30th Annual Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference (MMPC)

PROJECT SUMMARY The recent COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the rise and recurrence of infectious diseases, has underscored the vital role of microbial science in addressing global public health challenges. The Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference (MMPC) stands as an influential annual scientific meeting dedicated to showcasing

exceptional research in microbial pathogenesis. MMPC focuses on nurturing the professional growth of junior faculty, students, and postdoctoral scholars, with a specific focus on those historically underrepresented in biological sciences, all while fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the exchange of

scientific ideas and collaborations. Since its establishment in 1994, MMPC has been hosted yearly at academic institutions throughout the Midwest region of the United States. The steadily increasing attendance of >400 participants encompasses undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff,

and faculty, who engage in extensive interactions. Through career development forums, the "Meet the Speakers" series, and informal gatherings during poster sessions, receptions, and meals, MMPC 2024 aims to facilitate extensive networking among scientists and institutions across the Midwest and beyond. The

conference's regional accessibility, affordability, and substantial financial support for travel and registration make it possible to attract a diverse array of participants. This meeting has been consistently supported by the NIAID over the past 14-years, and here, we are requesting continued support for MMPC 2024-2028. The 30th

annual MMPC will be hosted by Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana from September 6th-8th, 2024. In alignment with MMPC's rich tradition, >85% of the invited speakers (excluding the keynote and opening session speakers) will be trainees or junior faculty. Of the 15 invited faculty speakers, >50% are women and

include diversity in terms of personal backgrounds, geographic origins, and research topics within the field of microbial pathogenesis. Additional oral presentations will be selected from abstracts submitted by students and postdoctoral fellows. As part of our commitment to promoting diversity and excellence, we aim to use funding

from this grant application waive registration and lodging fees for 20 scholars who are women and/or from underrepresented groups. Further, we will waive the registration fee for an additional meritorious 13 trainees. MMPC 2024 will feature a keynote address by Dr. Kim Orth from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical

Center, an esteemed HHMI Investigator, a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Investigator, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Orth will present her groundbreaking research on how pathogenic bacteria invade host cells and cause disease. Support of this R13 grant application from the NIAID will facilitate the

assembly of a diverse group of scientists from various microbiology subdisciplines, encouraging collaborative networks and advancing the careers of the next generation of scientists.