INTRODUCTION

The ASM Biofilm SIG

Aggregating Australia's biofilm community, one ASM member at a time!

🧫 SMALL COMMUNITIES. BIG IMPACT.

Biofilms are complex microbial communities found almost everywhere, from chronic wounds and medical devices to oceans, food production systems and industrial pipelines.

Some drive essential ecological and biotechnological processes; others contribute to persistent infections, antimicrobial tolerance, contamination and biofouling.

The ASM Biofilm SIG brings together researchers, students, clinicians, industry professionals and government stakeholders to understand, harness and tackle biofilms.

Established in 2021 as the ASM NSW/ACT Biofilm SIG, we expanded nationally in 2025 and now span all six ASM State Branches.

🧪 OUR SCIENCE: BEYOND THE PETRI DISH

Our interests span fundamental and applied biofilm science:

  • Health & Medicine

  • Environment & Ecology

  • Food, Agriculture & Industry

  • Emerging technologies & Biotechnology

🌟 JOIN THE BIOFILM COMMUNITY

Curious about biofilms? Already attached? There's a place for you!

Join a national network of biofilm enthusiasts for scientific events, professional development and collaborative opportunities.

How to join: Log in to your membership portal (link below), navigate to ‘Extras’ , click ‘change your answers’ and tick Biofilm under your SIG preferences.

Join the Biofilm SIG

PURPOSE

👥 CONNECT. COLLABORATE. INNOVATE.

Four priorities drive our SIG:

  • Connect: Build interdisciplinary networks and partnerships across research, healthcare, industry and government.

  • Innovate: Showcase emerging discoveries, technologies and applications.

  • Empower: Support students and early- and mid-career researchers through scientific and professional development.

  • Translate: Turn biofilm research into practical solutions across sectors.

SCOPE

🔬 WHAT WE DO: MORE THAN JUST TALKING ABOUT SLIME!

  • Biofilm Speaker Series: Quarterly seminars (March, June, September and December) showcasing research and technologies from academia and industry.

  • Australian Biofilm Meeting: Our inaugural 2023 meeting featured national and international speakers, scientific presentations, a student pitch competition and industry showcases. We aim to relaunch the meeting in 2027 as a biennial event.

  • Workshops & Conferences: Interactive workshops, symposia and ASM conference activities fostering scientific exchange and skills development.

CONVENOR

Dr Heema Kumari Nilesh Vyas

Email Heema

Heema is a microbiologist specialising in microbial biofilms and innovative control strategies. Her research spans healthcare, food, environmental and industrial settings, with a focus on developing contextually relevant biofilm models, elucidating host–biofilm interactions and investigating emerging control technologies.

A passionate scientific leader and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in STEMM, Heema founded the ASM NSW/ACT Biofilm SIG in 2021 and spearheaded its national expansion in 2025. She has also served on the ASM NSW/ACT and SA/NT State Branch Committees and co-founded the ASM LGBTQIA+ & Allies Network. Beyond ASM, she has served on the Joint Academic Microbial Seminars Executive Committee. Heema takes a holistic approach to science, championing inclusive research communities, researcher wellbeing, interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration, and opportunities for scientists at all career stages.

🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS: STRONGER TOGETHER

We welcome organisations keen to advance biofilm science through sponsorship and collaboration.

Why partner with us?

  • Connect: Engage with Australia's biofilm research community.

  • Showcase: Highlight relevant technologies, products and services.

  • Collaborate: Strengthen academic–industry partnerships.

  • Support: Help fund scientific events, student prizes, travel grants and researcher development.

📨 GET IN TOUCH: LET'S GET QUORUM SENSING!

For enquiries, collaborations or sponsorship opportunities, contact our SIG Secretary, Dr Michael Radzieta