The 2nd edition of the International Symposium on Bifidobacterial Biology (ISBB) will explore the most recent scientific breakthroughs related to bifidobacteria, which are microorganisms playing a crucial role in maintaining human health and that represent essential components in the functional food and nutraceutical industries.
The symposium will feature a comprehensive programme dedicated to the many dimensions of bifidobacterial biology. Key thematic areas will include advances in molecular biology and physiology, ecological dynamics within complex microbial communities, and the diverse health-promoting properties attributed to these microorganisms. Additional sessions will delve into the mechanisms underlying probiotic activity, the development and application of prebiotics, and the intricate interactions between bifidobacteria and their human hosts.
Through this multifaceted scientific agenda, the symposium aims to foster meaningful dialogue, stimulate collaboration, and deepen our understanding of these highly beneficial microorganisms.
For directions on how to reach Parma, please refer to the Venue & Accomodation section below on the website.
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
- Prof. Marco Ventura, Lab. Probiogenomics, Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Prof. Douwe van Sinderen, School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork
- Prof. Takane Katayama, Kyoto University, Japan
- Dr. Abelardo Margolles, Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain.
- Prof. Francesca Turroni, Lab. Probiogenomics, Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Prof. Francesca Bottacini, Department of Biological Sciences, Muster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
- Prof. Catherine Stanton, Food Bioscience Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Cork, Ireland.
- Prof. Lindsay Hall, University of Birmingham, Microbes, Infection & Microbiomes, College of Medicine and Health, United Kingdom
- Dr. Jin-zhong Xiao, Fellow of Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd
- Sin-Hyeog Im, Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
TOPICS/SESSIONS
SPEAKERS
- Prof. Douwe van Sinderen, School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork
- Prof. Takane Katayama, Kyoto University, Japan
- Dr. Abelardo Margolles, Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Spain
- Prof. Catherine Stanton, Food Bioscience Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Cork, Ireland.
- Prof. Lindsay Hall, University of Birmingham, Microbes, Infection & Microbiomes, College of Medicine and Health, United Kingdom
- Prof. Sin-Hyeog Im, Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
- Prof. Moran Yassour, University of Jerusalem, Israel.
- Dr. Fred Warren, Quadram Institute Bioscience, UK.
- Dr. Trevor Lawley, Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK.
- Dr. Francesca Bottacini, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
- Dr. Hilary Browne, School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork.
- Prof. KC Huang, Stanford University, USA.
- Dr. Janbo Zhang, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Prof. Rodolphe Barrangou, North Carolina State University, USA.
- Prof. Bo Yang, Jiangnan University, China.
- Prof. Philipp Engel, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Prof. Qixiao Zhai, Jiangnan University, China.
- Prof. Omry Koren, Bar-Ilan University, Israel.
- Dr. Miguel Gueimonde, Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Spain
- Prof Daniel Garrido Cortes, Ponteficia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Chile.
- Prof. Alexandra Zhernakova, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Prof. Gabriele Andrea Lugli, University of Parma, Italy.
- Prof. Martin Frederik Laursen, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark.
- Prof. Christopher J. Stewart, Newcastle University, United Kingdom.
REGISTRATION FEE
| Early Registration (Early bird fee, until 5 MAY 2026) | Regular fee (from 6 MAY until 15 JULY 2026) | Late fee (from 16 JULY until 27 AUGUST 2026) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Scientist (PhD student and Post Doc) |
365€ | 465€ | 518€ |
| Academic and Government Founded | 518€ | 620€ | 673€ |
| Non-Government Founded | 673€ | 776€ | 828€ |
| Gala dinner* | 90€ | ||
| Your registration fee includes: |
|---|
| Access to oral and poster sessions |
| Coffee breaks and lunches |
| Certificate of attendance |
The Online Registration system will be available from January 19 to August 27, 2026. Registration will be accepted online only up to this date. No onsite registration will be available.
* A Gala Dinner will be held on the evening of September 18. Given the limited capacity of the gala dinner venue, which will be held in a hall of a medieval castle of the Duchy of Parma, participants are strongly encouraged to register for the event at the time of symposium registration.
Additional information and updates will be communicated.
PLACE DURING THE “INTERNATIONAL CAMPER
SHOW" TRADE FAIR. WE STRONGLY
RECOMMEND BOOKING
ACCOMMODATION WELL IN ADVANCE,
AS HOTELS IN THE AREA TEND TO SELL
OUT QUICKLY DURING THIS PERIOD.
VENUE & ACCOMMODATION
| Airport | Approx. Distance & Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna Airport (BLQ) | ~100 km, ~1.5 h by car | Major international airport with frequent flights; excellent train links via Bologna Centrale. |
| Milan Linate (LIN) | ~110–120 km, ~2 h by car | Close to Milan city centre; good domestic and European connections. |
| Milan Malpensa (MXP) | ~170 km, ~2.5 h by car | Italy’s second-busiest airport; best choice for long-haul flights. |
| Orio al Serio – Bergamo (BGY) | ~160 km, ~2.5 h by car | Low-cost airline hub (e.g. Ryanair); less direct rail service to Parma, but possible with transfers. |
| Verona Airport (VRN) | ~170 km, ~2–2.5 h by car | Another option with some international flights, though generally farther than Bologna or Milan. |
| Other Options | — | Pisa (PSA), Florence (FLR), and Genoa (GOA) are possible alternatives. |
PARMA HAS A MAIN RAILWAY STATION, PARMA CENTRALE, LOCATED CLOSE TO THE CITY CENTRE. THE CITY LIES ON THE MAJOR RAILWAY LINE CONNECTING MILAN AND BOLOGNA, WITH FREQUENT HIGH-SPEED AND REGIONAL TRAINS SERVICES. TRAVEL TIME IS APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR FROM MILAN AND ABOUT 50 MINUTES FROM BOLOGNA.
PARMA IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY CAR VIA THE A1 MOTORWAY (AUTOSTRADA DEL SOLE), WHICH CONNECTS MILAN AND BOLOGNA. THE PARMA EXIT PROVIDES DIRECT ACCESS TO THE CITY, AND THE DRIVE IS STRAIGHTFORWARD FROM MOST MAJOR CITIES IN NORTHERN ITALY.
LONG-DISTANCE BUS SERVICES ALSO CONNECT PARMA WITH SEVERAL ITALIAN AND EUROPEAN CITIES. BUSES GENERALLY ARRIVE AT OR VERY CLOSE TO THE MAIN TRAIN STATION, PROVIDING CONVENIENT ACCESS TO THE CITY CENTRE.
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