69th Annual Meeting

Microbiome: Invisible World, Visible Impact

69th

Annual Meeting

Friday, May 29, 2026 from 8:00a.m. - 6:30p.m. at Hyatt Place San Juan

We are pleased to announce the Puerto Rico Society of Microbiologists 69th Annual Meeting titled Microbiome: Invisible World, Visible Impact, which will take place on Friday, May 29th, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Place San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This event will bring together experts to explore the microbiome and the complex interactions between the host, microbial communities, pathogens, diet, and the environment. In the context of emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental change, focusing on the microbiome promotes interdisciplinary collaboration across research, clinical practice, public health, and industry to better understand and address challenges impacting health and biological balance.

Our Keynote Speakers

PROFESSOR | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

Vanessa Sperandio, Ph.D.

Dr. Vanessa Sperandio, a 2026-2028 American Society for Microbiology Distinguished and Waksman Foundation Lecturer, will give an overview of how host neurotransmitters and metabolic signals influence bacterial pathogenesis as well as microbiome and dietary metabolite interactions in the gut.

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ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | INTERAMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO-BARRANQUITAS CAMPUS

Christopher A. Sambolín Pérez, MSc., Ph.D.

Dr. Christopher A. Sambolín-Pérez will give an overview on plant physiology and host–microbe interactions, using Musa spp. as a model to examine how plant–microbe–insect relationships influence crop resilience and food security.

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Microbiomes Shaping Health, Behavior, and Environmental Resilience

A multidisciplinary academic panel explores diverse aspects of microbiome science, including gut–brain axis signaling, host–microbe interactions, and environmental microbiomes. The discussion will highlight how microbial dynamics influence ecosystem function, human health, stress responses, and treatment outcomes.

Meet the Expert Panel

  • Vanessa Sperandio, Ph.D.

    Chair and Professor of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology | University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Filipa Godoy-Vitorino, Ph.D.

    Chair and Professor of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology | University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus

  • Imilce Rodríguez-Fernández, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor | University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus

  • Josué Pérez-Santiago, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor and Associate Investigator | Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of Puerto Rico

  • Eduardo L. Tosado-Rodríguez, MSc., Ph.D.

    Associate Professor | Ana G. Méndez University School of Dental Medicine

Networking and Cocktail Hour

Join us for a closing networking session and cocktail hour, where attendees, speakers, and sponsors can connect in a relaxed setting.

Registration Prices

Registration Prices

This registration fee includes:

  • Access to conferences, scientific sessions, and program activities.

  • Continental Breakfast

  • Lunch Buffet

  • Coffee break

  • One complimentary cocktail ticket for participants 18 years or older.

  • Fritters during the networking/cocktail hour.

  • Cash bar available for additional purchases.

Parking is not included in the registration fee. However, the hotel will offer a flat daily rate of $11 for all registrants.

PRSM reserves the right to determine eligibility for participation and admission to all event activities. Submission of an abstract does not guarantee acceptance. All registrations are subject to a 25% administrative fee for refund requests. PRSM is not responsible for technical issues that may affect submissions or registration.

Want to share your science with colleagues?

Selected graduate students will be invited to deliver a 10-minute oral presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.

Graduate Student Short Talks

Elevator Pitches

Selected students will present a 3-minute rapid research pitch, highlighting key findings and impact.

Poster Presentations

Selected undergraduate and graduate students will present their research in poster format during the event.

Sponsors

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