On April 25, 2025, the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison welcomed students, trainees, and researchers from across the country to the 15th annual Perlman Symposium on Antibiotic Discovery and Development. Held in Ebling Auditorium at the Medical Sciences Building, this year’s event brought together scientific minds from more than 20 institutions, continuing the tradition of excellence and collaboration in antibiotic research. We were thrilled to see a record number of attendees this year—marking a 10% increase from last year’s record high.
The symposium honors the legacy of Dr. David Perlman, a pioneering microbial biochemist and UW–Madison alumnus, and is made possible by a generous gift from his wife, Kato Perlman. David earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from UW–Madison and made significant contributions to the fields of antibiotics and vitamin B-12 during his time at the Squibb Institute for Medical Research and later as dean of the UW–Madison School of Pharmacy.
Kato Perlman, originally from Budapest, Hungary, holds a PhD in organic chemistry and worked in both industry and academia, including a role at Princeton University. She met David Perlman shortly after arriving in the U.S., and the two moved to Madison together in 1968.
This year’s symposium featured four outstanding keynote speakers, who shared cutting-edge insights into antibiotic discovery, microbial communities, and host-pathogen interactions:
- Dr. Andrew Goodman, Yale University
- Dr. Alexander Horswill, University of Colorado
- Dr. Manuela Raffatellu, University of California, San Diego
- Dr. Andrew Mehle, University of Wisconsin–Madison
A highlight of the symposium is always the poster session, and 2025 was no exception. The event showcased an impressive array of scientific research from emerging scholars, culminating in awards for excellence in presentation. We’re pleased to recognize this year’s winners:
- Best Lightning Talk: Kate Stack
- First Place: Huiwen Wang
- Second Place: Mira Syahfriena Amir Rawa
- Third Place: Angel J. Hernandez Viera
As we celebrate 15 years of the Perlman Symposium, we continue to honor the spirit of discovery and collaboration that defines this event. In the face of growing antibiotic resistance, the symposium stands as a beacon for future breakthroughs and a testament to the enduring impact of scientific community.
The 2026 Perlman Symposium will take place on Friday, May 15. Registration will open in Spring 2026.
Written by Allison Bauer, Communications Manager for the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology.