Special Interest Group Workshops
Add a SIG Workshop to you registration
Assembly, classification and functional
investigation of bacterial plasmids
Thursday 18 June: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Goldfields Theatre
Hosts: Dr Galain Williams
Session Details:
Join MGE AUS for an engaging workshop focused on
the fundamentals of plasmid research. Whether you
are working at the desk or at the bench, this session
will provide valuable insights into key areas of
plasmid study, including:
Best practices for the assembly of plasmids
from sequencing dataThe basics of plasmid classification & analysis
How we investigate plasmid encoded genes
in the lab
You will hear from an incredible lineup of expert guest speakers, including Dr. Jane Hawkey, Dr. Margaret Lam, Dr. Zack Lian, Dr. Michael Hall, and (soon to be Dr) George Bouras. There will also be a Q/A session, with time to chat with the speakers and ask questions.
Mobile Genetic Elements
Plasmid Workshop: from the desk to the bench.
Gut Microbes and Human Health: Emerging Insights Across Disciplines
Thursday 18 June: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Location: Eureka 3
Hosts: Camila Gazolla Volpiano & Melanie Hutton
Speakers:
Dr Ibrahim Javed (Latrobe University) - The gut-feelings explained: Gut-microbial biofilms have a role in human ageing and brain diseases
Professor Francine Marques (Monash University) - Rewriting blood pressure control through the gut microbiome: A translational odyssey
Associate Professor Ed Giles (Department of Paediatrics at Monash University and the Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Disease at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research) - Understanding strain-specific host-bacteria interactions to treat inflammatory bowel disease
Session Details:
This workshop explores the complex interplay between the gut microbiota, gut pathogens, and human disease, both within the gastrointestinal tract and in systemic conditions including hypertension, ageing, and neurological disorders. Bringing together leading researchers across microbiology, gastroenterology, cardiovascular science, neuroscience, ageing research, and translational medicine, the session will highlight how specific microbial strains and communities influence health outcomes and examine the emerging links between the gut microbiome and systemic disease. Through discussions of current research and clinical applications, participants will gain insights into the role of host–microbe interactions in disease development, prevention, and treatment. Together, these presentations will showcase cutting-edge research and translational approaches that are reshaping our understanding of gut bacteria as key determinants of human health and disease.