On April 26, 2024, the Department of Medical Microbiology (MMI) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison welcomed a diverse array of students, trainees, and scientists from 21 esteemed institutions to the 14th annual Perlman Symposium on Antibiotic Discovery and Development. This year’s event, held in honor of the late David Perlman, a revered figure in microbial biochemistry, and generously supported by his wife Kate Perlman, saw a record-breaking turnout of attendees and poster presenters.
The event is made possible by a generous gift by Kate Perlman to honor her husband’s legacy. David Perlman, a Madison native, earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the UW-Madison, the latter in biochemistry. A microbial biochemist, he made several discoveries linked to antibiotics and vitamin B-12 while working at the Squibb Institute for Medical Research in New Jersey. He returned to the UW-Madison in 1967, where he served as dean of the School of Pharmacy from 1968 to 1975.
Kato Perlman’s career began in her native Budapest, Hungary, where she earned her PhD in organic chemistry and worked for a pharmaceutical company and the Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Industry. When she emigrated, she joined her brother in the United States. Kate found a perfect career fit in the Princeton University Department of Chemistry. She met David Perlman a week after arriving in Princeton, married him in 1968 and followed him to Madison.
The symposium showcased the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field of antibiotic research, featuring four distinguished speakers who captivated audiences with their expertise and insights: Dr Helen Blackwell from UW-Madison, Dr. Jason Crawford from Yale University, Dr. Kimberly Kline from University of Geneva, and Dr. David Weiss from Emory University.
Every year, the symposium features a poster session where dozens of scientists submit their research and compete for awards. This year, we saw a record 46 posters! The quality and diversity of the research presented were truly exceptional, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic nature of the scientific community.
We are delighted to announce this year’s award winners:
First Place: You-Xing Chen
Second Place: Nayanna Mercado-Soto
Third Place (tie): Thibaut Rosay, Madhusudan Day
Best Lightning Talk: Anna Dickfoss
The symposium gives a special than you to a few key individuals, to whom we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Vanessa Sperandio, MMI Department Chair, Allison Bauer, MMI Communications Manager, and John Lawler, MMI Department Administrator, worked tirelessly to organize and plan this event, ensuring its success and impact.
As we reflect on the resounding success of the 14th annual Perlman Symposium, we are reminded of the power of scientific community and collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing global challenges of our time: antibiotic resistance. Through continued dedication and innovation, we honor the legacies of visionaries like David Perlman and propel the field of antibiotic discovery and development toward a brighter future.