MicroSeq2024, the fifth iteration of the MicroSeq online conference, was held on 4–5 September 2024. Organised by early career researchers (ECRs) for ECRs, MicroSeq remains a standout in the national microbiology conference calendar. Its aims continue to be:
i) uniting researchers across diverse fields through the shared use of sequencing technologies, and
ii) offering professional development, visibility, and engagement opportunities for ECRs.

This year’s meeting welcomed 129 attendees from 39 institutions across six Australian states and territories, as well as New Zealand. The program featured 31 talks, predominantly from PhD students and early career researchers, spanning disciplines such as clinical, veterinary, environmental, public health, food and beverage, and agricultural microbiology. Attendees applied a range of sequencing approaches, with a strong representation of whole genome sequencing, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and amplicon-based methods.

Many participants were first-time presenters or session chairs, and the conference continued its tradition of cross-disciplinary dialogue and exchange, with a strong focus on bacterial, viral, fungal, and protist systems. The high level of engagement demonstrated the value of a conference tailored to the needs and interests of ECRs across the microbiological sciences.

Our plenary speakers delivered a diverse and engaging set of presentations: Each shared not only exciting research but also insights into career development and translational science.

Dr Emily Gulliver (Hudson Institute of Medical Research)
Dr Erin Harvey (Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney)
Dr Syrie Hermans (School of Science, Auckland University of Technology)
Dr Gerry Tonkin-Hill (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne)

Congratulations to our prize winners!
Parth Sharma (Monash University) received the Australian Society for Microbiology Award for Best Medium Talk, and Imadh Abdul Azeez (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute) was awarded the Australian Society for Microbiology Award for Best Lightning Talk.
The Microbial Genomics People’s Choice Award for Best Medium Talk went to Jonathon Mifsud (The University of Sydney), and the Microbial Genomics People’s Choice Award for Best Lightning Talk was awarded to Michael Hall (The University of Melbourne).
Jonathon Mifsud also received the Australasian Virology Society Award for Best Virology Talk.

In addition, Best Question Merch Prizes were awarded across eight sessions to:
John Webster, Maran Majzoub, Bronwyn Campbell, Carla Vieira, Michael Hall, Camila Gazolla (×2), and George Bouras — in recognition of their thoughtful and engaging questions that helped spark vibrant discussion throughout the meeting.

We thank our sponsors, especially the Australian Society for Microbiology, for their continued support — including subsidised registration and event logistics — which enables us to run an inclusive and rewarding event for early-career researchers.

MicroSeq2024 Organising Committee

The MicroSeq2024 Organising Committee was made up of a dedicated team of early career researchers from across Australia and New Zealand:
Dr Angelique Ray (The University of New South Wales), Dr Cameron Reid (CSIRO Adelaide), Dr Rhys Parry (The University of Queensland), Dr Wytamma Wirth (Doherty Institute), Dr Rebecca Roach (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries QLD), Dr Sabrina Sadiq (The University of Sydney), and Dr Georgia Breckell (Biosecurity New Zealand).