Lucknow: A two-day annual conference focusing on clinical microbiology and infection diagnosis is set to take place in the state capital on February 6 and 7. The 21st Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists, Uttar Pradesh–Uttarakhand Chapter (UP-UK Microcon 2026), will be hosted by the Department of Microbiology at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS).
The conference will bring together clinical microbiologists, clinicians, researchers, industry experts and policymakers to deliberate on key issues related to the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. The theme of the conference is “Advances in Clinical Microbiology: Shaping Patient Care”, and it will be conducted in an in-person format.
Organising Chairperson Dr Rungmei SK Marak, Professor and Head of the Departments of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at SGPGIMS, said the conference will focus on emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance and the impact of the human microbiome on health. She highlighted discussions on new and re-emerging infections, with special emphasis on fungal diseases, strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance, advances in microbiome research, and cutting-edge technologies such as multiplex RT-PCR panels and MALDI-TOF MS.
The programme will include expert lectures, oral and poster presentations, along with eight pre-conference workshops covering bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, tuberculosis, serology and immunology, virology, infection control, bundled care and medical education. These workshops aim to enhance knowledge and practical skills, particularly for postgraduate students and early-career microbiologists.
Around 350 registered delegates and nearly 100 leading experts are expected to attend. So far, 218 research papers have been submitted for oral and poster presentations.
Organising Secretary Prof Chinmay Sahu described the conference as an important platform to strengthen collaboration and inspire the next generation of researchers. Institute Director Prof RK Dhiman and Dean Prof Shaleen Kumar also emphasised the critical role of clinical microbiology in patient care, infection control and public health preparedness.
UP-UK Microcon 2026 is expected to serve as a significant forum for advancing knowledge and innovation in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases.
