The 33rd Brazilian Congress of Microbiology (CBM) – Aracaju, Sergipe
The 33rd Brazilian Congress of Microbiology (CBM), one of the most important scientific events in the field of microbiology in Brazil, was held from October 25 to 28, 2025, in Aracaju, Sergipe. Organized biennially, the congress brought together members of the scientific community, undergraduate and graduate students, representatives from government and civil society, companies in the microbiology sector, and the general public.
With the central theme “Microbiology in the Context of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence,” the event fostered discussions on two of today’s most pressing global challenges. Owing to its remarkable biodiversity, Brazil plays a strategic role in understanding and mitigating the causes and impacts of climate change. In addition, the congress highlighted the growing applications of artificial intelligence in microbiology, emphasizing its potential to advance basic and applied research, education, and the development of innovative solutions.
The 33rd CBM provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, scientific collaboration, and the continued advancement of microbiology in Brazil.
During the event, our Ph.D. student, Camila Kinasz, presented the abstract entitled “Metagenomic Reconstruction of Microbial Genomes from Volcanic Tephra Entrapped in Collins Glacier, Antarctica.” The study highlighted the application of metagenomic approaches to investigate microbial diversity and reconstruct microbial genomes from volcanic tephra trapped within Antarctic glacial ice, contributing to a better understanding of microbial adaptation and evolution in extreme environments.
During the congress, several outstanding lectures were presented, particularly in the field of environmental microbiology. Among them, we highlight “Life in the Dark: Exploring Extremophiles in Terrestrial and Marine Subsurface Environments in Brazil as New Models for Evolution and Astrobiology,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Amanda Bendia (USP). We also congratulate Ana Carolina de Araújo Butarelli, from Prof. Vivian Helena Pellizari’s research group, whose presentation, “Unveiling the Role of Archaea in the Rare Biosphere: Potential Keystone Taxa in Ecosystem Dynamics in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park,” received the Environmental Microbiology Award.
In addition to attending the congress, we took the opportunity to explore Aracaju, the capital of the state of Sergipe. Founded in 1855 with a distinctive urban plan, Aracaju is known for its harmonious blend of modernity and rich cultural heritage. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Sergipe, Poxim, and Vaza Barris rivers, the city offers remarkable natural attractions, including the iconic Atalaia Waterfront and its urban parks, as well as historic landmarks such as Santo Antônio Hill and the traditional central markets. Together, these attractions create a vibrant and welcoming destination that combines history, leisure, and regional cuisine.
