19.11.2025
Antwerp, Belgium
MD.be Event
BTB

We are happy to invite you to the fourth edition of the International Symposium "Microbiome: From Benchtop to Bedside", taking place on November 19, 2025, in Antwerp, Belgium.

This year’s theme explores the microbiome in the context of precision medicine and planetary health, bridging scientific innovation with real-world impact.

We are excited to share with you a great program featuring world-renowned speakers, with Rosemarie De Weirdt as science communication expert, who will facilitate interactions and discussions. Additionally, we have the pleasure of welcoming Matthijs De Block, who will provide an artistic perspective on microbiome ecosystems.

Join leading researchers, clinicians, and industry experts for a full day of cutting-edge talks and interdisciplinary exchange.

Call for Abstracts

We welcome abstract submissions from now on. Deadline for abstract submission is October 26, 2025. Our review committee will carefully evaluate all submissions. You can expect to receive feedback on whether your abstract has been accepted for a poster presentation or selected for an oral presentation by November 3rd 2025 at the latest.

Registration is now open.

Register here

Practical

  • Date: 19th of November 2025, full day programme with networking reception
  • Location: Kava Congrescentrum, Consciencestraat 41, 2018 Antwerpen
  • Registration: Register here.
  • Registration fee:
  • Pre-doc: 75 euros incl. VAT
  • Post-doc, Academica, Hospital Staff Registration: 100 euros incl. VAT
  • Industry Registration: 200 euros incl. VAT
  • Abstract submission: Submit your abstract here, the latest the 26th of October
  • Accreditation: will be requested
  • More information: Visit our events-website or contact events@uza.be

Preliminary Programme

  • 8:45 – 9:20 Registrations and coffee
  • 9:20 – 9:30 Opening by Thomas Demuyser and introduction by Rosemarie De Weirdt

Session 1: The Evolving Gut-Brain-Microbiome Axis

  • 09:30 – 09:55 Kristien Hens (University of Antwerp, Belgium)
  • 09:55 – 10:20 Rochellys Diaz Heijtz (Karolinska Institute, Sweden)
  • 10:20 – 10:45 Mireia Valles-Colomer (University Pompeu Fabra, Spain)
  • 10:45 – 11:15 Discussion
  • 11:15 – 11:45 Best abstract awards presented by ESGHAMI (TBA)
  • 11:45 – 12:00 Matthijs De Block – Intro on installation / art
  • 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch and poster session

Session 2: Therapeutic Frontiers – Microbiome as Medicine

  • 13:00 – 13:25 Silvia Corcione (University of Turin, Italy)
  • 13:25 – 13:50 Roos Vandenbroucke (UGent, Belgium)
  • 13:50 – 14:15 William Fusco (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy)
  • 14:15 – 14:40 Rodrigo Bacigalupe (GSK)
  • 14:40 – 15:10 Discussion
  • 15:10 – 15:40 Coffee break and poster session

Session 3: Microbiome in Global Health and One Health

  • 15:40 – 16:05 Tim Rozday (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
  • 16:05 – 16:30 Tiscar Graells (Karolinska Institute, Sweden)
  • 16:30 – 16:55 Ellen Decaestecker (KU Leuven, Belgium)
  • 16:55 – 17:25 Discussion
  • 17:25 – 17:40 Wrap-up by Rosemarie De Weirdt and closing by Thomas Demuyser
  • 17:40 – 18:40 Reception