The Microbiology Society has announced the recipients of its 2026 Prizes, honoring individuals whose outstanding contributions continue to advance the field of microbiology. These awards—nominated and selected by members—will be formally presented at the Society’s Annual Conference 2026, taking place in Belfast from 13–16 April. Prize winners will also deliver their prestigious Prize Lectures during the conference.
Among this year’s honorees are the recipients of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Prize 2026: Professor Edel Pérez-López, Professor Bruno Francesco Rodrigues de Oliveira, Dr Landon J. Getz, Katie Barnes, and Dr Nicholas de Mojana di Cologna. Together, they are recognized for their work with the Pride in Microbiology Network, a global initiative amplifying the voices and visibility of 2SLGBTQIA+ microbiologists.
At the heart of this year’s EDI Prize cohort is Katie Barnes (she/hers), a fifth-year graduate student in the Microbiology Doctoral Training Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA. Working in the lab of Dr. Laura Knoll, Katie has built a research career defined by curiosity, dedication, and a drive to understand the complexities of host–pathogen interactions.
Katie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where her interest in microbiology first took root. Since then, she has worked on uncovering the relationships between microbes and their hosts—first examining the dynamics between Wolbachia and human filarial parasites, and now shaping her thesis around how Toxoplasma gondii infection alters arginine metabolism in host cells.
In addition to her scientific achievements, Katie is deeply committed to science communication and plays an active role in advocating for evidence-based science policy in the United States. Her engagement beyond the laboratory reflects her belief in the importance of connecting scientific research with the broader public and policymakers.
Reflecting on her team’s recognition, Katie shared:
“I feel an enormous amount of pride in winning this prize. We continue to serve our 2SLGBTQIA+ community through challenging times, and this award is an affirmation of the importance and impact of that work.”
Katie’s leadership within the Pride in Microbiology Network demonstrates her dedication to creating a more inclusive scientific community—one where people of all identities feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue careers in microbiology.
About the EDI Prize Winners
While Katie shines as an emerging leader, she is joined by four remarkable colleagues, each contributing uniquely to the Pride in Microbiology Network:
- Professor Edel Pérez-López (he/him) – Associate Professor of Phytopathology at Université Laval, Canada, leading interdisciplinary research on sustainable plant protection. Edel emphasizes visibility and belonging, stating the award is “both affirmation and a call to action.”
- Professor Bruno Francesco Rodrigues de Oliveira (he/him) – Assistant Professor of Bacteriology at Fluminense Federal University, Brazil, and founder of the BacMar Lab focused on marine bacteriomes. Bruno describes the recognition as a motivation to keep “amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ microbiologists all around the world.”
- Dr Landon J. Getz (he/him) – Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto, investigating phage–host interactions. A vocal advocate for Queer and Trans people in STEM, Landon celebrates the award as a validation of the team’s dedication.
- Dr Nicholas de Mojana di Cologna (he/him) – Postdoctoral Associate at SUNY, USA, studying oral bacterial pathophysiology. Nicholas highlights the honor as recognition of the Network’s ongoing global expansion.
Full 2026 Prize Winner Article: