and PhD students of the Faculty of Biology.

Participants had the opportunity to explore microorganisms both from the perspective of their potentially harmful effects (including pathogenic fungi and plant–pathogen interactions) and from the perspective of their beneficial roles and biotechnological applications. The programme addressed fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mycorrhizal associations and the concept of the “Wood Wide Web”, the use of fungi in biomaterials and mycoremediation, microbial life in the extreme environments of Antarctica, as well as the basic principles of DNA isolation and the molecular identification of bacteria and fungi.

An important part of the event consisted of practical activities held in the Faculty of Biology laboratories at the Botanical Garden. Participants had the opportunity to experience basic microbiological techniques firsthand, including inoculating and cultivating microorganisms using different methods, examining microscopic preparations, and using the optical microscope. In addition to the practical activities, the programme also included discussions with participants and a visit to the Botanical Garden.

We were delighted to welcome pupils and teachers from C.N.I. Tudor Vianu, “Theodor Pietraru” Forestry College, “Mihail Sadoveanu” Theoretical High School, “Hristo Botev” Bulgarian Theoretical High School, the International Computer High School of Bucharest, and the “Yordan Yovkov” Sunday School, as well as students from the University of Bucharest. The diversity of participants turned the event into a space for dialogue across education levels and between young audiences and the university community.

Beyond the scientific information, IMD 2026 was about curiosity, interaction, and discovery. Through experiments, demonstrations, and direct dialogue with students, researchers, and academic staff, participants saw that microorganisms are not merely subjects studied in textbooks, but essential players in ecosystems and important tools for future research and technologies.

The organizers would like to thank the leadership of the Faculty of Biology, especially Prof. Liliana Burlibașa, Dean of the Faculty, and Assoc. Prof. Livia Petrescu, Vice-Dean, for their support and openness, as well as all invited guests, participants, students, PhD students, and colleagues who contributed to organizing and successfully delivering this edition. We hope events like this will continue to build bridges between schools, universities, and research, and inspire more young people to discover the fascinating world of microbiology and mycology.