Antibiotics 2026—Advances in Antimicrobial Action and Resistance
Thank You for Attending Antibiotics 2026!
We sincerely thank all participants for making Antibiotics 2026 a great success. Your engagement and contributions made the event truly memorable. We will soon share the conference photos, so stay tuned!
the chairs
Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to welcome you to Antibiotics 2026—Advances in Antimicrobial Action and Resistance, which will take place in Barcelona, Spain, from the 11th to the 14th of May 2026. This conference aims to bring together researchers, industry professionals, and experts from around the world to share the latest advancements, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration in the field of antimicrobials, antimicrobial resistance, and innovative therapeutic strategies.
Over the course of four days, we will explore a wide range of topics, including antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, antimicrobials and One Health, ethnopharmacology in antimicrobial research and treatment, conventional and novel approaches in the discovery of new antimicrobial agents, and innovation in antimicrobial stewardship and optimized clinical strategies, through keynote lectures, oral presentations, and poster sessions. Our program is designed to provide an engaging platform for discussing cutting-edge research, emerging challenges, and future directions in the field.
We encourage you to actively participate by presenting your work, engaging in discussions, and networking with fellow attendees. Beyond the scientific sessions, Barcelona offers a vibrant setting to connect with colleagues while enjoying its rich culture, history, and cuisine.
We look forward to an inspiring and productive conference and to welcoming you to Antibiotics 2026.
Sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Manuel Simões
Prof. Dr. Jordi Vila
Prof. Dr. Nicholas Dixon
Dr. Marc Maresca
Conference Secretariat
Ms. Raquel Sellés
Ms. Roberta Miglioranza
Dr. Ana Sanchis
antibiotics2026@mdpi.com
Join us on LinkedIn Events!
If you want to stay updated with the latest information, or if you want to connect with your fellow researchers before, during, and after the event, then be sure to join the Antibiotics 2026 – Advances in Antimicrobial Action and Resistance LinkedIn Event.
See you over there!
Follow the conversation on X with #Antibiotics2026
Meet the Event Chairs
Important Dates
- Abstract submission deadlineFeb 15, 2026
- Abstract acceptance notificationMar 10, 2026
- Conference Dinner Registration end dateMay 06, 2026
- Early bird registration deadlineMar 15, 2026
- Regular registration deadlineMay 06, 2026
Meet Our Speakers
Dr. Mariana Castanheira
Element Materials Technology, JMI Laboratories, USA;
Mariana Castanheira, Ph.D., has a science degree in Pharmacy and Biochemistry. She completed her Master of Science and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees for evaluating molecular epidemiology and resistance mechanisms of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria at Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP). Dr. Castanheira also received training in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology of the University of Bristol (United Kingdom) to study beta-lactamases. She built on the knowledge gained at Bristol by dedicating the past 20 years to working on discovering and characterizing genes encoding beta-lactamases and other resistance mechanisms. Dr. Castanheira has served as the chief scientific officer at JMI Laboratories since January 2020. Previously, she spent 2 years serving as JMI’s chief operations officer, during which time she oversaw all service divisions and identified opportunities to improve the organization. Now, she is broadening and promoting the scientific endeavours of JMI Laboratories. She is further responsible for designing and overseeing antimicrobial and antifungal drug development projects, surveillance studies and molecular projects that characterize resistance mechanisms. Dr. Castanheira is the leading author of over 250 peer-reviewed publications, presents annually at major field conferences, and interfaces with a global network of research collaborators. Dr. Castanheira was an associate editor for Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (2008-2014) and is currently an editor for mSphere (since 2015). She is also a member of the editorial board for Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Microbial Drug Resistance, and Drug Resistance Updates. She also serves as an ad hoc reviewer for many other microbiology journals.
Prof. Timothy R. Walsh DSc OBE
Professor of Medical Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, UK, and Chief Scientific Advisor, ICARS;
Prof. Timothy R. Walsh DSc OBE has been studying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mechanisms for over 25 years and regularly publishes in international peer-reviewed journals. His primary interests include the following:
1. The use of antimicrobials in animals and its impact of human clinical failures;
2. The drivers of AMR across all “one-health” sectors;
3. The causes and management of AMR neonatal sepsis and stillbirths in low–middle income countries (LMICs);
4. The clinical and economic burden of AMR in LMICs.
In 2020, he moved to Oxford to help set up the Ineos Oxford Institute of Antimicrobial Research (IOI) and became the IOI Director of Biology. His group is primary interested in developing new non-human antibiotic compounds to use in animals, screening new antimicrobials and inhibitors of AMR for human medicines, and understanding the clinical and economic burden of AMR in LMICs, including the spatial–temporal analysis of AMR dynamics. While working in many countries across the globe, the group has a focus on South Asia, Africa, and China, and is keen to co-support studentships and fellowships, particularly from LMICs.
Poster Session A:
- Tuesday, 12 May 2026 (13:15 – 15:00, 16:00 - 16:30)
- Posters can be set up on Tuesday (before 13:00) and must be removed by 18:00 on the same day.
