The Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison welcomed researchers and trainees on May 15 for the 2026 Perlman Symposium on Antibiotic Discovery and Development. The annual event brought together scientists from across disciplines to explore emerging discoveries in infectious disease research, antibiotic development, host-pathogen interactions, and the microbiome.

This year’s symposium featured a full day of scientific exchange, including presentations from four distinguished keynote speakers, trainee lightning talks, two poster sessions, and an afternoon reception. Attendees participated both in person and virtually, with free registration helping make the event accessible to a broad audience.

One of the most notable highlights of this year’s symposium was the record number of poster submissions. The strong response reflected growing interest in antibiotic discovery and infectious disease research while showcasing the depth and diversity of work being conducted by students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists. The expanded poster sessions created opportunities for lively discussion, collaboration, and feedback throughout the day, reinforcing the symposium’s role as a hub for scientific networking and trainee development.

The keynote program featured an outstanding lineup of researchers tackling some of the most pressing challenges in microbiology and infectious disease.

Kim Davis, PhD of Johns Hopkins University discussed her laboratory’s work investigating heterogeneity within bacterial populations. By using innovative molecular tools and single-cell approaches, the Davis lab is uncovering how subsets of bacteria can evade antibiotic treatment and contribute to persistent infections, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets.

Victor Nizet, MD of UC San Diego shared insights from his research on bacterial pathogenesis and innate immunity. His laboratory continues to advance understanding of antibiotic-resistant pathogens by identifying virulence factors and mechanisms that enable bacteria to evade immune defenses.

Representing UW–Madison, Federico Rey, PhD highlighted research exploring the relationship between the gut microbiome, diet, and human health. His work examines how microbial communities influence susceptibility to cardiometabolic and aging-associated diseases, providing new perspectives on the role of microbiota in disease prevention and treatment.

Kendra Rumbaugh, PhD of Texas Tech University presented her research on wound infections and bacterial biofilms. Her work focuses on understanding how polymicrobial communities and quorum sensing contribute to infection severity and treatment resistance, with implications for improving therapies for chronic wounds.

The symposium also showcased emerging scientists through a series of trainee lightning talks. The award for Best Lightning Talk was presented to Marienela Heredia for her presentation, “Defining Antibody-driven Mechanisms of Pathogen Clearance in a Murine Model of Infectious Diarrhea.” Her presentation highlighted innovative approaches to understanding immune-mediated protection against infectious disease.

The highly competitive poster sessions culminated in recognition of three outstanding presentations:

First Place: Hollie Wierschke
“Role of Gut Microbial-Derived Indole in Behavior and Central Nervous System Modulation in Mice”

Second Place: Doran Goldman
“Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Phage and Antibiotic Resistance in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus”

Third Place: Gillian Hughes
“The Microbiota Metabolite-Dependent Protective Effect of a Ketogenic Diet in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis”

As antibiotic resistance continues to pose a growing global challenge, events like the Perlman Symposium provide an important forum for sharing discoveries, fostering collaborations, and supporting the next generation of scientists. The record-breaking poster participation this year underscored the enthusiasm and momentum within the field, while the quality of presentations throughout the day demonstrated the exciting future of antibiotic discovery and microbiology research.

The Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology thanks all speakers, presenters, attendees, judges, and organizers who contributed to another successful Perlman Symposium and looks forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.

Next year’s event is set to take place on Friday, May 21, 2027.