Wanted: The "Microverse Microbe of the Year"!

As you surely know, June 27 is fast approaching—a date you’re no doubt more familiar with as “World Microbiome Day.” Last year, we announced our first-ever “Microverse Microbe  of the Year.” A big round of applause goes to Candida albicans, which fulfilled this role with all the dignity and grace it warranted. But now, it’s time to find a successor—and that’s where you come in!

The Rules

We are looking for your nominations for this year’s title. The requirements are simple:

  • It must be a microorganism related to our cluster’s research.
  • Ideally, it should be connected to your current work or your projects from the past ten months.

What to Submit

Don't worry, we’re keeping the paperwork to a minimum. All we need is:

  1. The name of your candidate.
  2. A brief description.
  3. A short explanation of why you think it deserves to be honored as the "Microverse Microbe of the Year."
  4. A picture/microscopy image of your microbe.

What’s in it for you?

  • Fame & Glory: If your microorganism is chosen, it will receive all the spotlight that caring scientists wish for their favorite research subjects. Naturally, that spotlight will shine on you, too!
  • The Prize: You’ll also be awarded a well-stocked microverse goodie bag full of great stuff.

Submission, Deadline, and Contact

Please submit your pick by May 24, 2026 under this link: https://cloud.uni-jena.de/apps/forms/s/GJs3ACSx9Jax7Do5mk6Zyfmy. The Microverse Scientific Community Committee will then choose this year’s winner by June 14, 2026.

If you have any questions or remarks, contact: yann.schosser@uni-jena.de.