Poster Session B:
- Wednesday, 13 May 2026 (10:45 – 11:15, 13:15 – 15:00)
- Posters can be set up from Wednesday morning (before 10:45) and must be removed by 17:00 on the same day.
Guidelines:
- Please print your poster before the conference and bring it with you. We will not provide on-site printing services or print it for you in advance.
- Posters should not be hung up or taken down during sessions with ongoing presentations. Please do so only during breaks, before sessions begin.
- Each presenter will be provided with a vertical poster board. Note that the maximum poster size is limited to A0: 84 x 120 cm / 33 x 47 in (width x height) in vertical orientation (portrait).
The list of posters, along with the poster numbers, titles, and presenting author, can be found below. Please contact us if the poster presenter's name is incorrect in this list (last updated on 12 May 2026).
By clicking on the button below, you can view and download the list of posters.
Participants of Antibiotics 2026 are cordially invited to submit full manuscripts for a dedicated Special Issue in the journal Antibiotics, with a 20% discount on the publication fees. Please note that no other discounts will be applicable.
This Special Issue, titled "Advances in Antimicrobial Action and Resistance", will showcase cutting-edge research presented at the conference. It is an excellent platform to share your findings with a broad readership in the antimicrobial community.
We are excited to announce that the Conference Dinner Reception will be held at the prestigious Catalonia Boulevard, located in the heart of Barcelona. Enjoy a delightful evening with contemporary Catalan cuisine in a vibrant setting next to iconic landmarks such as La Pedrera, Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló, and Plaça Catalunya.
When: Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at 20:00 pm CET
Location: Ambassador Room, Catalonia Boulevard. C/ del Rosselló, 249, 08008 Barcelona
Main Course Options: Meat (Pork), Fish, or Vegetarian
Here's How to Reserve Your Seat:
A seat at the dinner can be reserved for an additional 60 EUR, which can be added during registration. Simply select the dinner option along with your registration category (Academic, Student, etc.). If you have already registered without the dinner, you can register again, choosing only the dinner category. Please indicate your main course preference and any allergies or dietary restrictions in the comment box when registering.
Seating at the dinner is limited, and can be reserved as above on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that onsite registration will not be possible.
Join us for an unforgettable dining experience in one of Barcelona's most renowned locations!
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and Spain's second-largest city, with a population of over one and a half million people.
Located on the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain, this city has a rich and diverse history, with its roots dating back to Roman times. The fruitful medieval period established Barcelona's position as the economic and political center of the Western Mediterranean. The city's Gothic Quarter bears witness to the splendor enjoyed by the city from the 13th to the 15th century.
The 20th century ushered in widespread urban renewal throughout Barcelona, culminating in its landmark Eixample district, which showcases some of the city's most distinctive Catalan art-nouveau, or modernista, buildings, including La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, and the Sagrada Família church, designed by Antoni Gaudí, one of the world's most eminent architects.
In 1992, Barcelona gained international recognition by hosting the Olympic games, which brought about a massive upturn in its tourism industry. For visitors, this has translated into the very modern yet incredibly old city you see now in the 21st century, where new elements work to both preserve and celebrate the city’s heritage and origins.
Barcelona has plenty of outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, museums, and churches. The city is also very walkable, with an extensive and reliable Metro system for more far-flung destinations.
Explore our Travel Guide for the Afternoon at Leisure and discover ideas on how to make the most of your free time during the conference in Barcelona.
Travel
Barcelona is a vibrant and accessible city with excellent transportation links. Whether you are arriving by plane, train, or other means, there are convenient options to reach your destination. Below, you will find detailed guidance to ensure a smooth journey to the conference venue.
By plane:
The international airport of Barcelona, Barcelona-El Prat, is located 10 km from the city center. It is well connected to major airport hubs in Europe and various locations worldwide. For more information about the airport and flights, please visit the official website: https://www.aena.es. Once you arrive at the airport, you have several options to reach the venue:
-
By train: Take the TRAIN R2 NORD (https://rodalies.gencat.cat). Disembark at Barcelona Sants station. From there, you can either take METRO L5 (get off at Diagonal) or a taxi, available just outside the station. The train from the airport costs EUR 5. Tickets can be purchased at train stations. A taxi from the station to the conference venue costs approximately EUR 10.
-
By metro: Take LINE L9 (https://www.tmb.cat), which connects Barcelona Airport (both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) to the city. Disembark at Collblanc station, and from there, transfer to METRO L5 (get off at Diagonal). The metro from the airport costs EUR 5.90, while a single city metro trip is EUR 2.90. Barcelona offers several public transport card options: the T-casual (10 trips, EUR 13 for Zone 1, not valid for the airport) and the T-usual (unlimited travel for 30 days, EUR 22.80 for Zone 1, including the airport via metro). There are also Hola Barcelona tourist cards, offering unlimited travel for 48 to 120 hours, but local cards usually offer better value for money. Tickets can be purchased at metro stops.
