It Ma(t)TERs 2026

From May 26-28, 2026, the It MA(t)TERs Conference was held at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany. Organized by PhD students, the conference created a vibrant space for scientists working in marine and terrestrial microbiology to share ideas, discuss their latest findings, and build connections across disciplines.

The conference alternates between Bremen and the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, Germany. This year, the community expanded even further, with researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg joining for the first time and adding new perspectives to the discussions.

Beyond the scientific program, attendees participated in two professional development workshops. Dr. Greta Reintjes led an interactive session on grant writing, while Dr. Fanni Aspetsberger introduced participants to effective science communication strategies, equipping researchers with skills that extend beyond the laboratory.

Overall, the conference was a great success, fostering engaging discussions and new research connections. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees highlighting both the stimulating scientific atmosphere and the spirit of collaboration throughout the event

The MPI Bremen PhD representatives would like to sincerely thank the MarMic Coordination Office, the MPI Bremen Press Department, and Ulrike Tietjen for their invaluable support in organizing and running the conference.