MÁLAGA, Spain - What evidence is needed before microbiome discoveries can become useful tools for diagnosis, prevention and treatment?
This question will guide the 13th World Congress on Targeting Microbiota, organized by the International Society of Microbiota (ISM) on November 4–5, 2026, in Málaga, Spain.
From microbial function to clinical evidence
The programme is structured around three scientific priorities: Function, Causality and Translation. Sessions will examine what microorganisms do, how researchers can distinguish associations from causal mechanisms, and what is required to develop clinically useful applications.
Topics include microbial metabolites, host–microbiota interactions, diagnostic approaches, precision nutrition, inflammatory diseases, cancer and healthy longevity.
Scientific presentations to watch
Hiroshi Ohno, of the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences in Japan, will discuss smoking, microbiota and immunity in the context of inflammatory bowel disease.
Virginia Pedicord, of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, will address how shotgun sequencing data can help researchers investigate gut fungi.
Tomasz Wypych, of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology in Poland, will explore microbiota-derived bile acids and their roles in tissue immunity and inflammation beyond the intestine.
These presentations address research questions and emerging approaches. They should not be interpreted as announcements of established treatments.
Which applications could reach patients?
The Microbiota Innovations 2026 session will cover experimental models and technologies, including gut-on-chip systems, quantitative microbiome profiling and bacterial biosensors.
A closing strategic discussion, moderated by Marvin Edeas, will bring together the ISM President, Vice-President, invited speakers and participants to consider which clinical applications could emerge over the next five years and which scientific obstacles remain.
About the congress
Targeting Microbiota 2026 is the 13th World Congress on Targeting Microbiota, organized by the International Society of Microbiota.
Dates: November 4–5, 2026
Location: Málaga, Spain
Congress supporters
The International Society of Microbiota acknowledges the support of Cellbox Labs , Bio-Me and e-Cyte for Targeting Microbiota 2026.
Programme and research abstracts
Scientific agenda: Access
Abstracts Book: Access
Congress website: https://www.microbiota-ism.com/
Media enquiries
ISM Secretariat
Email: microbiota@microbiota-ism.com