The 2025 Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) Summit: Pathways to Microbiome Stewardship will be held online from July 7–10, 2025. This virtual summit convenes experts in microbiology, policy, public and environmental health, and social justice to discuss, refine, and expand the draft working definition and guiding principles of microbiome stewardship.

A core concept of the Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) group is recognising the links between microbiomes, social equity, and environmental health. Our ability to develop practices and advocate for policy reform that address societal inequities is limited without a strong microbiome stewardship framework. Led by MSE and the Microbiome Stewardship working group, participants will co-develop this framework and use it to plan a pathway to bring their own work in line with principles of conservation and stewardship. Participants will also design case studies or future research which provide tangible and meaningful outcomes relevant to their area of focus.

Originally planned as an in-person gathering at the University of Maine, the summit has transitioned to a fully virtual format and opens new opportunities to engage a wider, more global audience in this essential conversation.

Why Attend?

  • Webinars and Case Studies (Monday and Tuesday): Open to everyone, these sessions will feature insightful presentations from leading researchers, policymakers, and community leaders. Join us to hear the latest in microbiome science, social equity, and public health, and leave with new perspectives and ideas to help shape future efforts.
  • Interactive Workshops (Wednesday and Thursday): Selected participants will come together in these collaborative sessions to co-develop case studies that integrate research, practice, and policy. With a focus on actionable outcomes, these workshops provide an opportunity to work closely with experts and contribute directly to the development of a global microbiome stewardship framework. Participation is by application, ensuring a diverse group of voices and expertise.

Apply to Join a Workshop

We’re sorry, but only a very limited number of places are available for the interactive workshops on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 July. If you wish to be considered for one of these places, please complete the short application form:

You can apply at any time, but workshop tickets will only become available after your application is reviewed and approved. You're welcome to register for the Monday and Tuesday webinars now, or wait until after your workshop application has been submitted — it’s entirely up to you. 


Whether you join the open-access webinars, apply to participate in the workshops, or do both, the 2025 MSE Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of microbiome stewardship.

Please note the timings below are in ET (Eastern Time).

Monday 7 July
12pm – 12.15pm
Welcome to MSE Summit Day 1: Focus on Host Microbiomes

Event Essentials

12.15pm – 1pm
The Concept of Microbiome Stewardship

Research Presentations

1pm – 1.45pm
Indigenous perspectives on microbiome stewardship and public health

Research Presentations

1.45pm – 2.30pm
Interpreting the Flora, Interrupting the Frame: Race and Responsibility in Vaginal Microbiome Research

Research Presentations

2.30pm – 2.45pm
Break

Event Essentials

2.45pm – 3.30pm
Microbiome-based therapeutics in clinical practice: how can we be better stewards?

Research Presentations

3.30pm – 4.15pm
The Political Economy of Emerging Digital Data Collection Platforms and Applications with Microbial Stewardship

Research Presentations

4.15pm – 5pm
Communities and Contexts in Childhood Microbiome Research

Research Presentations

Tuesday 8 July
12pm – 12.15pm
Welcome to MSE Summit Day 2: Focus on Environmental Microbiomes

Event Essentials

12.15pm – 1pm
Microbiome stewardship curricular design using MSE themes

Research Presentations

1pm – 1.45pm
The Concept of Microbiome Stewardship

Research Presentations

1.45pm – 2.30pm
Microbes, Microbiomes, and Biodiversity Conservation

Research Presentations

2.30pm – 2.45pm
Break

Event Essentials

2.45pm – 3.30pm
Built environment and microbiome engineering: Responsible Development and Engagement

Research Presentations

3.30pm – 4.15pm
Intersections Between the SDOH and Community-Acquired Antibiotic Resistance: A New Role for Environmental Surveillance?

Research Presentations

4.15pm – 5pm
Engaging with Indigenous perspectives related to subsurface microbiome research

Research Presentations

Wednesday 9 July
1pm – 3.30pm
Workshop 1: Focus on Host Microbiomes

Workshop

1.05pm – 1.45pm
Create Your Discussion Group

Workshop

2pm – 3pm
Create Your Path to Microbiome Stewardship

Workshop

3pm – 3.30pm
Collaborative Wrap-Up: Sharing Pathways to Stewardship

Workshop

Thursday 10 July
1pm – 3.30pm
Workshop Session 2: Focus on Environmental Microbiomes

Workshop

1.05pm – 1.45pm
Create Your Discussion Group

Workshop

2pm – 3pm
Create Your Path to Microbiome Stewardship

Workshop

3pm – 3.30pm
Collaborative Wrap-Up: Sharing Pathways to Stewardship

Workshop