Dr. Simantini Jog
Chair, Conference Scientific Committee-ESCM

Dr. Anju Nabi
Chair, Conference Organizing & Cultural Committee-ESCM

Dear Colleagues and Esteemed Guests,

On behalf of the Emirates Society of Clinical Microbiology (ESCM), it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 5th Annual International Conference of the Emirates Society of Clinical Microbiology (ESCM), taking place on 21 & 22 November 2026 in Dubai, UAE.

This conference serves as a dynamic platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation in the fields of clinical microbiology, infectious diseases, immunology, infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, public health and more. Guided by this year’s theme, “Clinical Microbiology in Motion: Navigating Tomorrow’s Threats Today,” the meeting highlights the critical role of advancing science, technology and collaboration in addressing emerging global health challenges.

We are honoured to bring together a distinguished group of professionals—including clinicians, researchers, technologists, nurses, students, and industry leaders—from around the globe to share insights, expertise, and the latest developments in our rapidly evolving field.

The Scientific Committee has curated a robust and engaging program that includes keynote lectures, oral and poster presentations and interactive workshops. We encourage you to fully engage in the scientific, educational and networking opportunities throughout the conference.

With a distinguished roster of national and international speakers, we aim to foster discussions that will enhance patient care, safety, and the overall advancement of clinical microbiology in the UAE and beyond.

We will be collaborating with different international organizations to bring specialized workshops and lectures, further strengthening the scientific content of the meeting.

We are confident that your participation will add significant value to the event and we look forward to your contributions in making this conference a memorable and impactful experience.

Welcome to Dubai, and welcome to the ESCM 2026 Conference!

The 5^th Annual International Conference of the Emirates Society of Clinical Microbiology (ESCM) offers an interactive platform for students & professionals to present their research.

This year, we are excited to invite poster and oral presentations around topics related to Respiratory pathogens; COVID-19; Healthcare associated infections; Emerging and Re-emerging viral infections; Transplant infectious diseases; Advances in rapid diagnostics; One Health for all; Malaria and other vector borne infections; Antimicrobial resistance; Surveillance of Antimicrobial resistance & WHONET; Antimicrobial stewardship; Fungal infections; Surveillance of fungal diseases; Tuberculosis and Mycobacteria; Genome sequencing/NGS; Human microbiome: Clinical implications; New antimicrobials; Artificial intelligence in Clinical Microbiology; any other Clinical Microbiology topics.

Abstract submission deadline: Tuesday, 15 September 2026 – 11:59 PM (GST).
Notification on Acceptance/Rejection: Thursday, 15 October 2026 – 11:59 PM (GST).

To submit an abstract, please read all of the instructions below:

Category of Abstracts

Student abstracts, such as:

• • Undergraduates
  • Post-graduates
  • PhDs

Non-student abstracts, such as:

• • Postdoctoral fellow
  • Other Microbiology Professional

Topics Accepted

• Bacteriology
• Virology
• Mycology
• Microbiome
• Other microbiology-related topics

Language
All abstracts must be submitted in English using the online submission form on the 5^th ESCM Conference website.

General conditions

1. Please note that only electronic submissions through the abstract submission website are accepted.
2. Abstracts must be submitted by Tuesday, 15 September 2026 – 11:59 PM (GST). Abstracts received after this time will not be accepted for judging.
3. Abstracts must be submitted in English.
4. Withdrawal of abstracts can only be accepted if notified in writing. It is possible to withdraw an abstract 7 days after notification on acceptance.
5. If selected, it is the responsibility of the presenter to bear registration, travel and accommodation expenses.
6. All correspondence relating to scientific abstracts will be undertaken by email with the first named author.
7. Entrants will be advised no later than Thursday, 15 October 2026 – 11:59 PM (GST), on the acceptance of rejection of their abstracts.
8. Student abstracts will be selected for ‘Poster’ presentation only.
   Non-student abstracts that will not be selected for ‘Oral’ presentations shall be offered to be presented as ‘Poster’ presenter.
   Email for clarifications regarding abstract submission: escmscientificcommittee@gmail.com

Presenting Author and Registration

1. Please verify that your email address (submitter and presenting author) is correct as it will be used for contacting you after the review process.
2. Disclosure: Abstract submitter and presenter are required to disclose any conflict of interest.
3. Ensure that all co-authors approve the abstract submission, publication and potential presentation.
4. At least one of the named authors or all co-authors of an abstract must be a registered paying delegate for the conference they are submitting their abstract for, to be able to present the abstract.
5. Registrations must be completed by Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

Contents of your abstract

1. Scientific abstracts are limited to 350 words* from the `Introduction’ to the ‘References’ fields inclusive.

*Please do not include the title and the author & co-authors’ (up to 5) information in the text body (names and affiliations). This information will be required in the web form

1. Abstracts uploaded should only be submitted in the Microsoft Word format, single-spaced, using size 12 Times New Roman font.
2. Abstracts should highlight major points of your research and explain why your work is important; what your purpose was, what you learned, and what you concluded.
3. The title should be as brief as possible but long enough to clearly indicate the nature of the study. Write the abstract title in CAPITAL LETTERS. No full stop at the end. The title of the abstract during the Poster or Oral presentation at the conference should be the same as the title on the submitted abstract.
4. The abstract must include the following:

1. • Introduction (including Background & Objectives)
   • Methodology (including Materials; Methods & Study Design)
   • Results
   • Discussion
   • Conclusions
   • References

1. All abbreviations must be defined in first use.
2. No identifying features such as names of authors, hospitals, medical schools, clinics or cities may be listed in the title or abstract text, as a “blind” review process will be used. You will be asked to enter the name(s) of author(s) and their institution(s), when you submit the abstract online.
3. Statements such as “results will be discussed” or “data will be presented” cannot be accepted.
4. By submitting an abstract, the authors confirm that the abstract is their own original work, is not defamatory or unlawful and does not infringe anyone else’s rights.
5. Submission of material which has previously been submitted and or presented elsewhere is welcomed providing copyright is not infringed
6. No amendments or additions to abstracts or authors can be made once your abstract has been submitted. Please ensure that all information is correct and all authors are listed when submitting
7. Please note that all submissions are subject to proof reading and editing

Decisions

1. Judges appointed by the Scientific Committee will assess and judge scientific abstracts for both e-poster and oral presentations.
2. To avoid any conflict of interest, a “blind” review process will be used.
3. The decision of the judges is final.

Prizes

• Poster Abstract Awards: Awards will be given for each category of posters
  • Undergraduates
  • Post-graduates
  • PhDs
  • Post-docs
  • Professionals

• Oral Abstract Awards: The best two oral presentations will be awarded.