-
By taxi: Taxis are readily available just outside the arrivals area. A taxi from the airport to the conference venue costs approximately EUR 35. Alternatively, VTC apps like Uber, Bolt and Cabify also operate in Barcelona and might offer more competitive rates.
By train:
Barcelona Sants is the city's largest train station, providing rail services for Barcelona, the rest of Spain, and international destinations. For more information about the station and train services, please visit the official website: https://www.renfe.com. Once you arrive at the station, you have the following options to reach the venue:
-
By metro: Take LINE L5 (https://www.tmb.cat) and get off at Diagonal.
-
By taxi: Taxis are available just outside the station. A taxi from the station to the conference venue costs approximately EUR 10.
Accommodation
We want your stay in Barcelona during the conference to be as comfortable as possible. With that in mind, we have agreed on a discount with several hotels to make your choice of accommodations easier. Please book your accommodation online and contact the hotels directly with any issues or requests related to accommodation bookings.
We are delighted to announce that the following hotels will offer a discounted price for all Antibiotics 2026 attendees:
Hotel |
Description |
How to book |
|
|
A 3-star boutique hotel located next to the emblematic Avenida Diagonal and Paseo de Gracia, the city's most chic shopping area and just 5 minutes on foot from the conference venue. The hotel has a terrace with an outdoor swimming pool and gym, parking, a restaurant, and a museum room dedicated to the Catalan illustrator Ricard Opisso. |
Click below to complete your booking and add the 5% discount code "AB2026", valid for stays between the 8th and 14th May 2026, booked through the official website starting September 2025.
|
|
|
A 4-star hotel located at the center of the Eixample district of Barcelona, the city's most exclusive shopping area, and only steps away from Barcelona's most famous monuments and tourist attractions. It is a great starting point to discover architectural jewels of Catalan modernism such as La Pedrera, Casa Batlló or the Sagrada Familia, and just 5 minutes on foot from the conference venue. The excellent range of services at the Balmes Hotel also includes its large, tree-covered interior garden with pool, gym, meeting rooms, bar and parking. |
Click below to complete your booking and add the 5% discount code "AB2026", valid for stays between the 8th and 14th May 2026, booked through the official website starting September 2025.
|
|
|
Stay in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample district at Catalonia Diagonal Centro, just a 1-minute walk from the conference venue. Alternatively, choose Catalonia Gallery/Boulevard, conveniently located at the conference dinner venue and only a 3-minute walk from the main event.
Situated next to Passeig de Gràcia and close to the city’s renowned Modernist architecture route, both hotels offer excellent public transport connections, making it easy to explore Barcelona for both business and leisure.
|
Click below to make a reservation with a 10% discount at either Catalonia Diagonal Centro or Catalonia Gallery/Boulevard, or use the code "CATALONIABCN".
|
|
|
Discover the fascinating Barcelona, where the modern blends with the historical, and choose the 1881 Barcelona Gran Rosellón Hotel. It is just a 3-minute walk from the conference venue. |
Click below to complete your booking and add the 10% discount code "MDPI2026".
|
|
|
Flexible accommodation option with modern technology, located in Barcelona’s vibrant Poblenou district, a creative and fast-growing area filled with cafés, galleries, and tech hubs.
Just minutes from the beach and well connected to the city center, ideal for those seeking a modern, relaxed stay. |
Click below to complete your booking and add the 10% discount code "NAITLYAB2026" (valid for stays between 11/05/2026 and 14/05/2026).
|
|
|
Discover the magic of Barcelona and live an unforgettable experience with Atiram Hotels, offering a wide range of options to satisfy your needs. There are four hotels, located in the most emblematic parts of the city, allowing you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture from the moment you arrive whilst providing you with maximum comfort during your stay. |
Click below to complete your booking and add the 10% discount code "ANTIBIOTICS26" (valid for stays at the Arenas, Oriente, Meson Castilla and Tres Torres between 09/05/2026 and 16/05/2026).
|
These accommodations have been carefully chosen to provide comfort and convenience for our guests while ensuring affordability through negotiated rates. Prepare to make the most of your conference experience with our exclusive lodging options designed to enhance your stay.
Beware of Unauthorized Registration and Hotel Solicitations
Note that Sciforum is the only official registration platform to register to Antibiotics 2026 and that we are not associated with any hotel agency (other than those listed above). While other hotel resellers and travel agencies may contact you with offers for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with Antibiotics 2026 or Sciforum. Beware that entering into financial agreements with non-endorsed companies can have costly consequences.
Sponsoring
As organizers, we are excited to create an immersive and insightful conference, and we invite you to be a vital part of Antibiotics 2026. Explore our sponsorship opportunities and join us in shaping the future of antimicrobial research and innovation.
Find the perfect sponsorship package tailored to your budget and desired exposure in our sponsorship brochure. Simply click on the icon below to access it.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via email at antibiotics2026@mdpi.com. We appreciate your consideration!
Society Collaboration
Are you part of a society that isn't partnering with the conference? Contact us via email at antibiotics2026@mdpi.com to discuss a possible partnership! Noteworthy detail: Members from partnering societies are granted a 20% discount on all registration fees.