Mid-Atlantic Microbial Pathogenesis Meeting 2023

The goal of the twelfth biennial Mid-Atlantic Microbial Pathogenesis Meeting (MAMPM) in February 2023 is to foster and promote communication and collaboration between scientistsengaged in research focused on disease-causing microbes. The conference has four objectives. (1) The organizers aimto assemble a high-quality scientific program to attract outstanding researchers within and beyond the Mid-Atlantic region. Four internationally renowned keynote speakers introduce the sessions. Many of the meeting's anticipated participants conduct USDA-relevant research studying the pathogenesis of bacterial diseases. (2) A priority of MAMPM is to serve as a forum for junior scientists to present their research to a knowledgeable audience in a supportive, collegial, and scientifically rigorous environment. Accordingly, the majority of talks are allocated to graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research technicians, and junior faculty, selected from submitted abstracts. Two highly interactive poster sessions allow participants to present and discuss their research with colleagues face-to-face. MAMPM also features career and professional development opportunities through "Dine with the Keynote" sessions in which a table is reserved for the keynote speaker to meet with as many trainees as possible during meals each day. (3) MAMPM 2023 will promote a diverse attendee and speaker portfolio by prioritizing diversity in the selection of speakers and hosting a panel discussion driven by attendee-suggested topics related to diversity and inclusivity in the microbial pathogenesis field. (4) The meeting will expose junior researchers to alternative career paths, including industry and government positions, via networking opportunities with attendees with these career paths. In sum, MAMPM 2023 is an exceptional opportunity for scientists at all career stages to enhance their scientific and professional development.