In the last two decades there has been an explosion of interest in fundamental aspects of bacterial structure and function, based on advances in fluorescence and cryo-EM imaging. Quantitative and automated methods have brought about radical changes in the breadth and depth of questions that could be explored, while genome sequencing and genetic methods such as CRISPR-Cas9 and Tn-Seq have greatly expanded the range of organisms that can be studied incisively, enabling comparative studies of processes such as growth, morphogenesis and division, across diverse bacterial phyla. Many of these bacterial cell biology systems are being successfully reconstituted using purified components, leading to the discovery of molecular mechanisms underpinning cellular functions. The conference will bring together presentations illustrating the application of advanced cell and molecular biology methods to a wide range of basic functions in bacterial cells. Advances in understanding of the fundamentals of bacterial structure and function also create opportunities for the development of novel approaches to kill or modulate the growth and behaviour of bacterial cells.

Key Sessions

•    Spatial Organization of Cellular Structures
•    Advances in Nanoimaging
•    Genome Organization and Transcription
•    Genome Processes
•    Cell Division Dynamics
•    Cell Wall Construction and Destruction
•    Cell Growth and Cell Cycle
•    Cell Shape and Morphogenesis

Target Audience

The conference will attract the major players in the bacterial cell biology field, of which there are probably 50 or so significant groups worldwide. It will also attract many microbiologists with a general interest in microbial cell function who would badge themselves as molecular biologists or microbial biochemists. Talks will cover a wide range of topics and PhDs, post-docs and group leaders will all benefit by being brought up to date with developments across the discipline. 

Educational Need

Bacterial cell biology underpins important applied research areas such as infectious disease, antimicrobial discovery and development, and synthetic biology, but it is rarely taught as a discipline in its own right, especially with the decline of offered degrees in microbiology. The modern discipline, which has emerged in the last 20 or so years, covers a wide range of technical methods and can be highly quantitative, encompassing a diversity of organisms and mechanistic problems. The conference presentations will collectively provide a comprehensive grounding in all major facets of the field, bringing new participants to field at all levels (pre- and post-doctoral, as well as group leaders switching fields).

Although the programme has not yet been released, we are able to confirm that the conference should begin no earlier than 14:00 with opening comments on Monday 13th July 2026. The conference will conclude no later than 12:30 on Thursday 16th July 2026.

Dolce CampoReal Lisboa, Torres Vedras is approximately a 30-minute journey from Lisbon Portela Airport.

Taxis

Taxis are available outside the airport, but we would strongly recommend you pre-book your airport transfer with one of the many private transfer companies that are available. The Dolce CampoReal Lisboa is located outside of the city zone and a pre-booked transfer will be a cheaper option than a taxi taken from the airport taxi rank.

Uber also operate in and around Lisbon and there are other Portuguese taxi-hailing apps such as Bolt, MyTaxi, TaxisLisboa and Coop Taxis, all offering reasonable rates.

Pre-booked Airport Transfers

Should you wish to pre-book a taxi transfer from the airport, please find below details of a transportation provider who is aware of our groups. Please contact the supplier directly via email with any queries or booking requests and use ‘Fusion Conferences’ as a reference.

Prices

Up to 3 passengers - €75.00 EUR per transfer
4 - 7 passengers - €100.00 EUR per transfer

*please note, payment is required in advance to confirm your booking. Accepted payment methods include bank/wire transfer or credit card (via payment link). 

Includes

• All taxes, fuel and tolls,
• Meet and greet inside the airport, 
• Transportation in Audi or Mercedes,
• Courtesy water on board,
• One large or two small size bags per person.

Contact Information

Contact Name: Carlos Antunes
Contact Email: info@westshuttle.com 

*please note all enquiries must be made with at least 48hrs notice. Thank you.

Transportation is the sole responsibility of the delegate. Please ensure you conduct your own research and double check your booking details ahead of your arrival. Fusion Conferences are unable to assist with or confirm transportation bookings due to insurance limitations. Thank you for your understanding.

There are various on-site activities available. These include:

- Indoor and 2 outdoor swimming pools
- Fitness centre, available 24h
- Tennis courts
- Donald Steel designed Golf Course – 18 holes Par 72 
- Mandalay Wellness & Spa with 7 treatment rooms
- Kids Club – The hotel will provide details of daily activities for children
- Center “Clube Aventura” for outdoor activities such as Giant Balls, Aquaball, Stand Up Paddle, Archery, Slackline, Water Slide

**Please note, there may be a charge to participate in some of the above activities.

Should you have time to venture off-site, the Oeste Region and Torres Vedras have a distinctive cultural heritage, rich history, 20 km of coastal area, and a commitment to environmental awareness, accessibility and biodiversity. Below are a few suggestions:

- Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Historical route of the lines of Torres Vedras
- Day trip to Óbidos
- Royal Palace and Convent of Mafra
- Tapada Nacional de Mafra
- Mountain biking along the Santa Cruz to Torres Vedras Loop
- Birdwatching at the Tajus Estuary Nature Reserve
- Jeep tours in and around Torres Verdras