In support of its mission to enhance the scientific background and professional effectiveness of basic and applied microbiologists, the International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS) is embarking on a program of educational outreach to developing countries and their microbiologists. The Union envisions an IUMS series of courses that will be offered to groups of microbiologists that may include graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and practicing professionals from developing countries within a given geographic region. These will be offered periodically in various regions and on different topics of interest and importance.

The first IUMS Regional Course was offered in Singapore during June 14-16, 2010, and served microbiologists from the surrounding Asian countries. Singapore was chosen as the site, because of its proximity to the countries of Asia. IUMS made a contribution to the subsistence of the successful applicants as far as the finances allow. It is expected that this experience will boost the capability of the attendees in their microbiologic work after they return home, and we shall endeavor to forge a network of the attendees, so they can continue to communicate with each other and the instructors by e-mail.

The second IUMS Regional Course on Food Safety was offered in Bali (Indonesia) 22 – 24 June 2011 and organized in collaboration with the Indonesian Society for Microbiology (PERMI), the International Commission on Food Mycology (ICFM) and the International Committee on Food Microbiology and Hygiene (ICFHM). The third IUMS outreach conference on Antimicrobial Resistance took place in Havana, Cuba on November 14-16, 2013. The fourth course in Yogyakarta will focus on food safety and mycotoxins.

Download : IUMS Report 2015