Microbiome and Cancer Symposium
Research at the intersection of the microbiome and cancer
Join us for the sixth annual Microbiome and Cancer Symposium. This gathering aims to highlight the groundbreaking work at the intersection of the microbiome and cancer at the University of Minnesota and beyond, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among clinicians and researchers. We will highlight the latest findings, delve into potential new avenues for exploration, and explore opportunities for interdisciplinary synergy within the diverse expertise of our community.
The target audience for this meeting are researchers, clinicians, and scientists working in the cancer field who are interested in incorporating microbiome investigation into their portfolio. Microbiome researchers keen on leveraging their skills for cancer research are also encouraged to participate. Those already developing research programs combining these fields are strongly encouraged to attend, as the symposium will provide valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and furthering the advancement of microbiome-cancer research.
Healthcare professionals and researchers from all institutions are invited to participate.
Register Here
Abstract submissions are now open. The top presenter will be awarded with a $1,500 travel award. Additional information and submission are located in the drop down menus below.
Location: Cancer & Cardiovascular Research Building
Parking: $6/day lots available in the Maroon Lot (2010 6th St SE) and Victory Lot (2302 6th St SE). Both lots are located across the street from CCRB approximately, a 1- 3 minute walk. View the parking map here.
Agenda
8:30 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast
9 a.m. | Introduction with Silvia Balbo, PhD
9:10 a.m. | Engineering the Gut Microbiome to Fight Colorectal Cancer: From Dietary Modulation to Precision Probiotics with Leigh Greathouse, PhD, MPH, MS, RD
9:55 a.m. | Flash Talks
11 a.m. | Break
11:15 a.m. | Genomics of Host-Microbiome Interactions with Ran Blekhman, PhD
12 p.m. | Lunch
1 p.m. | Session #2 with Ajay Israni, MD, MS
1:35 p.m. | When Resistance Rules: Gastrointestinal Colonization With Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacterales Among Ugandan Patients with Cancer and HIV with Elizabeth Gulleen, MD
2 p.m. | Break
2:15 p.m. | Session #4 with Rui Zhang, PhD, FACMI, FAMIA, FIAHSI, FAIMBE and Paolo Provenzano, MS, PhD
3:05 p.m. | Conclusion & Wrap Up
3:15 p.m. | Poster Session & Networking
4:30 p.m. | Adjournment
Call for Abstracts
Abstract submissions do not have to be at the intersection of the microbiome and cancer, but can be focused on just the microbiome or just cancer. You will be asked to describe a potential application of future work at the intersection of the microbiome and cancer. The top presenter will be awarded with a $1,500 travel award.
Abstract submissions are due by Sunday, September 13 at 11:59 pm. Notifications on selected abstracts for poster presentations and flash talks will be made by Friday, September 18, 2026.
Contact:
Contact Elsie Aldrich with questions or comments at [email protected] or 612-626-2805.
Exhibitor and Sponsor Opportunities
The mission of the Microbiome and Cancer Symposium is to engage researchers and clinicians within the University of Minnesota space and beyond in exploration of the intersection of microbiome and cancer, in order to develop new research and encourage discussion.
Industry partners are crucial collaborators to scientific progress and are invited to participate as exhibitors. Your support will help us achieve our goals in building this robust event while sharing your products with attendees.
Review the Sponsorship Opportunities
Please contact Elsie Aldrich, Events Coordinator, with any questions at [email protected] or 612-626-2805.